Botox Myths: Smoothing out the Lies

With over 7.5 million Botox injections administered in 2022 alone, Botox is undoubtedly one of the most famous cosmetic treatments. Not even a day goes by when you open your Gram feed and see some celeb looking all plumped up with lifted facial features. Long gone are the days when nobody would admit getting the Botox treatment onscreen and it was treated as a taboo. With Kim, Cindy and Nicole talking proudly and openly about Botox, this is definitely a golden era for all Botox lovers. However, there are still hundreds of rumors and myths surrounding this miraculous process that need to be debunked.

So, without further ado, let’s clear some air and put an end to some of the most popular hearsay about Botox:

Myth 1: Botox is unsafe.

Reality: Botox was approved by FDA for cosmetic use in 2002 and it is one of the safest cosmetic treatments.

The safety of Botox has always been in question and left many wondering. And why shouldn’t it be? After all, the treatment uses botulinum toxin (a bacteria-derived protein) to give you the desired results. Now, if we didn’t know any better, we would have been intimidated by the word “toxin” right after hearing it. But the truth couldn’t be further from that. It is injected in a very minuscule amount that can’t cause any harm and hence, is absolutely safe to use. Moreover, Botox hasn’t been just launched in the market like that. It has undergone rigorous testing by the FDA, and once its safety and efficacy were proven, only then was it approved to be used for cosmetic/medical use. Not only that, Botox is not just some injectable used only for aesthetic purposes. It is also proven to treat more than 20 medical conditions, ranging from urinary incontinence to migraines. Pretty impressive, right? 

Myth 2: Botox can be used to fill any aging signs.

Reality: Botox can only be used for specific spots such as crow’s feet, forehead and brows.

Due to Botox’s widespread fame, many people believe it can be used to treat almost any and all signs of aging. And that builds up some unrealistic expectations. In reality, Botox can only be used for dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that are created due to normal facial movements) such as crow’s feet, forehead and brows. If you are looking for something to help you out with the static aging lines and other wrinkles on the lower half of your face then Botox is definitely not the right pick for that, although there are plenty of good options available for those as well such as soft dermal fillers.

Myth 3: Botox is extremely painful.

Reality: The majority of people report experiencing only slight discomfort and mild pain during the process. 

When we talk about getting Botox injections, it conjures up Beyonce’s image from Pretty Hurts and that painful flinch in most of our minds. Ouch! However, the real experience differs from that. Of course, there is going to be some discomfort involved, but they are never excruciatingly painful. The majority of patients report mild pain that resembles that of getting a vaccine shot. The needles used to inject Botox are quite small; hence, the associated pain is also limited. Also, did we forget to mention that the majority of the injections also have a numbing component to minimize the pain?

Myth 4: Botox injections give you a Poker face.

Reality: With proper administration done by a qualified professional, you can have a complete range of facial expressions.

Sadly, this myth has been promoted by the media for a very long time as well, and it was a common joke in many classic movies and TV shows. Well, the good news is those days are behind us all now. The results of your Botox treatment always depend on the skill of your doctor. A good practitioner would always study your face before implementing the treatment and consider a customized administration plan according to your face; at least, that’s what our experts do. That would enable you to retain your facial features and look exactly just like yourself after the treatment, only younger.

Myth 5: You don’t need a professional for Botox injections; anyone can do it.

Reality: Never ever get your Botox done by a non-certified professional.

This is definitely the most dangerous myth that could lead to some grave consequences. With over dozens of muscles on your face, you’d definitely need someone with a good understanding of anatomy to inject Botox. Not only does it require experience, but knowledge matters as well. Botox should only be administered by qualified and certified cosmetic surgeons, plastic surgeons, or cosmetic dermatologists. A botched Botox can cause a drooping face, asymmetry, or a frozen look.    

Myth 6: You can get addicted to Botox.

Reality: Botox can’t trigger an addiction response in the brain.

Honestly, you could get addicted to the amazing and younger appearance that Botox gives you, but that’s all about it. There is no other evidence and research-backed proof that Botox can cause addition on a molecular level in your brain. Generally, when people get Botox, they like the associated changes in their appearance, and it gives them a boost in their self-confidence. This makes them come back for more. However, if you have a good doctor who knows how much to administer and when to stop, then you don’t have to fear anything at all. 

The Take-Home Message:

Botox is one of the greatest wonders of modern-age cosmetology. It can take you back to the good old days and help you with achieving amazing and natural results if done right by a professional. Considering the popularity of the method, there are plenty of misconceptions about it that are circulating on media and the internet. However, now you know that the majority of those are old wives’ tales.  

Aging is inevitable, and it is your choice to go for what makes you happy. If you have decided to get Botox, then it’s about time to break free of all the myths and get what you desire. We at Weight Wise Center are dedicated to making you feel confident and beautiful. You can book a consultation appointment with our experts online and learn more about Botox.