Exposing Botox® Myths

While Botox® has been a household name for two decades and is the world’s most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment, some persistent misconceptions still linger about what this product can do and what happens during a Botox® appointment. Let’s put on our myth-busting hats and debunk some of the most enduring misunderstandings about Botox®.

1. Botox® Is Toxic

While Botox® derives from a toxin, the amount we use for cosmetic purposes is too tiny to be poisonous to human beings. Also, the FDA has approved Botox® for treating three different kinds of wrinkles – brow furrows, crow’s feet, and the “11 lines” that form between the eyebrows.

When you choose a qualified medical practitioner to perform your Botox® injections, you will minimize the risk of dangerous side effects. At Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco, our board-certified dermatologists have completed specific training from Allergan, the makers of Botox®. We understand the appropriate dosage to safely provide the results you need. We can also tell you if Botox® is not right for you based on your health history and any allergies or other medical conditions you have.

2. Botox® Will Make Your Face Look “Frozen”

You might have seen a movie or TV show where a character has an unnaturally stiff, “frozen” facial expression after getting Botox®. However, this exaggerated stereotype is purely for comedic effect and has no basis in reality. If you decide to get your Botox® treatment from a provider with thorough training and extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, you will achieve the ideal outcome – a naturally youthful, open, and approachable appearance.

3. Botox® Treatments Are Painful

Some people who would otherwise be good candidates for Botox® hesitate to use it because they worry that the injections would hurt too much. The needle we use to administer treatment is so small and fine that most of our patients report barely feeling it, though you can request a topical numbing cream if you think you need it. The whole procedure only takes a few minutes, and we perform it in our comfortable San Francisco office. After your appointment, you are free to resume your usual daily activities. You can even come in on your lunch break and go back to work immediately afterward.

4. Botox® Is Addictive

If you’ve done enough research, you’ve probably come across an article or two declaring various celebrities are “addicted to Botox®.” This claim is demonstrably false. The quality that makes drugs and alcohol addictive is their ability to hijack the brain’s built-in reward system. You can rest assured that Botox® does not have any of these properties. Botox®’s anti-aging effects usually last three to four months before wearing off, which means you’ll need to return for periodic maintenance appointments if you want to keep your appearance looking fresh. However, the choice to continue using Botox® is entirely up to you – not something you will feel chemically compelled to do.

5. Botox® Can Minimize All Signs of Aging

While Botox® is beautifully effective at smoothing the skin and treating the smile and frown lines that form in your eye and eyebrow region, we may recommend combining Botox® with dermal fillers if your aging concerns include facial volume loss in your cheeks and lips. For sagging skin, you might wish to consider Ulthera®. After consulting with you, we can create a customized plan to comprehensively address all your anti-aging concerns.

San Francisco’s Leading Botox® Providers

Now that you know more about what Botox® is not, are you ready to learn more about what this product can do for you? Reach out to us today to schedule your private consultation.