Botox is a popular treatment for a variety of reasons, but there are still a few misconceptions about what it does and doesn’t do, and who are the best candidates for use. Only you and your 'practioner-of-choice' will know if Botox is a good idea for you — but before you get to that step, we can help dispel some of the myths out there!
1.
MYTH
The best time for Botox is when the lines appear
FACT
If you can get ahead of the game, it may help you in the long run.
“Botox is being used more and more frequently by people trying to do preventative treatments. Waiting until lines become etched into the skin means it's much more difficult to smooth their appearance again. Botox is often used for lines and wrinkles formed by muscle movements like scowling, squinting, and raising eyebrows." explains Louise. "Often by starting Botox preventatively, muscles can actually learn to not make certain faces and expressions that contribute to worsening of facial lines. By not making certain expressions in the future, or through making certain expressions less often, you may actually need less Botox throughout later life and require less treatment."
2.
MYTH
If you stop treatment, it will make your wrinkles worse
FACT
No. They'll just go back to the way they were before . Botox will prevent your wrinkles from worsening while you keep up with your treatments. If you decide to stop treatment, the effect of Botox will dissapate and skin naturally returns to the normal development of wrinkles with movement. Botox results are not permanent. Results last typically three to four months. Regular injections at specified intervals over time, can result in longer effects of the treatment resulting in less treatment.
Botox treatment has been developed to positively effect the contours of the face. Lack of treatment simply means a return to your otherwise natural facial look.
3.
MYTH
You're never too young for Botox you know?
FACT
Age may be just a number as you get older, but if you are a teenager your doctor will probably tell you that you are not ready for cosmetic use. Botox is ideally used for lines that remain after constant muscle movement. At 18, you are very unlikely to have residual lines after movement. I would recommend waiting some years before beginning Botox. You'll not have lost anything by waiting.
"The truth is that we all develop and mature in different ways, at different speeds. Some of us suffer worry lines and wrinkles early and it is manageable but we certainly wouldn't treat under the age of 18 and I operate a consultation period so that customers are protected through a series of physcological staging" explains Louise.
4.
MYTH
Botox is just for controlling wrinkles
FACT
Botox is not just cosmetic — far from it! Botox injections have been used to treat migraines by reducing muscle tension and creating less strain on the nervous system. Botox can also be used to temporarily block sweat glands to stop excessive sweating.
5.
MYTH
Botox is treatment only women receive
FACT
Every year it seems like more and more men are getting Botox as gifts, and it's not necessarily the older men. We're seeing a lot of men who are having Botox treatment as early as their 30s. The average client usually isn’t the stereotypical guy who really cares about grooming and how he looks, precisely, and we’re not just seeing guys who have been nudged by their lady friends, either. Some get Botox to find a lady friend! Wrinkles can sometimes make men appear angry and older?
Botox can help soften up this look to just give a more approachable appearance, helping men gain confidence. Who knew Botox could be such a fantastic wingman!
