Busting Common Myths About Botox Treatment

Have those dreaded lines on your forehead? We know it could be concerning and that age is no bar for such wrinkles. Some get them at early adulthood and might need extra makeup to cover the lines. Wrinkles and fine lines on the face add to the person’s age and make them look older than they actually are. And who would want to age so soon! We all want our skin to look and feel good. It is thanks to the world of cosmetics and technology that we are able to tweak our flaws and look impressive.

If you are one of those looking at bidding goodbye to your ordeal with wrinkles, Botox could be the answer. Botox is one of the most commonly performed non-surgical cosmetic treatment for wrinkles. Botox injections are made of botulinum toxin which is a type of protein that can help reduce wrinkles. Botox treatments have been prevalent since two decades and has been administered to plenty of patients. While Botox is considered safe and effective, there are many myths surrounding this treatment. Here, we make an attempt to bust some of the most common ones.

Myth 1: Botox is unsafe

Is Botox harmful? Since Botox treatment involves the use of botulinum toxin which causes botulism, some perceive that the procedure can be unsafe. However, when used in small doses there is hardly any risk to the patients. Botox can be safely used to treat wrinkles and give lasting results. It is also used to treat various medical conditions such as excessive sweating, spasms, migraines and others. This treatment has been in place for twenty years now and the results and benefits are substantial.

Myth 2: Botox shows immediate results

Botox does not show results immediately. It will take close to 2-5 days for results to start showing and about 2 weeks for complete results. Some individuals would get the desired results only after a couple of sessions, depending on the extent of wrinkles.

Myth 3: Botox can appear unnatural and leave an expression less face

Botox can give results that are very natural and true to one’s own appearance. It is important to take the treatment from experienced professionals to avoid any complications that might give an unnatural result. If performed by a board certified cosmetologist, the results can be great and natural.

Myth 4: Wrinkles can be worse once Botox is stopped

It isn’t true that wrinkles would worsen once Botox is stopped. A Botox treatment can show results upto 6 months. After this, the individual should continue Botox or the skin will return to how it appeared before Botox. It is not true that the wrinkles appear more than before. Since Botox is not a permanent procedure, patients must know that the wrinkles can return once the treatment results starts to diminish.

Myth 5: Botox is mostly for women

Botox is for both men and women and the treatment results would be similar for both genders. In today’s era, cosmetic concerns are no longer gender specific. Men do have concerns of wrinkles and consider it to make them appear older and unfriendly. Since men have a different skin texture and type, a higher dosage might be needed for better results.

Myth 6: Botox is painful

Botox is not a painful treatment. Patients can expect very little discomfort during the procedure. It is usually performed after applying a topical anesthetic making it absolutely comfortable. There could only be a mild pain post the procedure and will subside in a couple of days’ time.

Myth 7: Botox is used only for facial wrinkles

Botox is used for a variety of medical treatments including reduction of wrinkles. Botox injections is used to treat spasms of the neck, hyperhidrosis, migraines, continuous blinking of the eyes and neurological disorders. Botox for hair is a widely used technique. Botox injections for migraines are considered effective in reducing severe headache. The neurotransmitters that send pain signals from the brain are blocked. Injections are given in the head, shoulder and neck regions to prevent migraine. Botox for migraines can be life-saver for those who experience chronic migraine and related pain.

Myth 8: Botox and fillers are the same

Botox and fillers are not one and the same. Cosmetic fillers are collagen or hyaluronic acids that are injected to give a smooth and plump face. Depending on a person’s need, a cosmetologist would be able to advise the right treatment option.

 

Cost of Botox

Botox treatment cost in India could vary from INR 15K to 20K each session. It can cost lesser depending on the area you want to get treated. For eyelids (crow’s feet), the cost would be between INR 3600 to 7800. Botox injection price in India depends on the units of Botox used for the treatment. It can be INR 2500 to 4200 for the forehead and increases for frown, eyelids and other regions.

Side effects of Botox injections

Botox is a highly safe procedure. However, like in the case of all treatments there would be some common side effects such as

• Flu-like symptoms (headache, fever)
• Slight redness, pain or swelling
• Dryness of the eyes
• Crooked smile

These side effects would resolve in a few days’ time. Although rare, some long term complications involve muscle weakness, trouble in speaking, vision and breathing problems.

How Botox works for wrinkles

 Botox when used in small doses can make the muscles relax which reduces wrinkles and frowns. Nerve signals to the muscles are temporarily blocked which does not let the muscles shrink. Botox injections works best to reduce wrinkles on the eyebrows, crow’s feet (corners of the eyes) and lines between the eyebrows.

Botox before and after

Post procedural care for Botox treatment

 Below are some of the important things to take care of after a Botox treatment.

• Avoid washing, rubbing and massaging the face for atleast 24 hours after treatment
• Avoid makeup for 2-3 days
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 3 days
• Apply regular sunscreen or SPF lotions to enable the results stay longer
• Stay hydrated and have a balanced diet
• While beginning to reuse makeup or skincare products, be gentle and light on the site of treatment
• Keep the doctor informed about any side effects
• Consider follow up visits as needed

Botox is a temporary procedure and the results would last upto 6-7 months. The skin could get back to its old form and patients must decide on the next sessions for better results.

Botox treatment for hair

 Hair Botox is very similar to Botox for the skin but without any injectable. Hair Botox is a procedure to replenish and deep-condition the hair by directly applying non chemical based fatty acids to the hair. This procedure will strengthen and nourish the hair to look best while staying natural. It helps rejuvenate the hair and make it appear fuller.

 

FAQ

What is a Botox treatment?

Botox treatments are done using small doses of a toxin called Botulinum. When used appropriately in small doses, it can relieve a variety of health related concerns. Some of these include migraines, neurological disorders, bladder related concerns, pain in the neck and others. In the cosmetic surgery space, it is used for treating wrinkles and for better hair health.

Are fillers better than Botox?

Botox and fillers are used for two different purposes. Botox is best for fine lines and wrinkles while fillers could be best for achieving a full and smooth face. Depending on how much wrinkles you have and your facial concerns, a cosmetologist could suggest the best option. Sometimes, a combination of both these methods are used for better results. Like Botox, fillers do wear off with time and follow-up treatments would be needed.

Does Botox slim the face?

Botox could be used to make the face appear thinner. This especially works for the lower face. Cosmetologist would target certain muscles of the face to improve facial contour and make the appearance slim.

Can Botox lift hooded eyes?

Hooded or moon-lid eyes have excess skin just above the eyelids. This drop of the skin in the eyebrow region can make the person appear older and weak. Botox can be used to treat headed eyes and lift/tighten the skin. It makes a remarkable difference when compared with pre-procedural eyes. Though the treatment is temporary, Botox and fillers are considered to be effective for droopy eyes.

What helps Botox last longer?

Botox can last longer by choosing the best cosmetologist in your region. Though Botox looks like a non-invasive injectable that could be done by all, it requires skill and expertise to make the treatment effective.

• Choosing the right doctor
• Not rubbing and straining the eyes for the first 2 days
• Use of sunscreen and staying away from excessive exposure to sunlight
• Appropriate and gentle skincare routine

are some of the ways to get Botox to stay longer for you.

Does Botox look weird at first?

Botox will most definitely not look weird if done by an experienced professional. Botox results will take about two weeks’ time and individuals must wait before the procedure starts to show results. It will not make you look worse than before, only better.

Can Botox lift your eyebrows?

Yes, Botox treatment for the eyebrows can help lift the brows and tighten the muscles around the eyes. It will also reduce wrinkles and frown lines to provide an younger appearance.

Can Botox change your smile?

Botox does not cause any permanent alteration to the face. Unlike a surgical procedure, there will be no permanent change to the face with Botox. This is the reason that this non-invasive technique is preferred. Botox will not change the way your smile or make you look unnatural.

Can Botox be used under the eyes?

Botox around and under the eyes must be done with appropriate care. Wrinkles and fine lines can be reduced with the treatment. However, the results will vary depending on the region. For instance, Botox on the forehead would be more effective than Botox under the eyes. This difference has mainly to do with the facial muscles and not the procedure.

Can Botox fix double chin?

Yes, Botox can fix double chin. Sagging and wrinkled skin near the jaw or chin can be made to look firm with the treatment.

Is Botox safe for your face?

Yes, Botox is a safe treatment and has been part of medical aesthetic treatment for twenty years now. There is enough proof and evidence that shows the procedure to be safe. You could also stop Botox anytime you desire and there will be no significant impact other than your skin getting to its older form.

How long after Botox can I wash my face?

It is best if one can avoid washing the face for the first 24 hours after procedure. Individuals should also avoid rubbing and pressing the treated region for atleast 1 to 2 days for the best results.

How many days does it take for Botox to work?

Botox does not show immediate results. It will take a period of 3-5 days for slight changes to appear and more than 10 days for complete results to show up.

How long after Botox can I wear makeup?

It will be better to go makeup free for 2-3 days after the procedure. If absolutely necessary, you could opt for powdered makeup. It is best to not rub or massage the face for longer treatment results.