The Truth Behind 3 Common Misconceptions About Botox
Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a neurotoxin that prevents the release of acetylcholine from nerves. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that initiates the contraction of muscles. Thus, when you get a Botox injection, it relaxes the facial muscles that contract to form wrinkles. Botox injections are a cosmetic procedure used to reduce the signs of aging, such as wrinkles.
Are you skeptical about using Botox injections because of the misconceptions you've heard about it? Here is the truth behind three misconceptions you might come across.
Misconception 1. Botox Injections Provide Permanent Results
A common misconception about Botox is that its effects are permanent. But this is a false statement.
By nature, Botox is a toxin, and thus once introduced into your body, it will slowly get rid of it. As your body gets rid of Botox, its effects also wear off.
Once your body breaks down the Botox, your nerves start producing acetylcholine to contract your facial muscles. Thus, how long the effects of a Botox injection last depend on how long your nerves take to overcome it.
On average, one Botox injection should last for 3-4 months. But, the duration varies based on how soon a person's system destroys the Botox. Thus, the effects of Botox will not last forever. Get follow-up injections to maintain the youthful appearance provided by Botox.
Misconception 2. Botox Has Addictive Capabilities
The misconception that Botox is addictive comes from the fact that people need regular Botox injections every few months.
Generally, no one wants to lose their youthful appearance once they start using Botox injections. Hence, when the Botox injection wears off, most people tend to get another injection.
Thus, Botox is not addictive in any way. Besides, the use of Botox for cosmetic procedures is FDA-approved. If there were any signs that Botox was addictive, the FDA would not have approved its use.
Misconception 3. Botox Makes Your Face Appear Frozen
The frozen or expressionless face misconception comes from Hollywood movies or television series. You may have seen a show or movie depicting a person as having an expressionless face due to the use of Botox. But, these are over-dramatized scenarios that are far from the truth.
Botox injections only relax your facial muscles, not freeze them. Thus a Botox injection should not prevent you from making facial expressions.
But, if you get Botox injections from a quack practitioner, they might use excessive amounts of Botox. Excess amounts of Botox can excessively relax your facial muscles resulting in an expressionless face. Thus a frozen/expressionless face only occurs when you exceed the recommended amount of Botox per injection.
For more information, contact a local business, like Dr. Park Ave.