Botulinum medicine (shortened to B.tox) has become the latest craze in Sydney society and now it has become an essential part of any beauty routine for many in the city.
Nevertheless I am often astonished when I hear the rumours surrounding this procedure. Below are a selection of the more errors that we encounter everyday in Star Cosmetic Medicine, where I am employed as a doctor.
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Delusion no. 1: My facial muscles could stiffen up!
Research has discovered there are 60 or so muscles in the human face. They ordinarily work in harmony, however over a period of time wrinkles can begin to form. When surplus B.tox has been used the muscular structure which are responsible for facial expression may sometimes become moderately less expressive. Broadly speaking doctors use relatively small dosages to are designed to make you look well rested, yet you will still be every bit as expressive.
Thus by injecting the correct amount of the wrinkle injection in just the right areas facial expression is saved whilst the fine lines and wrinkles are minimised.
Delusion no. 2: B.tox is poisonous!
This to a small extent is right. Botulinum Toxin Type A is the proper scientific terminology. Too great a dose may loosen muscles that you do not want relaxed or can even cause serious illness.
However to maintain some perspective - an ancient pharmacist’s expression is that ‘everything is poisonous - it all depends on the dose’. Every medicine in a large dosage can make you sick. Water can be a poison if you take enough.
Delusion no. 3: B.tox will be painful!
The needles we use at Star Cosmetic Medicine have a diameter smaller than your hair. Quite a few people state that the treatments aren’t worse than getting bitten by bugs. It for certain is not as painful as a procedure like a blood profile.
Delusion no. 4: B.tox will deaden the sensation in my face!
False. B.tox affects the junction between the nerve and the facial muscle, and not on the nerves of sensation. B.tox only targets the ability to relax muscular tissues.
Delusion no. 5. You can’t stop getting B.tox or else the lines become more pronounced!
Once Again this is simply untrue.
The first treatment lasts around 3 months. Any further injections after the initial one usually last a few weeks more. Eventually as muscle strength returns to normal the lines will slowly reappear. However they will certainly be no deeper than before.
In fact any lines will in general be less pronounced than if you hadn’t undergone B.tox - even should you don’t repeat the treatment. This is chiefly because you have given your skin a ‘wrinkle holiday’ for a few months.