Written by Avery Samuels, Reviewed by Dr. Justin Harper, MD
Popular Botox Myths, Busted!
Most of us have experienced this moment: you pull up a selfie and zoom in to get a closer look at your face. You admire your beautiful smile. Then you get a good look at your skin, and think to yourself, “Okay, maybe that high-def filter was a mistake, because… where did all those wrinkles come from?!”
Perhaps you’ve already been thinking about injectable wrinkle relaxers, such as Botox, Dysport, or Jeuveau. They can certainly smooth out any lines or wrinkles you’re unhappy with – but are they worth it? Maybe you have been scared away by some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding these products. We’re here to set a few things straight.
Myth: Botox treats wrinkles
Truth: This is not exactly true. Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau injections treat the muscles that repeatedly contract, creasing and damaging the overlying skin and creating those lines and wrinkles. When these products are injected, they are able to block the contractions of these muscles within about 7-10 days.
Once the muscles are frozen, the wrinkled skin has a chance to repair itself and the wrinkles fade. These effects last for about three months, after which normal muscle movement resumes and the creasing cycle restarts. That’s why patients are encouraged to seek treatment for these areas every three months in order to see continued skin improvement and to prevent the skin damage cycle from beginning anew.
Myth: Botox is for older people
Truth: Many people assume that you should wait until your wrinkles are deep and defined before you start treating them. That’s false, of course! Once the skin has become damaged enough for deep wrinkles to appear, it becomes far more challenging to smooth and repair them. Some deep wrinkles can never be fully improved, even with Botox.
However, if you’re proactive and treat the wrinkle-prone areas of your face before the deep creasing sets in, you can prevent these hard-to-treat wrinkles from worsening, or even from forming in the first place. There is no magic age where people should start using Botox – each person’s face is unique!
Myth: Botox can’t do anything for lines around the eyes
Truth: Botox has been used to soften crow’s feat, the wrinkles around the corner of the eyes, for years, and is FDA-approved for this area specifically. These lines can often be dramatically improved with a few precise injections to the area by a knowledgeable provider.
Myth: Botox will freeze the face and make the client’s face look “done”
Truth: A skilled injector uses Botox to target specific, wrinkle-prone areas of the face, while avoiding other muscles that we need for natural facial expressions like smiling.
After the product takes effect in the targeted muscles, wrinkle-causing expressions, such as scowling, will be softened and the result is a smoother and more youthful – but still very natural – look.
Myth: I can get my Botox treatments anywhere
Truth: This one is true… kinda. Botox is readily available in today’s market – its a simple service that many providers are capable of performing. However, in order for Botox to treat your wrinkles effectively, the person administering these treatments needs to possess knowledge of facial anatomy and an aesthetic judgement that allows them to avoid any potential mishaps and side effects.
The best provider for your cosmetic and skin goals will have a natural eye for facial aesthetics as well as specialized training in cosmetic injection techniques. Be sure your provider, be it a nurse or doctor, has both.
Thinking about your personal skin goals? At Juvly Aesthetics, we specialize in facial rejuvenation through medical-grade skincare, injectable toxin and fillers, and skin resurfacing procedures.
We rank amongst the top 1% of Botox providers in the nation by number of treatments, earning Allergan’s Black Diamond designation. Come find out why – book your free consultation online or by phone. We’d love to show you how beautiful the results can be!