Common Myths about Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox)

Botox as an Aesthetic Treatment

Botulinum toxin type A is an affordable, popular cosmetic treatment and possibly the most common treatment.

However there are many myths’ which surround the procedure. This may be due to bad press for example celebrities being portrayed as having over the top procedures. In fact Botulinum Toxin type A is a very successful treatment which has been used in the medical field for many years. This blog aims to dispel the myths.

Myth One – Botox is only used as a cosmetic treatment

Botulinum toxin has a range of applications for medical treatment. It can be used to treat muscle spasms, eye twitches, over-sweating (hyperhidrosis), and urge incontinence and migraine.

Myth Two – Botulinum toxin is harmful

No. It is extremely safe and a prescription only medication. This means it is manufactured under very stringent conditions. It is licensed for use in the UK.

Botulinum toxin is derived from a bacterium called clostridium botulinum, which is harmful to humans by causing a form of food poisoning called Botulism. However the minute amounts used for medical and cosmetic procedures does not cause harm.

Myth Three – Botulinum toxin is a surgical procedure

The procedure is non-invasive. It is administered into specific facial muscles. There are no incisions and no anaesthetic required. Post procedure information is given but no recovery time is required.

Myth Four –Botulinum toxin will stop you having facial expressions

Botulinum toxin works by freezing individual and carefully targeted muscles in the face. Although these muscles do move when a person forms an expression, the other muscles are not affected. When administered carefully by an experienced practitioner the look should be soft and natural.

Myth Five – Botulinum toxin is permanent

The effects of Botulinum toxin last an average of three to four months. This is because the Botulinum toxin blocks nerve impulses to the muscles, and over time these nerves recover by regenerating in the areas that have been blocked.

Myth Six – There are skin creams that contain Botulinum toxin, able to achieve the same results

There are no creams on the market that contain Botulinum Toxin. However there are various treatments, which can be administered by Bournemouth Facial Care at Lilliput Health to reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne, pigmentation and help with a good skin care regime.

Myth Seven– Botulinum Toxin is expensive and inaccessible

Botulinum toxin was initially a treatment only associated with the rich and famous, but this is no longer the case. Nurses, Doctors and Dentists can be trained to offer the treatment. Make sure you choose a fully insured, qualified professional. Bournemouth Facial Care at Lilliput Health offers a free consultation prior to treatment and a two week review after treatment.

Myth Eight – Botulinim toxin is an addictive procedure

This is not true. Prescriptions for treatment can only be raised after a time interval has lapsed between treatments. Most people find they are impressed with the results and that fine lines and wrinkles diminish. They return for follow-up treatments once the effects start to fade. People generally find two to three sessions of treatment a year are sufficient.

Myth Nine – Botulinum toxin is a highly painful treatment and has many side effects

Botulinum toxin does not produce pain, although some people find that the injection can be slightly uncomfortable. Side effects are very rare and temporary if they do occur. The practitioner will always explain the very slight possibility of side effects before treatment, but for virtually all Botox treatments, side effects do not occur.

Myth Ten – You have to be old to get Botulinum toxin treatments

For most people, Botox isn’t required until they are in their thirties but some people choose to have treatments at an earlier age. Upper age limits depend on the type of drug licensed for use. A full health history is undertaken prior to the procedure. Pregnant women would not be eligible for botulinum toxin.

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