What is botox? 7 truths and myths about this substance

The application of botox is one of the most chosen methods to make wrinkles disappear. The substance that is applied is, specifically, botulinum toxin. This is injected directly into the folds and wrinkles that you want to make disappear and the results are incredible.

The function of botox is to relax the muscles and stop or reduce excessive muscle mobilization. It is injected in miniscule amounts into the face and the results are almost immediate, hence its great popularity.

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What is botox? Myths and realities

Given the great acceptance of botox in the cosmetic industry, it is common for many myths to arise. This is also because many public people such as actors, singers and models make use of this technique and sometimes the results do not seem very good.

However, not everything that is said is true. Although it is a fact that you should always turn to medical specialists in plastic surgery to apply it, because botox is not a substance that anyone can inject. But to clear up some doubts, here we list the myths and truths and explain them.

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1. Botox is toxic

One of the most widespread myths is that botox is toxic to the body. Because botulism, which is a food allergy, is caused by botulinum toxin type A, it is believed that botox, upon entering the body, can damage the body and cause similar reactions. But this is totally untrue.

Botox is a protein derived from botulinum toxin. However, the amount used in this process is very low and cannot be spread beyond the area where it is injected. For this reason, botox is not toxic. On the other hand, the surgeon must carry out previous studies to ensure that the person is not allergic or sensitive to botox components.

2. For cosmetic purposes only

Although botox is used mainly to disappear wrinkles, it is not its only use. The properties and uses of botox extend beyond cosmetics. In other medical areas it is used, for example, to combat problems of chronic migraine and for some ophthalmological conditions.

Because the function of botox is not to allow excessive movement of muscles and nervous tissue, another function for which it is very effective is for some neurological diseases. It is also used as part of the comprehensive treatment in multiple sclerosis. All these uses confirm that botox is not toxic or malignant to the body.

3. Botox has a permanent effect

Another belief about botox is that it eliminates wrinkles forever.. When botox is injected to eliminate fine lines, its effects last for up to six months. Sometimes it is possible to apply the treatment again, however it is not advisable to repeat it for more than two times in a year.

The belief that botox is permanent is perhaps due to the fact that some public figures appear "overnight" with a rejuvenated face. And over time, they continue to look wrinkle-free, as if the effect of botox were permanent. This may be because they have actually undergone some other treatment, such as plastic surgery, or have been following some non-invasive treatment on a regular basis.

4. Botox treatment is painful

This is false. The botox treatment is not painful or causes great discomfort. It is even that due to this particularity, botox treatment is chosen by many people, because its application causes only a slight burning or discomfort that disappears a few minutes after your app.

It is true that injecting botox generates bruises in the area where it was applied. But, in the same way, these bruises disappear on their own a few days later without leaving any other discomfort. Possible adverse reactions respond to other types of situations, and it is the plastic surgeon who must be in control of them, but they are very rare.

5. It should only be applied when wrinkles have appeared

Botox is believed to only be used when wrinkles are very noticeable. However, this is not entirely true. Thanks to the immediate and spectacular results to disappear fine lines, many people resort to injecting botox when they have already appeared. But botox is most effective when used for prevention.

So that wrinkles do not appear or take much longer, it is best to apply botox before they appear. Using it this way is better, even fewer injections are needed and the results are very natural. This may not be well known to many people, but it is certainly the most effective way to use botox to combat wrinkles.

6. Warp facial expressions

Botox is believed to deform or even paralyze the face. Perhaps this myth has spread thanks to some public figures. Some of them have come out in front of cameras with a face unable to smile normally or with deformed and sometimes even unrecognizable features. In general, these negative consequences are attributed to botox injections.

However, the fact that botox causes paralysis or deformation is very rare or almost non-existent. This happens when the dose or applications have been exceeded, or when it has not been applied correctly. But a plastic surgeon performs this treatment with total control and previous studies that minimize this risk.

7. Botox is an addictive substance

Because there are people who abuse its use, botox is believed to cause addiction. This is totally untrue. By itself, botulinum toxin is not a substance that has an addictive effect on the body. This belief has spread due to the fact that there are people who exceed the recommendation to inject a maximum of twice a year.

But this "addiction" responds to other types of situations, and has nothing to do with the substance itself. In reality, what happens most of the time is that the person feels very happy with the results. Being able to see his face again without wrinkles and feeling revitalized causes a feeling of well-being, it is this situation that causes you to return more times than recommended.

Bibliographic references

• Amun, Stephen, et. to the. (2001). Botulinum Toxin as a Biological Weapon. JAMA, 285.
• Costa, J., Borges, A., Espírito-Santo, C., Ferreira, J., Coelho, M., Moore, P., Sampaio, C. (2008). Botulinum toxin type A versus botulinum toxin type B for cervical dystonia. " (Cochrane Review translated).