Nobody is generally happy about the signs of skin ageing. They change our facial expression, making it appear stricter and more strained, or making us look exhausted. The cosmetics industry regularly brings new products onto the market that are intended to alleviate and inhibit the formation of wrinkles. Mostly, the effect is – if at all – only short-term or weak. We have something more effective for you: an injection with botulinum toxin! You doubt it? Many people are misinformed about Botox and have reservations that prevent them from undergoing anti-ageing treatment. In this article, we debunk the five most common myths about Botox.
Myth number 1: Botox is poisonous
The term „botulinum toxin“ originated in 1820 when the country doctor Justinus Kerner reported on a „sausage poison“. At this time, the physician discovered a connection between certain deaths from muscle paralysis and the consumption of spoiled food. Thus, he formed the later famous „Botulinum toxin“So much for the background. In its natural form, this „sausage poison“ is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Seven different types are now known. In aesthetic medicine, type A is used, which is obtained biotechnologically and is not comparable to the naturally occurring toxin. Furthermore, during its production, it is purified. It is also only injected directly into the muscle in very small quantities.
Long story short: the belief that botulinum toxin is a poison is a misconception. The substance used for wrinkle treatment is neither poisonous nor dangerous.
Myth number 2: Botox gives you a „mask-like face“
With Hollywood beauties and many celebrities, it's clear that Botox is being used: they have an unnaturally „doll-like“ facial expression and cannot move individual areas properly at all. This deters many interested parties from having the treatment, as they fear looking the same afterwards.
Indeed, such an effect is possible in principle, but only if the patient absolutely wants to look that way. Every tiny wrinkle then needs to be smoothed out. Likewise, incorrectly placed or overdosed injections can lead to stiff facial features.
It is true that not every Botox treatment leads to an unnatural facial expression. The result depends heavily on the dosage and also the experience of the doctor. Therefore, we recommend that you have Botox injected exclusively by trained specialists (such as at the Acura Clinic). This way you will get the result you desire.
Myth number 3: Botox can migrate to the brain and cause long-term damage
You may have also read a similar report and are now doubting whether Botox is truly a safe treatment in the long term. However, there is no cause for concern. It has been used in medicine for almost 50 years, including for the treatment of spasticity, muscle spasms, and chronic migraines. For 30 years, the preparation has also been used in aesthetic medicine for wrinkle reduction. Over this long period, no long-term side effects from its use have become known. Research and medicine look back very favourably on its use and benefits.
Furthermore, Botox is one of the most extensively studied substances there is. Reputable, independent scientific studies continue to be carried out, substantiating and supporting its safety.
Myth number 4: Botox treatments should only be carried out from a certain age
To refute this statement, there are two arguments.
For one thing, it can even be good for botulinum toxin to counteract first wrinkles at a younger age. This is because they do not dig as deeply into the skin, and it retains its youthful look for longer.
On the other hand, it is not the age of a person that is crucial for a possible Botox treatment, but the condition of the face. There are people who, even at the young age of 20, already suffer from overactive facial muscles and therefore want to undergo a Botox treatment.
Therefore: Age doesn't matter!
Myth number 5: A Botox treatment will paralyse the muscles forever
To help you understand, we'll explain what Botox does to your face: it acts on the junction between nerves and muscles, reducing the release of a specific messenger substance. This acetylcholine is responsible for transmitting the nerve impulse that signals a muscle to contract. In the long term, this contraction promotes the formation of certain facial wrinkles. Through Botox injections, the muscle is relaxed and the wrinkles smooth out.
This claim of paralysis is therefore false. Botox does not cause paralysis of the muscles, but rather relaxation. And this is not permanent. The effect lasts between four and six months. The substance is completely broken down in the body without residue. So, even with an overdose, the unwanted restriction of facial expressions would only be temporary.
Botox treatment in Weert (Netherlands)
At our Acura Clinic in Weert, Netherlands, we offer anti-wrinkle treatments with Botox. Our team of doctors is perfectly trained and experienced in the use of this substance.
So, you're welcome to come to us if you want a fresh, youthful facial expression!
Photo: © Nobilior / ID: 86952444 / fotolia.com