Perhaps, in our time, botulinum toxin can be called the most popular cosmetic drug in the world. And around it, like any other widespread means, there are many rumors and myths. It is because of them that many women do not dare to get rid of wrinkles through botulinum toxin injections, tormented by doubts whether the risk is justified.
However, most of the myths are born precisely from the ignorance of the general public, because few even know that botulinum toxin was originally used in ophthalmology to treat blepharospasm, and only over time began to be used in cosmetology. Injections of botulinum toxin allowed to relax the muscles around the eyeballs and at the same time, as a pleasant side effect, smoothed wrinkles around the eyes. And only then botulinum toxin was adopted by cosmetologists around the world.
In this article, read about which of the 10 interesting facts about botulinum toxin are true and which – no.
The main misconceptions about botulinum toxin: facts and myths
A lot of interesting facts about botulinum toxin are just about debunking many popular myths in society about the effect of this substance in cosmetology. However, some of them are quite true.
We have selected the 10 most common facts and myths:
- botulinum toxin acts instantly;
- the effect of botulinum toxin lasts for years;
- the same injections can both correct wrinkles and enlarge lips;
- botulinum toxin injection procedure is long and painful;
- There are many complications after the injection of botulinum toxin;
- immediately after the procedure, you can return to your normal life;
- botulinum toxin is only indicated for deep wrinkles;
- botulinum toxin is addictive and wears off over time;
- Botulinum toxin can be injected with absolutely everyone;
- Botulinum toxin can not only remove wrinkles, but also treat diseases not related to cosmetology.
Let's examine the veracity of each of the 10 interesting facts about botulinum toxin separately.
Read also: "Learn interesting facts about human muscles"
Speed of action of botulinum toxin after injection
Don't expect instant rejuvenation on the same day as the procedure. Immediately after the procedure, you can see some result, but in the first days the toxin only begins to act, and the expected result will become noticeable only after a week. This fact should be taken into account for those patients who want to put their face in order in a matter of days before an important event.
In addition, it should be taken into account that the first week after injections may be accompanied by unpleasant effects that will soon pass.
Among the possible side effects of botulinum toxin injections are microhematomas on the face (resolve within a week), ptosis (drooping of the eyelid), eversion of the eyelid, lacrimation (if injections were made in this area of the face), extremely rarely – general weakness.
Such side effects often do not require medical intervention and quickly pass.
After the injection of botulinum toxin, you can not worry about the condition of the face for a long time
Botulinum toxin lasts up to six months, on average – 3-4 months. Is it long or not – it is up to the patient to decide.
The injection is not done once and for all. As soon as the effect of the introduction of the substance passes, the facial muscles begin to work in the same mode, respectively, the face returns to its original state.
Of course, for the period of active action of the drug, you should not neglect high-quality home facial care. Since botulinum toxin will sooner or later cease to act, and the condition of the skin will depend only on the amount of effort expended to care for it.
Botulinum toxin is considered a universal remedy for the entire face
In modern society, the expression “Pumped botulinum toxin into my lips” has become a household word, although it is a vivid example of a false stereotype.
To give volume to the lips, fillers are injected into them, which, most often, consist of hyaluronic acid, and have nothing to do with botulinum toxin.
Filler – gel that fills the fabric from the inside, adding volume to it. But botulinum toxin cannot increase anything, since its action is based on relaxation of the facial muscles by blocking the nerve signals that control facial expressions.
"Relaxed skin" automatically smoothes.
Fear of pain from injections
On average, the botulinum toxin injection procedure takes about 15 minutes. No special preparation other than the right morale is required.
The procedure is performed as safely and comfortably as possible for the patient, so even an ordinary medical injection into the muscle is perceived as more painful than a botulinum toxin injection.
Many complications can occur after the injection
Usually, the complications that occur after botulinum toxin injections are short-term and do not cause serious discomfort.
To minimize potential complications, doctors advise postponing the procedure if the patient is overworked, under acute stress, has insomnia, or has not yet recovered from viral or bacterial infections.
When you can return to normal life
After the procedure, there are some prescriptions that will not affect the daily life of the patient too much.
- the first half hour after the injection of botulinum toxin, the patient is under the supervision of the doctor who administered the drug;
- during the first 4 hours, the patient is advised not to take a horizontal position;
- on the first day it is forbidden to lift weights, do physical exercises, bend over, massage your face – that is, you can not do any actions that will cause tension in the treated areas of the face;
- alcohol is also prohibited on the first day;
- For two weeks after the procedure, it is not recommended to visit the beach, sauna and solarium, as well as any other exposure to high temperature on the face.
Follow all – in the interests of the patient himself, if he wants to achieve a long-term and high-quality result.
Botulinum toxin – drug not for young women
Another classic false stereotype: botulinum toxin is needed only for deep wrinkles, and young people do not need it.
In fact, just very deep creases on the face, botulinum toxin is not able to smooth out – only fillers can fill them from the inside. Botulinum toxin has the most active effect on facial wrinkles, and they appear already at a young age, especially if a person has a very lively facial expression.
In the case of botulinum toxin injections for small facial wrinkles, injections can prevent the appearance of deeper traces of active facial expressions. However, they will not be a panacea for deep static wrinkles that appear after 45 years due to a decrease in the layer of subcutaneous fat, deterioration of the muscle tone of the skin and its sagging.
Read also: Botox and breast augmentation: new possibilities of botulinum toxin
Is there addiction to botulinum toxin injections
Another myth: if a person starts injecting botulinum toxin, he will no longer be able to stop, as the skin will get used to it and will not be able to function fully on its own without the drug.
Studies have shown that even dozens of injections into the same facial area do not lead to muscle atrophy and loss of sensitivity in tissues after drug withdrawal.
So the skin will simply revert back to its original state when cancelled.
However, it is noted that after prolonged injections of the same drug based on botulinum toxin, immunoresistance of the body can form. The best solution to the problem in this case is the selection of another drug.
Botulinum toxin is absolutely safe, therefore suitable for everyone
Although the drug itself, which has been used around the world for many years, is clinically safe, it still requires care and precision in use.
There are a number of contraindications to botulinum toxin injections. Among them, the main ones are:
- infectious diseases of the body;
- inflammatory processes in the injection area;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding period;
- hemophilia and bleeding disorders;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- severe forms of allergy, as well as intolerance to the components of the drug.
To find out if the patient is suitable for the procedure, the doctor first takes an anamnesis, and, if necessary, additional studies, on the basis of which a decision will be made.
Botulinum toxin can be used for more than just wrinkles
This statement is true – The impact of botulinum toxin was useful not only in cosmetology, but also in traditional medicine.
Botulinum toxin injections are treated:
- hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating (injections are made into the sweat glands, blocking the nerve impulses that stimulate excessive sweat production for several months);
- migraine and chronic pain in the neck, shoulders;
- urinary incontinence (by adjusting bladder tone).
And this is by no means a complete list of areas where botulinum toxin is used for the benefit of patients.
As you can see, modern cosmetology has stepped far forward, and it is time to leave many myths in the past. We hope that 10 interesting facts about botulinum toxin will help you make the right decision – is it worth deciding on injections and is this method suitable for you.
Read also: Botulinum toxin: a terrible poison or an invaluable medicine
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