4 BOTOX® Cosmetic Myths, Debunked

Woman receiving BotoxBOTOX® Cosmetic is the most popular cosmetic treatment in the United States, with more than 7.4 million people using it in 2018 to reduce the appearance of their wrinkles and facial lines. However, numerous misconceptions exist about BOTOX® Cosmetic and how it works despite its popularity.

At the Center for Plastic Surgery at Castle Rock, our double-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. David J. Archibald is committed to helping his patients reclaim the smooth, vibrant skin they had in their youth. He also wants them to be informed about the procedures they’re considering. Here are four myths about BOTOX® Cosmetic – and the reality.

Myth: BOTOX® Cosmetic “Freezes” Your Face

You’ve probably seen the popular trope in TV or film comedies; nearly every time a character gets BOTOX® Cosmetic, it’s as comic relief. The character receives the treatment, their face “freezes,” and they have trouble eating and speaking.

That’s far from reality. BOTOX® Cosmetic relaxes your facial muscles to prevent the repeated muscular contractions that cause wrinkles. It doesn’t affect your muscles the way pop culture frequently depicts. The non-surgical, non-invasive procedure has no downtime. You’ll be able to smile, laugh, eat, and speak as usual immediately after your injections.

Myth: BOTOX® Cosmetic is Dangerous

Some people become hesitant to getBOTOX® Cosmeticwhen they learn that it’s derived from botulinum toxin. However, there’s no cause for concern. The treatment has been FDA-approved for medical use since 1989 and cosmetic use since 2002.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified form of botulinum toxin that is further diluted with a saline solution before it’s injected. It’s also used at concentrations far below harmful levels. Any medical treatment, including BOTOX® Cosmetic, could be dangerous in the hands of an amateur, but it’s safe when administered by an experienced professional such as Dr. Archibald.

Myth: BOTOX® Cosmetic Only Treats Visible Signs of Aging

Many people don’t know that BOTOX® Cosmetic wasn’t originally developed for cosmetic purposes at all. When the FDA first approved it in 1989, it was designed to treat neuromuscular issues. The injectable’s cosmetic uses were discovered later and approved by the FDA in 2002.It has since become the most popular treatment of its kind.

BOTOX® Cosmetic can treat medical conditions such as:

  • Muscle spasms
  • Crossed eyes
  • Lazy eye
  • Chronic migraines
  • Excessive sweating
  • Urinary incontinence

Myth: BOTOX® Cosmetic is for Middle-Aged People and Older

Signs of aging don’t suddenly appear when you turn 50. They slowly start building once you reach adulthood and become progressively more noticeable. The protein collagen gives your skin strength and elasticity, replenishes dead skin cells, and helps the skin heal from injuries.

Your body’s collagen production declines about 1 percent per year starting in your mid-20s. By the time you turn 40, you’re more than a decade into the aging process. Because of that, adults of all ages are candidates for BOTOX® Cosmetic. Its effects are cumulative, so your wrinkles become less pronounced every time you receive an injection. In younger adults, it can also prevent new wrinkles from forming.

Schedule Your Denver BOTOX® Cosmetic Consultation Today

Don’t accept visible signs of aging as inevitable. At the Center for Plastic Surgery at Castle Rock, our goal is to help you look and feel your best. BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment from Dr. Archibald can help restore your skin’s vitality.

We serve patients in Castle Rock, Colorado Springs, Denver, and surrounding areas of Colorado. Call (303) 268-2222 today to schedule a consultation.