BOTOX® and injectables are one of the most popular ways to minimize or eliminate facial wrinkles, and lately more people are using them to even prevent new lines from forming. Of course, there’s a lot of half-truths and myths out there about BOTOX and fillers. If you’re thinking about whether to include them in your anti-aging regimen, start by learning these truths behind the myths.
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Injectable Products May Last Longer on Some People Than Others
The reason advertisements for these products say they last “up to” a certain amount of time is because there is no exact timeline for how long they’ll last. Most people schedule BOTOX appointments anywhere from 3 to 6 months apart. With fillers, this can be as little as once or twice per year. Much of how long BOTOX or injectables last has to do with your unique anatomy. The specific area you’re having treated and whether you’ve had previous injections can also all play a role.
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BOTOX and Injectables Are Safe to Use
So, you hear that BOTOX is actually made from botulinum toxin and think to yourself, “toxin?!” While it might sound a bit scary, there’s really nothing to be concerned about. In fact, botulinum toxin injection has been approved by the FDA since 1989 and was first used to treat eyelid spasms and crossed eyes. Though not common, some people may experience an allergic reaction to BOTOX or injectables. The biggest risk for most people is the possibility of ending up with less-than-ideal results, which brings us to the next point.
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You Don’t Have to Look Frozen
There’s a bit of a stigma around BOTOX and other injectables. It comes from an idea that once you have them done, you’re going to look puffy, expressionless or totally fake. The truth is that this only tends to happen when people are over-injected or don’t choose their practitioner carefully enough (see #4 below). Administered correctly, BOTOX and fillers can be virtually undetectable. Ideally, you should simply look refreshed and more youthful.
Expertly administered BOTOX and injectables can help bring balance to your facial contours while smoothing out the lines and wrinkles that can make you look older.
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You Need to Have BOTOX and Injectables Done by a Professional
This is one of the immutable BOTOX and injectable facts. No matter how tempting it might be to go to your neighbor’s “BOTOX party” or get that online deal for half-price injectables, don’t do it. It is absolutely worth splurging on anti-aging treatments that work, and you’ll need to see a professional to be sure you’re getting authentic, undiluted cosmetic products.
It’s advisable to see a board certified facial plastic surgeon for any facial cosmetic procedure. Someone who specializes in facial procedures will have a deeper understanding of the delicate technique it takes to create beautiful and natural-looking results with BOTOX and other injectables.
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Yes, BOTOX and Injectables Really Work
It’s normal to be skeptical about products and treatments when so many options out there really aren’t all they claim to be. In this case, the hype behind BOTOX, hyaluronic acid fillers and other injectables exists for good reason. BOTOX works by relaxing the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles such as forehead lines and “crow’s feet.” This has a preventative effect, as well. In short, these products can be genuinely effective at achieving visible, natural-looking anti-aging results.
Waleed Ezzat, M.D., F.A.C.S. is double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. He operates under the philosophy that natural beauty is the best kind of beauty. Dr. Ezzat addresses each aesthetic or reconstructive challenge by considering the whole facial anatomy rather than focusing on one isolated area. This comprehensive approach maintains a goal of fully functional and natural-looking results that fit perfectly within each individual’s unique genetic makeup.
