In 2002, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved Botox for improving the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines (wrinkles between the brows), along with crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles. Fast forward to today, Botox is the most frequently performed non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the country. In 2014, there were roughly 3.5 million Botox injections provided by cosmetic surgeons, dermatologists, and aestheticians.
While Botox has become a household term, there are some serious misconceptions about Botox:
Botox is toxic because it contains the botulinum toxin.
It’s true that Botox is derived from the bacteria that cause botulism. However, Botox is made out of an isolated protein segment of the bacteria. Therefore patients should not worry about Botox being poisonous! Plus, Botox is injected in such small amounts that there isn’t any danger, it simply temporarily paralyzes the muscle it is injected into.
Botox can address all aging concerns in the face.
If this were true, Botox would be many times over bigger than it already is. There would be no need for facelifts or dermal fillers. In reality, Botox works best in addressing issues in the upper third of the face such as forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and furrows between the brows. The middle and lower thirds of the face respond well to fillers and surgery. Botox works on wrinkles caused by muscle contractions, not on static wrinkles (those that are present all the time).
Botox is unnecessary if you had cosmetic surgery.
The truth is that Botox works in a complementary fashion with facial rejuvenation surgeries such as a facelift, eyelid surgery, and a forehead lift. In most cases, a Botox injection can help make desired outcomes last longer.
At Saltz Plastic Surgery, we have extensive experience with Botox. Put that to work addressing aging issues on your face. Call us in Salt Lake or Park City and set up your appointment today.
