Over the past several years, thousands and thousands of people in the U.S. have had injections of BOTOX® Cosmetic, but in Dallas, where I practice, I still see patients all the time who are hesitant to try it out because they’re concerned about possible negative effects. Rest assured, BOTOX injections can be a highly effective and convenient way to alleviate some of the signs of facial aging — as long as they’re administered by a qualified medical practitioner. I’d like to address 5 of the most common fears associated with getting BOTOX.
- It’s harmful: BOTOX is derived from botulinum toxin type A. The word “toxin” frightens a lot of patients off, but, the amount of it used in cosmetic procedures is minimal and completely safe.
- It’s painful: Most patients report a slight stinging or light pressure. Both can be mitigated by the use of a numbing cream. Most people say the very mild and temporary discomfort is more than tolerable and well worth it.
- My face will freeze: BOTOX works by relaxing contracted muscles that create furrows. It will paralyze the muscles it targets, but it’s an extremely exact and precise product that good practitioners use conservatively, ensuring that only small areas of the patient’s face look relaxed and nothing looks “overdone.”
- It will make my eyelids droop: Droopy eyelids can be a result of getting BOTOX from someone without proper experience or training. That’s why it’s important to make sure to choose a board-certified dermatologist who knows facial anatomy. When BOTOX is done correctly, the eyelids won’t droop.
- It’s too expensive: BOTOX is one of the most affordable ways to cosmetically correct frown lines between the brows and crow’s feet.