If you’re interested in injectables for banishing lines and wrinkles, you undoubtedly know about Botox. Approved in 1989 for medical use and in 2002 for cosmetic purposes, Botox is the most popular, tried-and-true method for temporary wrinkle treatment.
Since Botox has been a popular treatment for so many years, it has withstood the test of time–and also the test of criticism. Many people worry about the possible side effects of Botox and become frightened after hearing myths about horrific side effect stories. One such myth is that Botox will freeze your face over time, making it difficult to smile or portray other emotions. The truth is, when performed by a skilled plastic surgeon in moderation, Botox is very safe. It’s like many other things in life: if you overdo something, you’ll probably have a bad outcome.
So why is this myth about Botox so common?
Partly because of the way Botox works. Botox is short for botulinum toxin. This may sound scary, but Botox is widely used for various medical conditions and, of course, wrinkle treatments. It is sometimes used to aid in physical therapy for cerebral palsy, as a treatment for chronic migraines, and for easing the symptoms of facial tics. It works by relaxing the muscles. When used in controlled amounts in the face, the areas that wrinkle due to motion (crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles etc) are relaxed, softening the appearance of any wrinkling that may be present. It does not freeze the face, it merely relaxes the muscles.
Most side effects of Botox are very mild and may include headache, redness at the injection site and, in rare cases, drooping eyelids. Fortunately, these effects are temporary. More serious complications are extremely rare. If you think Botox may be right for you, be sure to choose a doctor who knows the correct methods of dosing the drug.
If you’d like to learn more about setting up a Botox regimen, contact Dr. Bentkover of Bentkover Facial Plastic Surgery at 508-363-6500. Dr. Bentkover is very experienced with Botox injections, and has offices in Worcester and Stoneham, Massachusetts.