Injection of Botox (botulinum toxin type A) has become one of the most common nonsurgicalcosmetic proceduresperformed in the United States.Yet, amid its unflagging popularity, there remain many myths about the procedure, the most common being that people who get Botox are being injected withbotulism(a bacterial form of food poisoning). It is this and other types of misinformation that can lead consumers in the wrong direction when deciding whether to use Botox.
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The History of Botox
Xeomin vs. Botox: Which Is Right for You?
Botox has largely become the generic term for all these products, even among those receiving Dysport or Myobloc injections. Although the results can vary, all formulations work quite similarly.
The Remarkable History of Botox
How Botox Works
Despite what many will tell you, Botox doesn’t actually removewrinkles. In fact, you should be wary of any doctor, nurse, or aesthetician who claims that it does.
Once injected, the muscle is basically paralyzed, leading to the reduction of so-called “dynamic wrinkles” (wrinkles that are only present when muscles contract). This is why Botox is so effective on the wrinkles around the mouth and cheeks (apparent when we smile) and at the corner of the eyes (apparent when we squint, frown, and grimace).
Not all wrinkles are treated equally. As we get older and lose elasticity in our skin, a permanent crease can sometimes develop even when the muscle is relaxed. While Botox cannot erase these deep creases, it may help to soften them.
Botox isn’t reversible once it has been injected, but it does wear off. Its effects typically begin within 48 hours of injection and become noticeable within five to 10 days. However, the effects only last from between three to five months, at which point you would need another treatment to maintain the anti-wrinkle effects.
A Word From Verywell
Studies published in 2015 have shown that people who get Botox injections are generally satisfied with the results.However, it should never be considered a miracle treatment. While you can certainly expect some noticeable improvement, Botox can’t turn back the clock 20 years.
In the end, it is always important to be realistic about what Botox can and cannot do. Moreover, the improper use of Botox can result in what many call a “frozen face,” a condition which ends up highlighting the procedure rather than the wrinkles it is meant to conceal. Always check the credentials of the professional who plans to give you the shots and ask for references from current or former clients.
Botox Immunity and Why Botox May Not Work for You
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Learn more about Botox, Dysport & Xeomin.Walker TJ, Dayan SH.Comparison and overview of currently available neurotoxins.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(2):31–39.Rivers JK, Bertucci V, Mcgillivray W, et al.Subject satisfaction with onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of glabellar and lateral canthal lines using a new patient-reported outcome measure.Dermatol Surg.2015;41(8):950-9. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000000424
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Learn more about Botox, Dysport & Xeomin.Walker TJ, Dayan SH.Comparison and overview of currently available neurotoxins.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(2):31–39.Rivers JK, Bertucci V, Mcgillivray W, et al.Subject satisfaction with onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of glabellar and lateral canthal lines using a new patient-reported outcome measure.Dermatol Surg.2015;41(8):950-9. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000000424
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Learn more about Botox, Dysport & Xeomin.Walker TJ, Dayan SH.Comparison and overview of currently available neurotoxins.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(2):31–39.Rivers JK, Bertucci V, Mcgillivray W, et al.Subject satisfaction with onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of glabellar and lateral canthal lines using a new patient-reported outcome measure.Dermatol Surg.2015;41(8):950-9. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000000424
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Learn more about Botox, Dysport & Xeomin.
Walker TJ, Dayan SH.Comparison and overview of currently available neurotoxins.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(2):31–39.
Rivers JK, Bertucci V, Mcgillivray W, et al.Subject satisfaction with onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of glabellar and lateral canthal lines using a new patient-reported outcome measure.Dermatol Surg.2015;41(8):950-9. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000000424
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