Anti-wrinkle injections uses the drug Botulinum toxin. It is an injectable muscle relaxant, commonly known by one of its trademarked brand names, BOTOX®.
There are many misconceptions about anti-wrinkle injections and in this blog I will discuss the 5 most common misconceptions I hear in clinic everyday.
FALSE: It has received approval from the FDA for use in cosmetic treatments as well as medical conditions, such as Hyperhidrosis, neurological conditions, migraines and many more (the FDA is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy and security of drugs)
When Botulinum toxin is injected in a controlled amount, by a well-trained medical professionals it is very safe.
Any issues that do arise are usually due to poorly trained professionals and not the drug itself.
FALSE: Since i started to work in the aesthetics industry (over 6 years) there has been a huge increase in the amount of men that now attend my clinic.
Both men and women now want to look their best and Anti-wrinkle injections are a great way to achieve this.
Men do usually need a larger dose due to having more muscle mass and therefore the price is slightly higher for men.
- FALSE: If the fear of pain is the reason you aren’t having anti wrinkle injections then you will be happy to know that most of my patients don’t feel a thing. Those that do feel anything often say it was much less painful than first feared and they wish they had never worried about any pain.
Often multiple injections are required but the treatment is relatively quick and over in a couple of minutes.
Regardless of your pain threshold it is highly unlikely you will feel much pain and at worst, some explain the procedure as slightly uncomfortable.
There is no necessity for anaesthetic as it is such a quick and painless procedure, the needle used is very fine so the trauma to the area is minimal.
4. Anti wrinkle injections and dermal fillers are the same.
FALSE: Anti-wrinkle injections or Botox and dermal fillers are both cosmetic injectable treatments, however they are different products used to obtain different outcomes.
Botox is a muscle relaxant, used to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as to prevent further wrinkles from forming. They can also be used to lift certain areas (brow lift), drop certain areas (gummy smile) or medical treatments such as Hyperhidrosis (sweating).
Anti-wrinkle injection treatments are a prescription drug, therefore should not be administered unless you have had a face to face consultation with a prescriber, such as a nurse prescriber, doctor or dentist.
Dermal fillers are made up of Hyaluronic acid. They are used to volumise, rejuvenate, restore and hydrate. They are classed as a medical device therefore do not need prescribing, however if any problems arise such as anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction that can be life threatening if not treated by a trained professional) or a blocked vessel, they would require a prescription drug to treat and the speed which these are administered is paramount. Therefore i strongly advise only seeing a medical professional when undergoing Anti-wrinkle injection treatments or dermal fillers.
5. Wrinkles get worse if you stop having Anti-wrinkle injections
FASLE: Anti-wrinkle injections does not have any permanent effects. Repeated treatments can actually reduce the need for treatment as the muscle weakens over time. Your face will not sag due to stopping the treatment however normal ageing will happen, but not at an increased rate.
If you have any more questions about anti-wrinkle injections, or any other treatments which I offer please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Much love
SFA X