Made Moon Blog

Botulinum medicine (shortened to BoTox) has become established in Sydney society in fact it is becoming an integral part of a beauty routine for individuals in Sydney.

Nevertheless I never fail to be dumbfounded by the various half-truths that have developed about the treatment.

Here I have outlines some of the myths which we hear everyday in Star Cosmetic Medicine, where I work as a doctor.

Myth # 1: I might lose the ability to express emotion!

Research indicates there are sixty or so muscles in the human face. They usually work in harmony, however from persistent movement lines may form. If excessive BoTox has been used the facial expression can become over relaxed. The dose injected by virtually all doctors make you appear ‘refreshed’, but still you will always maintain your normal expression.

Thus a carefully measured dosage of BoTox in the appropriate place means an expressive face is saved whilst any lines are softened.

Myth # 2: Botulinum is a toxic substance!
This to a small extent is right. Botulinum Toxin Type A is the proper scientific nomenclature. Too large a dose can result in a decrease in muscle tone or can even cause sickness.

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But to put matters into perspective – an ancient pharmacy expression is that ‘everything is a poison – it all depends on the dose’. All medications in a large dose may make you unwell. Even water can be a poison if enough is taken.

Myth # 3: It will sting!
The hypodermic needles we use at Star Cosmetic Medicine have a diameter smaller than your hair. Quite a few patients have stated that the injections are not worse than a bug bite. It is definitely not as sore as something like a blood test.

Myth # 4: BoTox will numb the feeling in my face!
Not true. BoTox affects the neuromuscular junction, not the nerves of sensation. Only the ability to relax muscles is impacted by BoTox.

Myth # 5. You have to keep getting BoTox or you will wrinkle faster than ever!
This is also incorrect.

One BoTox treatment will last about 3 months. Subsequent treatments tend to last a little longer. The lines will gradually return as the muscle regains its normal function. But they will certainly be no worse than when you began.

In fact the wrinkles should be be less noticeable than if you had never had BoTox injections – even when you don’t repeat the therapy. This, of course is chiefly the case because your facial muscles and skin have had a ‘wrinkle holiday’ during the therapy.