Sydney Botulinum injections (Botox for short) has become ingrained amongst up-to-date Sydney society in fact it is becoming a grooming essential for individuals in the Harbour City. But I never fail to be amazed by the variety of urban legends and half truths that surround the procedure. Here I have outlines a few of the popular errors that I encounter daily at Star Cosmetic Medicine, where I am employed as a physician.

Mistake no. 1: My facial muscles might stiffen up!

There are 60 or so muscles below the skin of your face. Their relentless use over time can result in the formation of expression lines. If an excess of Botox is injected facial muscles can become too relaxed. Most doctors would use comparatively small doses to make you appear ‘refreshed’, nevertheless you will of course maintain your natural expression.

Thus by using small quantities of the preparation in just the right tissues one will have a reduction in the wrinkles without compromising facial expression.

Mistake no. 2: Botox is a poison!
This to some extent is right. Botulinum Toxin Type A is the correct pharmacological terminology. In large quantities it can loosen muscles that you do not want loosened and may cause serious illness.

But to put everything into perspective – an ancient pharmacist’s saying states that ‘everything is a poison – it all depends on the dose’. A large dose of any medicinal drug may result in illness. Water can kill you if too much is taken.

Mistake no. 3: Botox will sting!
Your hairs are thicker than the needles we use at Star Cosmetic Medicine. Some individuals liken the injections to bug bites. It for certain is not as painful as something like a vaccination.

Mistake no. 4: Botox will deaden my face!
This is totally wrong. Botulinum medicine works on the neuromuscular junction, and not on sensate nerve fibers. Just the ability to relax your muscles is affected by Botox.

Mistake no. 5. Once you begin getting Botox you need to continue otherwise you will have worse wrinkles than before!
Once More this is simply false.

The first treatment will be effective for around three months. Any treatments after the initial one normally last a little longer. The wrinkles will gradually re-emerge as the muscle recovers its strength. Nevertheless your wrinkles won’t be more pronounced than when you commenced your treatment.

Even if you never had Botox again – those lines will probably be a little less severe than if you hadn’t undergone the procedure. This, of course is primarily because your facial muscles and skin have had a ‘wrinkle holiday’ when the Botox was effective.