Watch this video for a little laugh....
This little cartoon displays many of the myths about botulinum toxin and its use in making us look younger. Botox, made by Allergan, and Dysport, made by Medicis, have been around a long time. Other similar products are on the horizon and these newer products will be just as effective and may drive down the cost.
For this blog I will refer to all of them as Botox as it is the most notable.
Botox was originally marketed for muscle disorders that caused spasm, disfigurement, and pain. It worked very safely and very well. As time went on, many of us realized that wrinkles in the face were caused by common muscles of expression that, over time, cause the skin that overlay the muscles to crease. The areas most commonly noticed are in the forehead, between the eyes, and the crows feet around the eyes. They are caused by us raising our brow as if surprised: forehead wrinkles, looking concerned: the "elevens" between the eyes, and smiling or squinting in the sun: crows feet. It was noticed that when these muscles are weakened with Botox, the wrinkles were markedly reduced. Over time, FDA approval was requested and granted for Botox use in these areas for cosmetic reasons.
Treatment with Botox started off being only for the "wealthy" as the cost was high. Also, there were many misconceptions about the complications that could occur and fear due to rumors of deaths from the proper use of the product.
Here are the facts:
1. Botox and other similar products are very safe. The amount injected by qualified injectors is so small that there is essentially no risk of any serious complication. As with any other injection, there is the small risk of bruising and if the medication is injected into the wrong muscle group there could be some brow droop or eyelid droop that is self limiting.
2. Botox is not an anesthetic. It does not cause numbness where injected. It does weaken the muscles but when done correctly, they can still be moved, just not with as much force.
3. Botox does not work immediately. In some of the smaller muscle groups it works quickly (within a few hours), in the larger muscle groups it may take as long as a week.
4. Botox is not permanent. In the typical patient, it lasts about 4 months. Some shorter and some longer. The average patient receives Botox every 4 to 6 months.
5. Some wrinkles may not disappear with Botox. Deep wrinkles that have been present for some time will be softened after injections but probably will not go away.
6. Botox does not "fill in" wrinkles. It simply slows down the underlying muscle strength and if the skin is able, it will smooth out by not being wrinkled by muscle contraction.
7. Botox is now becoming very affordable. Prices, due to increasing competition, have fallen. Also, as new products come to market, the price of the product should fall, allowing us to charge less. The average price of a treatment now is around $250-$300 where it used to be twice that much.
8. Treatment with Botox usually takes less than 10 minutes. I use the smallest needle I can get and it is essentially painless.
So, there you have it! Hopefully these points will help dispense many of the myths that surround Botox use. It is one of the most effective medications I have ever used and patient satisfaction exceeds any other medication when used on the right people. Like Total body Surgical on Facebook and get Botox at $9.00 per unit!!! Don't forget our liposuction special pricing and the newest treatment for toenail fungus!!
Call or fill out our form for a complimentary cosmetic consultation....918-786-7780!!!