Botox: More Beneficial and Less Scary Than You Think
There are a lot of misconceptions and stigmas associated with Botox that unfortunately prevent some people from receiving a treatment that would benefit them in many different ways. Is it right for everyone? No. And nothing is. But it is an effective and safe treatment that can be truly life-changing.
In this blog, you'll learn the benefits of Botox and we'll break down the common myths and stigmas associated with the injection so you can make an informed decision more confidently.
The Botox Stigmas
Let's get right to it. There are cultural stigmas associated with Botox. It's unfortunate too, as they mostly come from a misunderstanding of what the injection does or from poor technique.
Stigma #1: "You Had Work Done"
One of the biggest stigmas associated with Botox is having had "work done" to your face. But this isn't the same as going under the knife with plastic surgery. Botox is actually more natural, and if administered by a skilled injector, it enhances your appearance and can make you look younger without making it look like you're trying to.
But it's not just about looking younger. Botox helps correct or enhance many different facial concerns. It can also give you a refreshed look and make you look less "tired."
The truth is, no matter what you're doing, you are having something "done."
Yet, there's no stigma attached to facials or something like microneedling, though each works to improve your appearance, just in different ways. No one bats an eye at makeup, and yet makeup can profoundly change how you look—even to the point of making a person unrecognizable without it.
If it helps, look at Botox like weight loss (but faster and easier). You lose weight to look better, feel better, and be healthier.
Botox can also help you look better, feel better about yourself, and gain more confidence, which does in fact help your health! It's been scientifically proven that how you view yourself has a significant impact on your emotional and psychological well-being.1
Stigma #2: Vanity and Being Less Authentic
Another stigma associated with Botox is that some see it as a vanity treatment or that it somehow makes you less authentic. This stems from the "embrace yourself" movement. At Alkali, we are all 100% behind embracing yourself, but embracing yourself doesn't mean you can't improve or enhance your appearance. It's about being happy with who you are!
I'll bring up an earlier point. Does makeup make you less authentic? Does getting facials or other services? No. They do not. Maybe a handful of people think that, but the majority don't. Why is Botox any different?
Here's the thing:
What you really need to think about when you consider this stigma is why you do anything with your appearance. Do you not get your hair done to look better and feel better? Why do you buy a new outfit (outside of necessity)? Do you not put on makeup to enhance your look? Otherwise, what's the point?
The notion that Botox somehow makes you a vain or shallow person is ridiculous when you consider all the other things people do to look and feel better. And since when is self-improvement a bad thing? Only when an injection is involved? Do you see what I mean? When you really break it down, this stigma makes no sense and is a pretty unfair one at that.
Stigma #3: Frivolousness
Stigma three is about the money. This one is unfair and doesn't make much sense either if you really think about it. Some might say it's a waste of money or frivolous spending, but is it? Some think that about buying name-brand clothing, getting a massage, or buying a Mercedes when you could've bought a Honda. But it's your money. And the only thing wasteful about spending outside of necessities is if you're spending it on something that you don't find value in.
Stigma #4: Aging Anxiety
While there's some truth to this one, it shouldn't be a stigma because not everyone that gets Botox does it out of anxiety over aging. But also, who doesn't want to look younger? There's absolutely nothing wrong with aging gracefully whatsoever! I've always said I'd grow old gracefully myself, but as the years pass by, the more I've noticed my outlook on this shifting. Not out of anxiety, but out of what I want for myself and what would make me feel better when I look in the mirror.
But here's where things get really interesting:
Studies have shown that Botox is scientifically linked to reducing stress, fear, anxiety, and depression.1 This is because it gives you a big confidence boost but also because it decreases negative emotional signals that arise from certain facial muscle movements.1
So, even if you were thinking of getting Botox due to "aging anxiety," it could actually help with that anxiety while making you look and feel better. Kind of sounds like a win-win, doesn't it?
Did you know: Botox isn't just for the face. It's a common treatment for chronic migraines, excessive underarm sweating (hyperhidorosis), jaw tension, teeth grinding, and facial pain.
Botox Myths vs. Facts
Now that the stigmas are out of the way, let's take a look at the myths surrounding Botox injections.
Myth #1: Botox Is a Dangerous Toxin and Isn't Safe
A lot of people think Botox is unsafe and are afraid it will leave toxic substances in their system. However, the word "toxin" doesn't give this injection a fair shake. What makes most things harmful is the amount. For example, even water can be toxic in excessive amounts.
Of course, I'm not saying Botox is comparable to water. My point is, in proper context, it's not the scary substance it sounds like it is.
Fact:
Yes, Botox is a neurotoxin, but it's also a protein that breaks down into an amino acid naturally in the body. Botox leaves your system within three to four months and leaves no permanent effects. Would it be safe to ingest Botox? No. Just like it wouldn't be safe to eat your shampoo and conditioner by the spoonful.
While there are contraindications, an experienced and skilled injector will negate most risks with proper technique and the knowledge needed to safely determine if your medical history makes you a good candidate.
Myth #2: Botox Will Freeze My Face
We've all seen it. The phenomenon is real. But that's not the point of Botox. In fact, at Alkali, we'd consider that bad Botox. It happens when too much is administered and/or poor technique is used. But the notion that Botox freezes your face no matter what is a myth.
The myth started because early on, when Botox was first introduced, many injectors, especially in the United States, favored heavy-handed applications that removed nearly all facial movement. And that's what causes the frozen, expressionless Botox face people have come to fear.
Fact:
When Botox is administered properly, you're still your beautiful, expressive self! The modern approach to the treatment is about improving areas using precise amounts of Botox based on each individual's needs and goals for a more natural look.
Botox is NOT a one-size-fits-all treatment. If you go in for a treatment and they already have a prefilled syringe, that could be a red flag. Even for follow-ups and touch-ups, best results occur after your provider performs a visual examination and discusses how your treatment went.
Myth #3: Botox is Addictive
Many people think that once you start Botox, you can never stop. That's not true. There is absolutely no chemical dependency on Botox injections. You will not suffer physical withdrawls or anything like that.
That said, many people love the results and do not want to stop getting Botox. But that's not the same as addiction. In fact, it's no different than getting hair extensions, hair color, or a new haircut. You keep doing it because you love how it looks! Yet, no one's calling that an "addiction."
Fact:
Botox is not an addictive substance, and your skin will not become reliant on it.
Myth #4: After Botox Wears Off, You Age Faster or Look Worse
Neither of these things are true. The only reason this is even a myth at all is because it's a personal perception of what you look like after Botox versus while it was active.
Fact:
Once Botox wears off, you return to your baseline look. Not a worse look, just the look you had prior to treatment. You don't suddenly age faster after Botox either. However, you may feel like you do because you got used to how you looked for the duration of your treatment. All that means is the injector did an amazing job, and you enjoyed the results. But you are not actually aging faster.
Myth #5: Fillers are Safer Than Botox
Alkali offers Juvederm fillers, so of course we aren't making a case against them. But what we've noticed is that many clients come in for fillers and yet are afraid of Botox. There seems to be a misconception that Botox remains in your system and is more dangerous than fillers.
Fact:
Botox leaves your system in three to four months, whereas fillers, which are like tiny gel pillows, actually sit under the skin and stay in your body for up to two years.
In fact, many experts consider fillers to be riskier than Botox, as fillers can migrate, be overfilled, cause blocked blood vessels, result in lumps and nodules, granulomas and immune reactions, and can cause infections if not administered properly.3
Botox does not share those risks, though it has its own side effects, which include droopy eyelids, asymmetry, headaches, flu-like symptoms, and very rarely, resistance to treatment over time.3
Both fillers and Botox can cause bruising and swelling at the injection sites and allergic reactions, though rarely.
The good news is that most of the risks associated with Botox and fillers can be avoided by seeing a skilled injector.
Myth #6: Botox Prevents Aging
If there's one myth we actually wish were true about Botox, it's this one. Unfortunately, Botox does not prevent aging, nor do early treatments have any long-term anti-aging benefits.
Fact:
Botox treatments do help soften repetitive muscle movements, which can potentially delay deeper lines. Really, though, it's just an illusion. Stop Botox, and those lines will eventually form as they would naturally, so you're not actually preventing anything. You're concealing lines before you notice them, that's all.
That's not to say getting treatments for "preventative" reasons is bad. It's not. And this reason is totally valid. But it's important to know the full story behind it. If you want to avoid seeing lines and wrinkles for as long as possible, discuss your goals with your injector. They'll be able to help you achieve your goals safely.
Your Injector Is Everything When It Comes to Botox
Finding a knowledgeable, skilled injector is the most critical piece of the injectable puzzle. Not only for exceptional results but also the safety of your treatment, and this goes for Botox or fillers. Almost every stigma and myth of Botox can be mitigated by a great injector. Want to avoid the frozen Botox face, Spock brows, or asymmetric flaws? Want to prevent resistance to Botox over time? Then choose your provider carefully.
Some tips for finding the right injector for you:
Always book a consultation
Your injector should discuss your goals and concerns without pressuring you or pushing the product
Look for a provider that assesses your facial structure and movement before treatment
"Through experience and anatomy expertise, I am able to provide quality services that are unique to each client's needs. Your service provider's understanding of the individuality of facial anatomy is crucial to providing the best and safest results. That is what I love most: providing Botox services based off the look, rather than by the unit. Facial balancing is an artistry that I love being able to craft!" - Elizabeth Boles Blankenship, MMS, PA-C
You Don't Need Permission From Anyone But Yourself
Last, but not least. Don't let misconceptions and stigmas prevent you from considering Botox. Make a consultation, talk to your provider, and make a decision based on what would make you feel better in your body.
Because ultimately, that's what it's all about.
Just like getting your hair done, losing weight, wearing makeup, and the long list of other things we all do to enhance our appearance or make ourselves feel more confident, Botox is meant to do the same thing. It's a personal choice, and only you can decide if it's right for you.
Sources:
2https://news.abbvie.com/2022-04-13-BOTOX-R-Cosmetic-onabotulinumtoxinA-Celebrates-20-Years-Since-First-U-S-FDA-Approval
3https://facialesthetics.org/patient-info/botox/the-risks-of-botox-and-fillers-what-you-need-to-know/
