Austin Oculofacial Plastics’ 5 Top Botox Facts & Myths
At some point in your life you may have been faced with finding a less than flattering Instagram or Facebook photo of yourself – tagged by a friend who obviously doesn’t understand the “rules”…Instantly you feel 15 years older and before you know it, you’re in front of a mirror, stretching and pulling at your skin, trying to imagine what you’d look like if you had bathed in coconut oil every day and worn sunscreen since you were born.
Panic sets in when a Google search confirms that time travel still hasn’t been invented and you’re not going to be able to go back and fix that anytime soon. Then you realize that anti-aging skin care is advancing at the speed of light…but who to trust with such a delicate matter? Board Certified Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon and a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Dr. Sean Paul is an expert of the eyes and face. With extensive knowledge and experience working on the muscles of these vital areas, he knows exactly how to take years off your face with a simple injection. Botox has been extremely popular throughout the years with more and more people using it to regain a youthful appearance. It is 100% FDA approved and can help to ease wrinkles around the eyes and forehead safely, quickly and virtually painlessly. Of course, as with all advancements in medicine, there are always doubts, myths and questions like “does it actually work?”, “will I turn into an angry frozen version of myself”, “is it going to hurt”? While strange stories and misconceptions about Botox are not uncommon, only you and Dr. Paul can determine whether Botox is a good fit for you and your lifestyle. Before you decide to get a treatment, you should probably see which of these stories are true and which are just myths…
- MYTH: Botox stays in your body forever.
FACT: Botox is not forever. It normally lasts for 3-4 months depending on how active your metabolism is. After this time passes you will have to get Botox again to restore the desired effects. After your initial treatment with Dr. Paul, you may want to schedule your follow-up treatments at any of his convenient South Austin, North Austin, Westlake, New Braunfels locations in advance to ensure you get a reminder when it is time for a touch-up. If you decide to stop having Botox treatments, you will slowly lose the relaxing effect of Botox and will resume the normal development of wrinkles with movement.
- MYTH: Botox and Filler injections are the same thing.
FACT: While they both lessen the appearance of wrinkles, Botox and Dermal Fillers do not function in the same way. Botox relaxes the muscles that create wrinkles on the face while Dermal Fillers restore and add volume to facial tissue, giving you a youthful, plump look. Fillers “fill” and Botox “relaxes” the treated areas. Once you understand that the muscle movement is what’s creating the wrinkle, especially on the forehead, then it’s easier to understand. Botox relaxes the muscle that’s creating the wrinkle, as opposed to filler which works by filling in the wrinkle with product.
- MYTH: If I get Botox, everyone is going to know I got something “done”.
FACT: Like all plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments, anything done correctly and in moderation can and should look natural. Our goal at Austin Oculofacial Plastics is for you to be able to walk out of here and once the slight swelling has settled, no one should know you have had anything done unless you decide to tell them. To avoid bruising (one tell-tale sign that does eventually fade) Dr. Paul advises that you stop taking Advil, Aleve, aspirin, etc. a week before any injection treatment. These medications thin your blood making you more likely to bruise. If you aren’t sure how much Botox you need or where on your face you should get it to achieve beautiful and natural results, Dr. Paul can evaluate your face and skin in order to provide a customized treatment recommendation at your initial consultation.
- MYTH: The best time to get Botox injections is when lines first begin to appear.
FACT: If you are looking to stay ahead of the curve, Botox can help with premature aging and wrinkle development. If you wait until lines start to etch into your skin then it will be far more difficult to smooth their appearance. Botox is often used for lines and wrinkles that are formed by muscle movements like scowling, squinting, raising eyebrows, and smiling. Both men and women can benefit from preventative Botox and treatment may be recommended for patients that are 18 and older if there is a need to do so.
- MYTH: Botox will make me look frozen and unnatural.
FACT: This is the most common misconception about Botox injections. When done correctly and in proper moderation, Botox will look natural and emotions will still be expressed on your face. The truth of the matter is that Botox will enhance facial expressions rather than erase them entirely. When you have your treatment performed by a trained and skilled physician like Dr. Paul, you should still able to display the entire range of facial expressions including frowning, smiling and appearing surprised as the treatment should simply relax the muscle at the injection point.
If you have any questions regarding Botox, we are here to help at 512-642-5050!