Despite Botox becoming increasingly popular in India's aesthetic medicine landscape, several misconceptions continue to cloud public understanding. Addressing these myths with scientific evidence can help patients make informed decisions.
Myth 1: Botox is used in cosmetic issues only
Facts: According to Dr Debraj Shome, Co-Founder and Director, The Esthetic Clinics, Botox is common knowledge as the substance that soothes fine lines, although the medical uses of this substance are much broader.
It is used as a first-line therapy in chronic migraines, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), cervical dystonia, muscle spasms, and eye disorders such as benign essential blepharospasm (eyelid twitching uncontrollably) and hemifacial spasm, where muscles on one side of the face contract involuntarily.
It is also used in the treatment of some eye alignment and muscle spasticity in adults and children. The therapeutic benefit of Botox is far beyond an aesthetic effect, as it enhances the quality of life of patients in such cases.
Myth 2: Botox has an artificial and frozen appearance
Reality: Botox offers a natural outcome when used appropriately by qualified personnel. In a 2018 study reported in Dermatologic Surgery, the patient satisfaction rates with natural facial expressions were high (over 90) when patients were given adequate doses and injection methods.
Myth 3: Botox is permanent
Reality: However, contrary to popular belief, Botox effects are not lasting, and usually take 3-6 months before fading away. This, in fact, plays to the advantage of patients because they can modify treatments according to the outcomes and preferences.
Myth 4: Botox is harmful and poisonous
Fact: Botox can cause death, but the doses administered in cosmetic surgeries are minuscule and focused. Botox is an established drug, approved by the FDA in 1989. In 2016, the Clinical Interventions in Ageing review of more than three decades of data established that the adverse effects of administering it by trained practitioners at therapeutic doses were minimal.
Myth 5: Wait till you can see wrinkles
Fact: Botox, early in your late twenties or early thirties, used as a preventive measure, can actually prevent the appearance and development of wrinkles. The early use of small doses can serve to prolong the youthful skin.
Myth 6: Recovery takes weeks
Fact: Botox is a lunchtime surgery that does not have downtime. The majority of patients recover normal functioning as soon as they leave, and the outcome is observed in 3-7 days.
The trick to regional Botox treatment is to select a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist with a great deal of experience because the methods and anatomy are significant to provide both safety and a natural outcome.
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