Raster Gang

Sydney Botulinum injections (Botox for short) is fast becoming popular amongst Sydney’s stylish crowd and now it has become an integral part of any beauty routine for many in Sydney.

But I am often surprised by the various stories that have originated in connection with the procedure. I have included below a selection of the mistakes that I encounter in my work as a physician at Star Cosmetic Medicine in Pyrmont, Sydney.

Mistaken Belief no. 1: My facial muscles may stiffen up!

There are 60 or so muscles in the human face. Their unrelenting use over a period of time may cause wrinkle formation. When surplus Botox is employed the muscles responsible for expression can sometimes become less expressive. The amount injected by most physicians will result in you looking less tired, yet you will keep your normal expression.

Thus a carefully measured dosage of Botox in the proper site means an expressive face is retained whilst the fine lines are minimised.

Mistaken Belief no. 2: Botox is toxic!
Actually there is a grain of truth in this. Botulinum Toxin Type A is the correct scientific terminology. An overdose can result in loss of muscle tone and can even cause serious illness.

Pharmacists have a famous expression ‘everything is a poison - all depending on the dose’. A large dose of any drug will result in sickness. If you drink too great a quantity of water it can kill you.

Mistaken Belief no. 3: Botox will hurt!
The hypodermic needles we use at Star Cosmetic Medicine have a diameter less than your hair. Quite a few patients state that the shots are not as painful as being bitten by a bug. It is certainly less painful than a procedure like a blood test.

Mistaken Belief no. 4: My face will lose sensitivity!
False. Botulinum medicine works on the neuromuscular junction, and not on sensate nerve fibers. Botox only targets the ability to relax muscular tissues.

Mistaken Belief no. 5. You must keep having Botox or else the wrinkles become more noticable!
Again this is just untrue.

B.tox is believed to be effective for upwards of three months. Any further treatments after the first consultation should last a little longer. Gradually as muscle strength returns - the lines will return bit by bit. However they will definitely not be any deeper than before.

As A Matter Of Fact the wrinkles will more often than not be less evident than if you hadn’t had Botox - even when you never repeat the injections. This is typically due to the fact you have given your skin a ‘wrinkle holiday’ during the treatment.