Myths and truths about botulinum injections: a doctor's view
Foto: adoria.lv
Although botulinum toxin therapy is one of the most performed and most studied aesthetic procedures in the world, it is still surrounded by various stereotypes. The information available in the public space is often contradictory, creating unfounded fears about the safety of the procedure and the possible "mask effect".
To make a considered decision in favour of your appearance and well-being, it is essential to understand what is merely a botulinum injection myth and what is a medically grounded reality. Dermatologist Jevgenija Vladimirova of the Adoria Health and Beauty Centre brings clarity to these questions and analyses the most popular assumptions.
In this article you will learn:
- Whether the botulinum toxin preparation really is toxic and harmful to overall health.
- Why nowadays there is no longer any need to fear frozen facial features, the so-called "mask effect".
- How injections help not only beauty, but also the reduction of sweating.
Why do stereotypes and myths about botulinum injections arise?
Often, fears and prejudices are rooted in past experience or in examples of unprofessionally performed procedures that we see on social media. Ten or more years ago, aesthetic medicine did indeed use larger doses of the preparation, which could create an artificial effect. But the industry has developed rapidly.
The second and perhaps most important factor is the mistaken belief that these injections are a simple cosmetic manipulation that can be carried out by any beauty specialist. It is precisely procedures performed by unqualified persons that most often cause complications and an unnatural appearance, which later forms negative stereotypes in society.
- Important to know: under the legislation of the Republic of Latvia, botulinum toxin is a prescription medication, and injections may be performed only by a certified doctor, for example a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has obtained the appropriate qualification in aesthetic medicine. Therefore, when choosing a medical institution and a certified doctor, this method is absolutely safe and the result is predictable.
Will natural facial expression be preserved after the procedure?
Foto: adoria.lv
One of the most widespread botulinum injection myths is linked to the fear of losing one's natural facial expression and the ability to show emotions. This belief is mistaken if the procedure is performed by a qualified specialist. The goal of modern aesthetic dermatology is a harmonious and natural appearance.
Properly performed botulinum injections for the forehead and eyes reduce only muscle hypertonus – they relax the specific area, preventing the formation of deep, dynamic wrinkles, but do not completely block expression. A person is still able to smile and show surprise, but during expression the skin is no longer creased as intensely, and the fine lines smooth out. The result is visually more youthful and smoother skin, not a frozen facial expression.
Is botulinum toxin a dangerous poison?
One of the most common stereotypes is linked to concerns about the composition of the preparation and its effect on the body. The word "toxin" in the name is mistakenly associated by many with a poison dangerous to health, but the medical reality is entirely different. Aesthetic dermatology uses a highly purified, laboratory-grade type A botulinum toxin, which in therapy is applied in extremely small and precisely calculated doses.
The safety profile of this preparation is very high – it has been used widely and successfully in medicine for decades not only in beauty care, but also in neurology, for example in treating muscle spasms in children or chronic migraines in adults. When the injection is performed, the preparation acts locally only in the specific muscle. Since the dose used in aesthetics is hundreds of times smaller than what could theoretically harm health, under the supervision of a certified specialist the risk of poisoning practically does not exist.
Does beauty really demand sacrifices?
The saying that beauty demands sacrifices is still heard in society, leading many to think that injections will certainly be unpleasant or painful. However, with regard to this therapy the fears are greatly exaggerated.
The procedure uses micro-needles that are considerably finer than those we encounter in the vaccination room or when giving blood tests. In terms of sensation it is most often compared to a quick mosquito bite or a light pinch that lasts only a second. Often the anxiety arises rather from the very fact that a needle is used, not from real pain, because the procedure is very gentle and not even anaesthesia is required.
Does the preparation enlarge the lips and cheeks?
This is a very common botulinum injection myth that arises from confusing two different procedures – botulinum injections and fillers. It is important to remember the difference:
- Botulinum toxin acts only on the facial expression muscles, temporarily reducing their activity. It is physically unable to add volume, because the preparation does not fill the tissue. Therefore, botulinum cannot be used to enlarge the lips or artificially create pronounced cheekbones – it is intended only for smoothing dynamic fine lines.
- Fillers (most often hyaluronic acid preparations) are the ones that work as a "building material" – they are injected under the skin to restore volume lost over the years, correct the facial oval, or enlarge the lips.
So, when performing classic botulinum injections in the forehead or around the eyes, there is no need to worry about a "puffed-up" face or features changed beyond recognition – the result will be only relaxed, smoother skin without any change in volume.
Foto: adoria.lv
Does the procedure cause an irreversible addiction?
It is not uncommon to hear the claim that, once you try it, you will have to continue for the rest of your life, because after the preparation wears off the skin will look worse and ageing will accelerate. This is not true. Botulinum toxin does not create a physical addiction. When the effect of the preparation ends (on average after 3–6 months), muscle activity gradually returns and the fine lines slowly come back to their initial state, rather than becoming deeper.
However, there is a psychological aspect – seeing how smooth and fresh the skin looks, patients often want to maintain this effect. Moreover, regular botulinum injections work preventively – while the muscle is relaxed, new wrinkles do not form. To improve not only the relief but also the quality of the skin itself, dermatologists often recommend combining botulinum therapy with procedures that deeply moisturise and nourish the skin.
- Biorevitalisation: an injection method that, with the help of hyaluronic acid, provides deep skin moisturising and stimulates collagen synthesis.
- Mesotherapy: a procedure during which cocktails of vitamins, amino acids and minerals are introduced into the skin to improve skin tone, elasticity and radiance.
Important to remember: Although these methods complement each other excellently, they must not be performed simultaneously in a single visit. To avoid swelling and unwanted reactions, the time intervals between manipulations must be strictly observed. Therefore, the specialists of the Adoria Health and Beauty Centre create an individual beauty plan for each client, determining the precise sequence of procedures.
- For the facial skin to be cared for and moisturised in everyday life too, a seasonal approach to the skincare routine is important. To learn how to properly care for your facial skin in autumn and winter conditions, read the article “A professional guide to skincare in autumn and winter”.
Are the procedures intended only for reducing wrinkles?
Society still holds the view that botulinum toxin is intended solely for correcting signs of ageing on the face. In reality, this therapy is a medically recognised "gold standard" in the treatment of hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, which helps many people regain confidence and comfort in everyday life.
- Botulinum injections for the underarms are an effective solution in situations where everyday hygiene products and deodorants cannot provide sufficient protection. The preparation blocks the nerve impulses that activate the sweat glands, thereby preventing unpleasant odour and the formation of moisture stains on clothing.
- Botulinum injections for the palms are an essential procedure for people whose constantly moist hands cause psychological discomfort or interfere with their professional activity. It allows them to feel free in interactions with others (for example, when shaking hands) and to work unhindered with documents or equipment.
Are you ready to dispel the myths and improve your quality of life?
Foto: adoria.lv
As you can see, most fears disappear the moment knowledge and an experienced specialist come to the rescue. Often it is precisely the botulinum injection myths circulating in society that are the only obstacle keeping people from the chance to feel confident about their appearance.
At the Adoria Health and Beauty Centre, procedures are performed only by certified dermatologists who know facial anatomy in its nuances, guaranteeing you safety and an aesthetic, harmonious effect. If you still have unanswered questions or wish to book a consultation, feel free to contact us by phone or fill in an application on our website.