Have you noticed that there’s been a lot of talk about botulinum toxin lately, with conflicting opinions and confusing information? Well, you’re not alone. But fear not, because today we’re going to uncover the truth about botulinum toxin and dispel any myths, so that you can make a more informed decision before undergoing this treatment.
To begin with, let me provide a brief explanation of what botulinum toxin actually is. Essentially, it’s a liquid that’s used to “relax” the targeted area, providing a range of benefits depending on where it’s applied.
Botulinum toxin is applied preferably in young people
Let me debunk a common myth that I often come across on social media. I’ve seen numerous videos of young people using botulinum toxin, and people commenting things like “it will damage your face” or “you’re too young for that”. These comments only highlight the lack of knowledge and misinformation surrounding this topic.
Personally, I started using botulinum toxin when I was 24 years old, but I use very little since a small amount is sufficient for younger individuals. I love the results and have had no negative effects. In fact, because I began using it at a young age before any lines or wrinkles formed on my forehead or around my eyes, I don’t have any visible marks. People often mistake me for being much younger than I am and are surprised to learn my real age.
Now, it’s important to clarify something: botulinum toxin is intended to prevent wrinkles, not to treat them. To treat wrinkles, other procedures such as PDO thread lifting or hyaluronic acid are recommended.
By starting botulinum toxin before wrinkles form, it becomes much easier to take care of your skin and maintain its beauty and hydration. Waiting until wrinkles become more noticeable makes it more difficult to address them effectively. For patients with very evident wrinkles, the ideal approach is to combine botulinum toxin with fillers to prevent further marking of wrinkles.
Botulinum toxin is also used to raise the tips of the eyebrows
When I first tried botulinum toxin, I was pleasantly surprised by the lifted eyebrow effect it gave me. I had no idea this was even possible! Although the toxin is designed to relax muscles, when applied in a specific way and combined with injections between the eyebrows, it can produce a subtle “fox eyes” effect that looks cute on many women.
It’s important to note that the effect is subtle, and for a more pronounced “fox eyes” appearance, PDO threads can be used to lift the eyebrows’ tip. Another option is to use makeup or semi-permanent makeup to create the illusion of lifted eyebrows, especially for those with sparse eyebrows.
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Botulinum toxin IS NOT A FILLER as the tabloids say
As a healthcare professional, it really bothers me whenever I see sensationalized stories on television about “Faces Ruined by Botulinum Toxin.” These reports often feature images of celebrities like Jocelyn Wildenstein and attribute their dramatic transformations to excessive use of botulinum toxin.
It’s important to understand that botulinum toxin is not going to add any volume to the face or change its features; it only relaxes the muscles. In the worst-case scenario, an excessive amount of the product or improper technique during application can lead to a temporary loss of facial expression. This effect will dissipate as the product is absorbed by the body.
In cases where a person’s facial transformation is significant, it is likely that they have undergone plastic surgery, received injections of harmful biopolymers, or even resorted to having cooking oil injected by unqualified individuals. It’s important to understand that these extreme cases are not a result of botulinum toxin, which is a safe and effective treatment when administered by a licensed professional.
Botulinum toxin lasts from 3 months to 1 year
There is a common misconception that botulinum toxin provides long-lasting results, but this is not entirely true. The effects of botulinum toxin treatment are typically temporary and can last anywhere from 3 months to a year. In some cases, the duration may be shorter for individuals who are athletes or have a fast metabolism. Additionally, undergoing other facial treatments like radiofrequency can also accelerate the reabsorption process.
Botulinum toxin is also used to treat gummy smile
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a gummy smile, and fortunately there are multiple solutions available depending on the severity of the condition. For individuals whose gummy smile only reveals a small amount of gum and a small tooth, a gingivectomy can be performed to improve the appearance of both the gum and tooth. However, in cases where the gummy smile is more pronounced and a gingivectomy would damage the tooth’s support, other options should be considered.
One effective solution for patients with more noticeable gummy smiles is it. This treatment can relax the upper lip muscles, reducing the amount of gum that is visible when smiling. It is important to note that the effect of botulinum toxin is temporary, lasting from 3 to 6 months. Alternatively, lip repositioning is a more permanent option for those who are seeking a long-lasting solution. This procedure involves surgically adjusting the position of the upper lip, creating a more natural-looking smile that exposes less gum tissue.
Both botulinum toxin and lip repositioning are performed by maxillofacial surgeons, and choosing the best option for you will depend on a variety of factors. If you are interested in exploring treatment options for your gummy smile, we encourage you to consult with a qualified professional to determine the best course of action for your individual needs. At our clinic, we offer these treatments and more to help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve.
Botulinum toxin is excellent for treating bruxism
Bruxism has become a widespread issue in dental health, with almost half of my patients suffering from it to some degree. The problem is so prevalent that it could be considered an epidemic. Approximately 5% of these cases are categorized as severe bruxism and can cause patients to experience a range of symptoms including headaches, back pain, and cheek pain, among others.
Although alternative procedures like acupuncture, physiotherapy, and massages can help alleviate the symptoms of bruxism, its root cause often lies in stress. As a result, these treatments may not be effective in the long term, especially for those who have little time to invest in them.
Botulinum toxin has proven to be an effective treatment for bruxism due to its ability to provide quick relief and improve the overall well-being of patients. It has been observed that patients who undergo this treatment experience less damage to their teeth and fewer associated symptoms such as headaches, back pain, and cheek pain. Botulinum toxin’s fast-acting nature makes it an attractive option for patients who are unable to follow up with alternative treatments such as acupuncture, physiotherapy, and massages. Overall, botulinum toxin has demonstrated excellent results in treating bruxism and improving patients’ quality of life.
Botulinum toxin is also used to treat hyperhidrosis
Even though hyperhidrosis treatment is not directly related to dentistry, it is still worth mentioning the benefits of botulinum toxin in addressing this condition. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition where a person experiences excessive sweating that cannot be controlled, leading to discomfort and embarrassment. It can also interfere with everyday activities such as sports. Botulinum toxin is an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis as it helps to relax the sweat glands, thereby reducing the amount of sweating in the area. This can provide significant relief for individuals suffering from this condition, and improve their quality of life. It’s important to note that this treatment should only be performed by qualified medical professionals, who can determine the appropriate dosage and technique for each individual case.
