9 Common Botox® Myths

By Dr. Stephen Cosentino

Botox® treatment is the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedure in the United States. It’s FDA-approved to treat a variety of cosmetic and medical complaints. Numerous clinical trials and retrospective studies have proven its safety and efficacy.

Yet many patients remain wary of Botox. That’s largely due to persistent Botox myths that misrepresent or straight-up invent facts about the medication and injection procedure.

Myths and Facts About Botox: What’s Real and What’s Not?

If you’re considering Botox for the first time, here’s your opportunity to learn more about Botox myths and separate fact from fiction.

Botox Is a Toxin

Fact.

Botox is a neuromodulator derived from a toxin produced by the clostridium botulinum bacteria. However — and this is really important — Botox is designed to work locally. When properly injected, it doesn’t spread through the body. It works only on the muscles near the injection site, which is the whole point.

Botox Injections Are Really Painful

Myth.

You may receive a topical anesthetic injection, or your Botox solution will contain anesthetic. Either way, you’ll feel only minor discomfort during and after the procedure. Expect a slight pinch with each injection — that’s all.

Botox Has Lots of Side Effects

Fact, sort of.

Botox side effects and complications do happen even when everything goes right during a procedure. Certain side effects are more likely in patients with certain medical conditions. But the vast majority are mild and temporary.

Botox Is Only for Celebrities

Myth.

Millions of regular folks got Botox last year, and millions more will get it this year. It’s affordable, safe, and aligned with a wide variety of aesthetic goals.

Botox Only Has a Few Uses

Myth.

This might have been true 20 years ago, but not today. Now, Botox is FDA-approved to treat numerous medical and cosmetic issues, from dynamic wrinkles and fine lines to chronic migraine. It’s safely used “off-label” to address many more.

Men and Women Respond to Botox Differently

Myth.

Botox has the same basic action in all patients. The biggest difference is that men may require higher doses due to higher body weight and muscle mass.

Botox Takes a Long Time to Recover From

Myth.

Botox is often described as a “lunchtime” procedure because patients can more or less resume normal activity immediately afterward. You do need to avoid rubbing the treatment area for a couple days and keep your head elevated for four hours or so, but these are minor inconveniences.

Botox “Freezes” Your Face

Myth.

When properly injected, Botox acts only on the muscles in the immediate treatment area. Any sort of “frozen” appearance is usually the result of injection error.

Once You Begin Botox Treatments, You Can’t Stop

Myth.

Stopping Botox treatment doesn’t increase the rate of wrinkle formation or worsen existing wrinkles. The treated areas just go back to the way they were before.

Botox Causes Blindness

Myth.

There’s no truth to the rumor that Botox injections cause blindness. In fact, there have been no documented, confirmed cases of Botox contributing to blindness in patients.

It’s not clear where this rumor came from, but what we do know is that in very rare circumstances, dermal filler injections have (in rare instances) contributed to vision changes and even blindness when done improperly.

Botox Produces Instantaneous Results

Myth.

Be patient! The effects of Botox take a few days to become noticeable and a week or two to fully take hold. It’s worth the wait.