I hear it almost everyday, “I don’t want my face to be frozen” or “I don’t want to do anything that drastic”. I’m not sure where all these negative connotations against Botox started. I don’t think Botox is for everyone but I am here to tell you there is no moisturizer or prescription cream you can put on that does what Botox does for lines or wrinkles you don’t like. Although there is a topical botulinum toxin type A in the works who knows when or if it will ever hit the market. So this week I hope to bust the myths of Botox, Xeomin and Dysport. Plus, to prove it looks natural I have some before and after pics, yay!
- MYTH-You will lose expression in your face. The botulinum toxins will relax the muscle. We inject it into the muscle and it blocks the nerves from sending messages to the muscle to move. I can still squint in bright lights, raise my eyebrows, smile, laugh and scold my daughter after injections.
- MYTH-Your injecting a toxic chemical into your body. Botulinum toxin is a natural occurring protein. I guess this myth depends on your definition of toxic. Tylenol works by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. Botox works by blocking release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. They both cause “harm” to a process in your body which then results in a desired effect.
- MYTH-Xeomin and Dysport are “offbrands”. There are three FDA approved botulinum toxin type A which are offered in the US. None of them are considered “generic”. I describe them as Coke is to Pepsi. Some people like coke, some people like pepsi. Botox has been around the longest and is the most predictable because of that fact. Xeomin has less inactive proteins then Botox making it a purer product, which is theoretically a good thing. Research shows they are generally equal BUT do you consider coke and pepsi equal? No you probably like one better than the other. In my experience Dysport spreads a little more which can be good or bad depending on what your goals are. I offer all three products and I’m available anytime you want to chat more about their differences.
- MYTH-Botox will make my lips bigger. There is a very big difference in botox and fillers. Botox relaxes the muscle so you can’t make lines in motion on your skin. Fillers replace volume loss and fill in lines at rest in your skin. Often time both of them together can be the best result!
- MYTH-I only need Botox again when its completely worn off. Botox lasts up to 4 months. Some women tell me it lasted 3 months and some say 6 months, there is some variation person to person. You should make your appointments every three months just like you schedule hair appointments. You don’t let the color on your hair grow completely out, you color when you start seeing roots. Be diligent with your Botox don’t let the muscle get completely back to motion so you aren’t starting from square one. Over time that muscle will atrophy (become weaker) and you get even better, longer lasting results.
Next weekend is the big cosmetic event at Johnson Dermatology. April 12th from 10AM-noon. We will have special prices on all injections! Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Voluma, Juvederm Ultra Plus, Radiesse, Belotero and Sculptra all discounted, can’t beat that! We will also be revealing a new service at Johnson Dermatology that I am giddy about, so be the first to know! You need an appointment so hurry and make one, it’s gonna be too good to miss. GIVEAWAY: If you share this blog post and comment shared below you will be entered to win an ELTA MD gift package. Elta MD carries my favorite moisturizer and spray sunscreen, this is an awesome prize. We will announce the winner on Saturday so get to sharing!
Here are some before and after pics for your enjoyment!
