Important Information About B.tox
Sydney Botulinum treatment (B.tox for short) is fast becoming the latest craze in Sydney society in fact it is becoming a grooming necessity for many in Sydney. Nevertheless I never cease to be stunned when I listen to the stories surrounding the uncomplicated treatment. Below are a few of the more common myths that I encounter everyday at Star Cosmetic Medicine, where I am employed as a physician.
Misunderstanding # 1: The muscles in my face may stiffen up!
Research indicates there are 60 or so muscles beneath the skin of your face. These usually function harmoniously, but over time lines or wrinkles may form. When excessive B.tox has been employed facial muscles can occasionally become over relaxed. The quantity used by almost all doctors result in you appearing less tired, but still you will maintain your natural expression.
Therefore the proper dosage of B.tox in the proper site means facial expression is maintained whilst the fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed.
Misunderstanding # 2: Botulinum is a toxic substance!
This to some extent is right. Its pharmaceutical term is Botulinum Toxin Type A. In very large amounts it can end up in a decrease in muscle tone and even can make one extremely ill.
But to put matters into perspective - an ancient pharmacy expression is that ‘everything is a poison - all depending on the dose’. A large quantity of any drug may induce sickness. If you drink too much water it can kill you.
Misunderstanding # 3: B.tox will sting!
Your hair is thicker than the hypodermic needles we use at Star Cosmetic Medicine. Quite a few individuals say that the treatments are not worse than bug bites. It is certainly not as sore as something like a vaccination.
Misunderstanding # 4: My face will feel numb!
Not true. Botulinum medicine works on the neuromuscular junction, and not on the nerves of sensation. Only the ability to relax muscles is impacted by B.tox injections.
Misunderstanding # 5. You cannot stop having B.tox otherwise the lines become worse!
Again this is simply false.
You can expect the treatment to be effective for upwards of 3 months. Any further treatments after the initial visit should be effective for a little longer. Gradually as muscle strength builds up again the lines will eventually reform. But they definitely won’t be worse than when you started your treatment.
In fact any wrinkles should be be softer than if you had never had B.tox - even should you don’t persevere with the injections. This, of course is mainly due to the fact you have given your skin a ‘wrinkle holiday’ for a few months.
