Myth: Starting Botox injections early gives better results

The procedure for using botulinum toxin is approved for patients aged 18 to 65 years, since it is in this age group of people that numerous clinical studies of botulinum toxin preparations have been conducted, confirming their effectiveness.

However, the decision to start using it should be made no earlier than the moment when hypertonicity and wrinkles become noticeable not only when you move your face, but also at rest, when you do not express emotions. The presence of facial wrinkles that occur during the movement of facial muscles is not a reason for the immediate use of the procedure. The principle “the sooner the better” and prevention do not apply here.

It should be noted that the earlier the administration of botulinum toxin begins, the faster resistance to it arises and a decrease in its effectiveness due to the body’s production of antibodies in response to the drug.

Myth: Botox is dangerous

The drug botulinum toxin, which is injected under the skin, is safe with the correct technique and dosage. However, despite this, there are potential disadvantages and risks.
In case of violation of the technique of administering the drug or its displacement (“migration”) outside the desired zone, undesirable consequences may occur: drooping eyelids and eyebrows (observed in 5% of patients), hematomas and bruises, asymmetry and changes in the shape of eyebrows in the form of triangles. Rare complications include strabismus and migraine.

Myth: Botox has no contraindications

Although the botulinum toxin injection procedure may seem safe, there are absolute contraindications that must be taken into account. Diseases such as Lambert-Eaton syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and various cancers can worsen the body’s reaction to the drug.

The procedure is also contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, since clinical studies have not been conducted on them, and the possible consequences for them have not been studied.

Myth: One injection leads to others

All facial structures are interconnected, and any manipulation in one area can cause a reaction in others.
After administration of the drug to the forehead and eyebrow area, “bunny wrinkles” may appear in the area of the back of the nose due to overstrain of neighboring muscles that compensate for the loss of function. Additional injections of botulinum toxin into this area may help resolve the problem.

Drooping eyelids and sagging eyebrows are often associated with improper administration of the drug. Fortunately, in most cases this phenomenon is reversible. Once the effect of Botox wears off after a few months, the problem will disappear. However, therapeutic methods aimed at eliminating these effects are not always effective.