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Sydney Botulinum injections (BoTox for short) has become popular in Sydney society and now it has become an integral part of grooming for people in Sydney.

Nevertheless I am often astonished when I listen to the misguided myths surrounding this treatment. I have listed below a selection of the more myths that I hear frequently in my work as a physician at Star Cosmetic Medicine located in Pyrmont, Sydney.

Error no. 1: I may lose my facial expressions!

There are about 60 muscles beneath the skin of your face. Their relentless use over a period of time may cause fine line formation. The overuse of Botulinum Toxin have the effect of the facial musculature becoming less expressive. The dosage used by most physicians make you look refreshed, yet you will still appear just as animated.

By using small amounts of the BoTox in exactly the right muscles one should accomplish a reduction in the lines without reducing facial expression.

Error no. 2: Botulinum is a toxic substance!
This to some extent is true. Botulinum Toxin Type A is the exact scientific terminology. In very large quantities it can relax facial muscles that you do not want loosened or can even make you very ill.

But to put the matter into perspective: an ancient pharmacist’s saying states that ‘everything is poisonous - all depending on the dose’. A large dosage of any medicinal drug may induce illness. If you drink too much water it can kill you.

Error no. 3: Wrinkle injections hurt!
In our practice Star Cosmetic Medicine the doctor will use a needle finer than a human hair. Several individuals have compared the treatments to being bitten by mosquitoes. It for certain is less traumatic than a procedure like a blood profile.

Error no. 4: BoTox will numb my face!
Not true. BoTox targets the junction between the nerve and the facial muscle, and not on the nerves of sensation. Just the ability to relax your muscles is impacted by BoTox injections.

Error no. 5. You can’t stop having BoTox or the wrinkles become worse!
This is also wrong.

BoTox is expected to be effective for up to three months. Subsequent treatments do last a few weeks more. Gradually as muscle strength returns the wrinkles will slowly reappear. But they will definitely not be any more noticeable than before.

In fact the wrinkles should be be less pronounced than if you had never had BoTox - even if you don’t continue the therapy. Due to the fact that your skin has had a ‘wrinkle holiday’ when the BoTox was working.