5 Myths About Botox

If you’re bothered by your fine lines and wrinkles but wish to avoid surgery, Botox® injections may be just what the doctor ordered. One of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the United States, Botox injections contain a neurotoxin that stops muscle movement in targeted areas, often for 3-4 months, leading to a more youthful look.

At his offices in New Rochelle, New York, board-certified neurologist Dr. Farhad Elyaderani and his team offer Botox for cosmetic and neurological benefits. 

If you’re curious about Botox, stop believing the following common myths. 

1. Myth: Botox looks unnatural

While poorly injected Botox could lead to face areas that barely move, qualified providers are skilled at creating natural-looking results. That’s one crucial reason to seek cosmetic injectables from a qualified healthcare professional. Our team takes special care to ensure that you get just the right amount of Botox, properly placed, to ensure you won’t look like you “had work done.” You’ll likely look a bit younger or as though you've had a good night’s sleep.

2. Myth: Botox is dangerous

All cosmetic and medical treatments involve some risk, but Botox is quite safe compared to cosmetic surgery. FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines in adults ages 18-65, Millions of Botox treatments are performed each year in the U.S., with most side effects—like redness and swelling—being mild and lasting for 24 hours.

Our team will check to ensure you’re a good candidate for Botox, meaning you’re generally healthy, don’t have an ingredient allergy, and aren’t currently pregnant.

3. Botox is only for wrinkles

Botox injections can help smooth out wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing specific muscles, but its uses go beyond those creases. Botox can also treat and prevent fine lines, give you a nonsurgical eyebrow lift, and improve the look of your smile.

We also offer Botox for migraines. Over-the-counter medication, when used repeatedly, causes rebound headaches, so you need to see an expert neurologist who treats you with cutting-edge and up-to-date knowledge. The neurophysiology of migraine headache is the activation of calcitonin-related peptide - CGRP receptors, and new treatments are agents that block these receptors in your brain. 

You need to take preventative medication if you experience four or more headaches per month. There is no need to use old-fashioned treatments such as antiepileptic or pain meds to control your headache.

Botox may aid in stroke recovery and other neurological issues, such as eye cramps, muscle spasms, and teeth grinding. 

4. Botox injections are very painful

Botox is injected through tiny needles that cause a brief pinching sensation that many people tolerate well. If you have susceptible skin or wish to avoid discomfort, you can request an ice pack or topical numbing cream beforehand.

Any tenderness following Botox treatment tends to be tolerable and diminish. Still, we may recommend acetaminophen or gently applying an ice pack or arnica cream for added ease.

5. If you stop getting Botox, your wrinkles will worsen

If you’re worried that routine Botox injections will cause your muscles to atrophy, fueling more wrinkles for the rest of your life, you can rest easy. While your Botox results will fade, you won’t have to worry about severe creases from stopping the treatment. 

Your muscles may weaken from restricted use when Botox is active, but just like muscles in the rest of your body, they’ll regain strength as you resume using them. Additional steps, such as protecting your skin from the sun, not smoking, and getting sufficient sleep, can help slow skin aging, too. 

If you want to remove fine lines for a rejuvenated look with Botox or learn more about its medical uses, call Dr. Farhad Elyaderani or request an appointment online today. We also offer Dysport®, an injectable that works similarly to Botox.