Botulinum medicine (abbreviated to Botox) is now ingrained amongst trendy Sydney society and has become a grooming necessity for people in the Harbour City.

But I am always stunned by the number of myths and half truths which have developed in connection with this simple procedure. Here I have outlines a selection of the more myths which I encounter all the time in Star Cosmetic Medicine, where I work as a doctor.

Urban Legend Number 1: I will not have the ability to express myself normally!

Research shows there are 60 or so muscles in the human face. The persistent use of these muscles over time can result in wrinkles to appear. Too many treatments of Botox have the effect of the muscles of the forehead becoming over relaxed. The dose injected by most physicians are designed to make you appear ‘refreshed’, however you will remain every bit as animated.

By using a carefully calculated quantity of the wrinkle injection in exactly the right tissues you should have a softening of any fine lines and wrinkles without compromising facial expression.

We suggest you go to our one of a kind site for Botox Sydney facts…

Urban Legend Number 2: Botox is a toxin!
There is some truth in this assertion. Botulinum Toxin Type A is the correct medical nomenclature. An overdose can result in loss of muscle tone and even can cause illness.

Chemists have an old phrase ‘everything is poisonous – it all depends on the dose’. A large quantity of any drug will induce illness. Water can be fatal if too much is taken.

Urban Legend Number 3: Botox hurts!
The hypodermic needles used at Star Cosmetic Medicine have a diameter smaller than a human hair. Several individuals liken the shots to being bitten by a mosquito. Certainly not as painful as getting a regular shot.

Urban Legend Number 4: I will lose sensation in my face!
This is completely false. Botox acts on the junction between the nerve and the facial muscle, not the nerves of sensation. Only the ability to relax your muscles is impacted by Botox.

Urban Legend Number 5. Once you start Botox you have to keep going otherwise the lines become more noticable!
This is also wrong.

A set of injections lasts approximately 3 months. Any further treatments after the first visit should be effective for a few weeks longer. The wrinkles will eventually return as the muscle regains its strength. Even So they definitely will not be any more pronounced than when you began your Botox therapy.

As A Matter Of Fact any lines should be be less evident than if you hadn’t undergone Botox – even when you don’t persevere with the therapy. This is typically due to the fact your facial muscles and skin have had a ‘wrinkle holiday’ during the treatment.