12 Biggest Botox Myths.

A board-certified cosmetic surgeon,Dr. Anoop Rastogi is globally recognised for his expertise in breast augmentation, liposclupture, botox and non-surgical facial rejuvenation.

Training under acclaimed surgeons such as Georgio Fischer MD (the father of liposculpture) in Rome and Docteur Jean-Luc Bachelierin Paris,Dr Rastogi trained at the prestigious Cosmetic Surgery units of Guys Hospital London and the Cambridge Private Hospital.

His knowledge of the latest technologies - from lasers and fillers through to liposcultpture and facelifts— is cutting edge. Dr Anoop Rastogi is a firm beauty industry favorite because of his measured approach and natural aesthetic. Here, he debunks the most common myths surrounding the use and safety of botox.

Q & A WITH DR RASTOGI B.MED (NCLE) FACCS

Myth 1: Botox is the same poisonous botulism found in food.

No, you cannot contract food poisoning from Botox. The medically active molecule in Botox injections is a purified extract manufactured from a specialised culture of Chlostridium Botulinum Bacteria. It’s not Botulism and it cannot make you sick.

Myth 2: Botox can be used anywhere on the face.

In the hands of a skilled injector, yes Botox can be used anywhere in the face. In general, there are certain areas where Botox will work better and others where dermal fillers will work better.

For example, in the upper face where the frown lines and crows feet are caused by overactivity of the facial muscles, Botox is ideal for relaxing away the wrinkles. Whereas around the mouth and cheeks where we want to maintain the intensity and movement of a beaming smile, we are better to smooth out the lines and wrinkles with dermal fillers, rather than relaxing the underlying muscles.

With precision injections Botox is fantastic for rebalancing the facial muscles to lift the drooping corners of the mouth, correct the excessive gum show from a smile, tighten the jaw line…. and the list goes on. So, yes, you can absolutely use Botox all over the face however the key is you need an injector who really knows what he or she is doing in order to gain all the wonderful benefits without causing a problem.

Myth 3: The effects are instant

No, they don’t. Botox takes 24-48 hours to kick in. That is, to start to work and then it reaches its maximum effect at around 7-10 days. The maximum benefits are probably seen about 10 days after treatment and then it will stay like that for several months. Botox lasts 3-4 months in the average person.

Myth 6: Botox is safe during pregnancy

There is no scientific evidence that Botox would be dangerous during pregnancy. However, I personally believe that babies are too precious and advise that women should not inject Botox during pregnancy because its safety is not proven.

Myth 7: Botox causes an allergic reaction

Yes it’s possible to be allergic to virtually anything. But in my experience with tens of thousands of injections over the past 18 years, I have never seen a Botoxallergy. It’s highly unlikely because it’s an incredibly well-tolerated particle.

Myth 8: Botox only works on wrinkles

Absolutely not true. The more skilled the injector, the more he or she can do with it. In my practice I’m using it for so much more than wrinkle relaxing. I use it to enhance positive expression , and decrease negative expression in the face. Without doing surgery I can change elements of the face such as lifting the eyebrows, opening the eyes, lifting the corners of the mouth and treating jowls. And then we can use it to actually physically change the anatomy of the face.

For example, we can shrink the big jaw muscle (Masseter) so that women who have a strong, heavy jaw can be treated non-surgically to produce a slim, more elegant jaw line. I also use Botox to raise the tip of the nose or to create a more attractive smile in people with excessive gum show. Botox is brilliant for preventing underarm sweating and lasts for 8 months to a year here. I also use it very successfully to treat migraines and tension headaches.

Myth 9: Botox causes headaches

Botoxcan occasionally cause a minor transient headache when a patient is treated for the first time, but in general, the answer is NO, it does not cause headaches. On the contrary, it's actually very effective for treating headaches and migraine.

Myth 10: Botox is addictive

No. There is no chemical addiction to Botox. 

Myth 11: My face will freeze forever

No, it’s actually impossible for a Botox injection to change a face permanently. Like we discussed before, Botox works at your Neuro-Muscular Junction (NMJ) and your body continues to create new NMJs all the time, just like your hair and nails continue to grow and your red blood cells keep turning over. Therefore the effect of the Botox will always wear off over time as your body continues to make new connections.

Myth 12: It's painful and I'll bruise

Treatments shouldn’t be painful but that all has to do with the expertise of your injector. Done well, Botox is actually not very painful at all. Bruising can occur any time a needle is stuck in the skin, but it is very unlikely. It’s a tiny needle, so with care and expertise from your doctor discomfort and bruising shouldn’t really occur. You should be able to have the injections and go straight back to work without anybody knowing.

For an appointment or consultation with Dr Anoop Rastogi  call (02) 9362 1426 or visit www.rastogi.com.au