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Botox® sure does get a lot of attention—and for good reason. Over the years, this incredible injectable has become a household name, thanks to its powerful anti-aging properties. But despite its ubiquity, there are still a lot of myths surrounding this wonder treatment. That’s why we wanted to take a moment to address many of the misconceptions people have about Botox. Let’s do some myth busting!

1. Only Women Get Botox

Sure, women are certainly getting a lot of Botox, but they’re not the only ones. More and more men are getting in on this anti-aging action. In 2017 alone, nearly half a million Botox-type injections were given to guys, making it the most popular male treatment by far. And this trend shows no signs of slowing down, as the stigma around cosmetic enhancement continues to fade.

2. You Can Target Any Facial Wrinkles with Botox

This is a common misunderstanding that many patients have when they first come in for anti-aging injections. That’s because Botox has become so common in the beauty industry that it’s now synonymous with anti-aging treatments overall. In reality, Botox is only FDA-cleared to treat a few persistent trouble spots—the brow, the crow’s feet, and the forehead. If you’re looking for an injectable to smooth out wrinkles, lines, and folds in the lower portion of your face, soft tissue fillers like Juvéderm® are your best bet.

3. Botox Injections Will Freeze Your Face

This one may be the biggest Botox myth to bust. It’s true that Botox works to reduce the repeated muscle contractions that are responsible for the formation of unsightly moderate to severe wrinkles in the upper face. But that doesn’t mean that the treated muscles will be paralyzed or “frozen.” With a skilled provider at UCI Plastic Surgery and the right amount of Botox, you can have the confidence that you will still look like you, just younger!

4. Treatments with Botox Take a Long Time

It’s easy to think that wiping out the signs of aging can involve a lengthy procedure. Many treatments may seem complicated and daunting, especially for those who are just starting their anti-aging journey. This might be the case for some procedures, but definitely not for Botox. Treatments are quick and easy, so you’ll have no problem fitting them into your jam-packed schedule. Sessions typically take less than a half hour, and there’s little to no downtime, so you can get back to your busy life without missing a beat.

5. Botox Is Just for Cosmetic Purposes

Would you believe that Botox was actually first approved by the FDA in 1989 for the treatment of two eye-related disorders? That’s right, the initial uses of the drug had nothing to do with wrinkles at all! Not only is it effective in treating those eye conditions, but Botox is also the first and only FDA-cleared treatment to prevent chronic migraines. It can relieve urinary incontinence, alleviate excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), and can be prescribed to treat severe, uncontrollable spasms and stiffness in the neck muscles called cervical dystonia (CD). Quite an impressive resume for a single injectable!

Botox at UCI Plastic Surgery

Now that you know the truth about Botox, it’s time to schedule your initial consultation at UCI Plastic Surgery’s Orange, Costa Mesa, or Tustin locations. Our knowledgeable and experienced team is dedicated to helping all of our Southern California patients look their very best.