Sydney Botulinum injections (Botox for short) is swiftly becoming established amongst smart Sydney society in fact it is becoming a beauty routine must for people in the city. However I never fail to be amazed when I listen to the variety of urban legends that surround the procedure.

I have outlined below a few of the popular stories which I encounter everyday at Star Cosmetic Medicine, where I practise as a physician.

Fallacy # 1: My facial muscles might stiffen up!

Beneath the skin of the face are approximately sixty muscles. The excessive use of these muscles over time may cause fine lines or wrinkles. The overuse of Botulinum Toxin may result in the forehead becoming over relaxed. The amount injected by virtually all doctors result in you seeming less tired, but still you will maintain your natural expression.

Thus a carefully calculated dosage of Botox in the right place means you can get a reduction in any wrinkles without compromising facial expression.

Fallacy # 2: Botox is toxic!
This to a small extent is true. Its pharmaceutical name is Botulinum Toxin Type A. An overdose may end up in loss of muscle tone and may even cause sickness.

But to help us understand the reality of the situation - a well known pharmacy saying is that ‘everything is poisonous - it all depends on the dose’. A large quantity of any drug will result in sickness. If you drink too great a quantity of water you will die.

Fallacy # 3: Botox will hurt!
Your hair is larger than the needles we use at Star Cosmetic Medicine. Quite a few patients have stated that the shots are not worse than being bit by a bug. It is certainly less sore than a procedure like a blood test.

Fallacy # 4: I will lose sensation in my face!
Completely untrue. Botulinum medicine works on the junction between the nerve and the facial muscle, and not on the nerves of sensation. Botox only targets the ability to relax muscular tissues.

Fallacy # 5. You need to keep getting Botox or you might age faster than before!
Once Again this is simply incorrect.

You can expect the first treatment to last for upwards of 3 months. Subsequent treatments do last a little longer. Gradually as muscle strength returns - the wrinkles will eventually re-emerge. However they will definitely not be any deeper than previously.

Even if you do not have Botox shots again - any wrinkles will in all probability be a little better than if you had not been treated. This, of course is generally the case due to the fact your facial muscles and skin have had a rest when the Botox was active.