Botox has been hailed to be one of the best anti-aging solutions, with an estimated 900,000 cosmetic injections administered every year in the U.K alone. Not only is it convenient, cost effective and long-lasting, the effects are noticeable within the first two weeks of treatment. Considering the benefits, a quick visit to your local certified practitioner seems like a no-brainer, or is there more than meets the eye? Or the skin, in this case? Let’s look into three common botox myths and assess the current research.
Botox is safe and doesn’t cause long-term side effects
Botox, also known cosmetically as Botulinum toxin serotype A is the most lethal neurotoxin known to man, with a toxicity far higher than cyanide and one million-fold higher than cobra toxin. One in six people reported negative reactions such as nausea, bruising, headache, and a frozen face ‘appearance’ after engaging in botox cosmetic injections. In addition, side-effects such as pain, muscle stiffness, and dizziness were also reported. Even more concerning, research has shown that severe adverse reactions such as respiratory issues, generalised muscle weakness, dysphagia, heart attack and death are caused by anaphylactic shock and botulism.
Botox stays at the injection site and then gradually leaves the body completely
It has been assumed that botulinum leaves the body completely, however recent research has indicated that some of the toxin moves to other areas of the body beyond the site of injection. Moreover, it has the potential to intoxicate neighbouring cells and can be transported through our nerves to the brain and central nervous system.
Botox does not cause any negative long-term effects to the facial muscles
Due to the temporary prevention of correct communication between muscles and nerves, repeated botox injections to a specified muscle can cause loss of muscle control, a marked decrease in the strength of the muscle, damage and permanent paralysis. Permanent alterations in facial expressions and a frozen, mask-like appearance can be seen with long-term botox use. As premier facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lincov explains “Botox itself is not necessarily permanent, but botox effects can be to a degree permanent, meaning if you are getting it time and time again, every say 3 months, religiously for many many many years, it can atrophy the muscle and that can have some ramifications.”
So in conclusion, considering the current research, do you really want to risk your health and wellbeing in the search for wrinkle-free skin?
Or is there a safer alternative? There is indeed. Not only does face yoga aid in the body’s natural process of lymphatic drainage, this holistic practice also releases tension and strengthens the muscles, which in turn improves the structure of the face and creates a firmer, smoother complexion. When you can gain so much from such a rejuvenating routine, why put your health in the hands of damaging procedures that don’t guarantee long-term results?
Written by: Natalie Liczbinski-Edwards
April, 2024
References
Willis B, Eubanks LM, Dickerson TJ, et al: The strange case of the botulinum neurotoxin chemistry and biology to modulate the most deadly poison. Angew Chem (2008)
Zargaran D, Zoller FE, Zargaran A, Mosahebi A: Complications of facial cosmetic botulinum toxin A injection: Analysis of the UK Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency registry and literature review. Journal of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (2021)
Yiannakopoulou E :Serious and Long-Term Adverse Events Associated with the Therapeutic and Cosmetic Use of Botulinum Toxin. 2014
Naumann M, Jancovic J: Safety of botulinum toxin type A: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Curr Med Res Opin 2004;20:981-990.
T. Wang, S. Martin, A. Papadopulos, C. B. Harper, T. A. Mavlyutov, D. Niranjan, N. R. Glass, J. J. Cooper-White, J.-B. Sibarita, D. Choquet, B. Davletov, F. A. Meunier. Control of Autophagosome Axonal Retrograde Flux by Presynaptic Activity Unveiled Using Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A. Journal of Neuroscience, 2015.
Witmanowski H, Blochowiak K :The Whole Truth About Botulinum Toxin - A Review. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, (2019) 37 (6) 853-861
Paul D. Durand, MD, Rafael A. Couto, MD, Raymond Isakov, MD, Donald B. Yoo, MD, Babak Azizzadeh, MD, Bahman Guyuron, MD, FACS, James E. Zins, MD, Botulinum Toxin and Muscle Atrophy: A Wanted or Unwanted Effect, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 36, Issue 4, April 2016, Pages 482–487, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjv208
Lincov, G:What Happened to Kendall Jenner's Face? Plastic Surgery Analysis, YouTube, 2022
Comments