- Fillers are not muscle relaxants – does not help with nasolabial folds or neck lines: Fillers and muscle relaxants are different types of injectable treatments with distinct purposes. While fillers add volume and can improve the appearance of nasolabial folds, muscle relaxants like Botox are used to temporarily weaken/ paralyse muscles therefore soften wrinkles caused by muscle movement.
- Injections are always noticeable: When done by a skilled professional, injections like fillers and muscle relaxants should not be obviously noticeable. The goal is to achieve natural-looking results that enhance your features without looking overdone.
- Filler will make you look fat: While poorly placed filler can create an unnatural appearance, filler injected strategically can restore volume in areas where it’s lost due to aging, creating a more youthful look without making you look fat.
- 1ml of filler in the lips will make you look like a duck: Some people worry that getting 1ml of filler in their lips will give them a trout pout like Jennifer Coolidge. However, 1ml of filler is only a small amount, about 1/5 of a teaspoon. Skilled practitioners know how to use filler to enhance lips without making them look unnatural.
- Fillers can replace surgery: Fillers can provide temporary improvements in volume and contour, but they cannot replace surgical procedures for significant structural changes. Fillers are best for addressing volume loss and minor contour irregularities, while surgery may be necessary for more dramatic transformations.
- Repeated filler will recreate the way it looked when you first did it: Over time, repeated filler injections can enhance and maintain volume, but they may not necessarily recreate the exact appearance of your face after the first treatment. Results can vary based on factors such as filler migration, aging (structural changes, loss of fat pads) and lifestyle.
- Stopping fillers and muscle relaxants will make the skin look worse after
- Natural Restoration: Fillers typically consist of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body. When injected, they plump up areas and smooth out wrinkles. However, once the filler breaks down over time, your body naturally absorbs it. This doesn’t leave your skin in a worse state than it was before the treatment.
- Muscle Memory: Muscle relaxants like Botox work by temporarily paralyzing specific muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles caused by facial expressions. When the effects wear off, the muscles regain their normal function. There’s no evidence to suggest that stopping muscle relaxants leads to accelerated ageing or worsened skin quality.
- Eyes and eyebrows can droop after many years of relaxant. It’s a common myth that using muscle relaxants like Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Letybo for many years can make the eyes droop. While muscle atrophy in the forehead can happen, a knowledgeable practitioner can adjust the dosage or recommend alternative treatments to prevent this.
- Botox will freeze your face: Botox, and other muscle relaxants, work by temporarily reducing muscle activity to soften wrinkles. When administered correctly, Botox should not freeze your face entirely unless requested by patient. It simply relaxes targeted muscles to smooth lines and wrinkles, while still allowing for natural facial expressions.
- Botox are only used for aesthetic reasons: While Botox is commonly used for cosmetic purposes, it also has medical applications. Botox injections can treat conditions such as chronic migraines, excessive underarms, hands, and feet sweating, muscle spasms and tightness in the trapezius muscles. Uncommonly, it can also be used to treat chronic hemorrhoids.
- Expensive means premium. Botox is not superior to any other brand: While Botox is a well-known brand of Botulinum A, there are other TGA-approved options available that offer comparable results such as Dysport, Xeomin, Letybo. The effectiveness of muscle relaxants depends on factors such as dosage and technique, rather than brand name alone.
- Relaxant is painful: While injectable treatments may cause mild discomfort or a slight pinching sensation, especially for those with a low pain tolerance, the procedure is generally well-tolerated. Topical numbing creams or ice packs can help minimize any discomfort during the injection process.
- Sculptra/Fillers/devices can replace plastic surgery: Many people hope for a single “holy grail” treatment to reverse aging, but it often takes a combination of approaches to address different aspects of aging. This might include skincare, healthy lifestyle habits, and sometimes cosmetic procedures like injectables or surgery tailored to individual needs.
By dispelling these myths, we can better understand the benefits and limitations of injectable treatments and make informed decisions about our skincare and aesthetic goals. It’s essential to consult with our qualified medical professionals at Everything Skin for personalised advice and treatment options.
