Sydney Botulinum injections (Botox for short) is fast becoming ingrained amongst Sydney’s stylish crowd and now it has become an important part of any beauty routine for those in Sydney.

But I am frequently stunned when I hear the insane gossip surrounding the procedure.

Here I have listed some of the more urban legends which we come across all the time at Star Cosmetic Medicine, where I work as a doctor.

Error no. 1: The muscles in my forehead will freeze!

There are sixty or so muscles below the skin of your face. Their continued use over time may cause the formation of wrinkles. If too much Botox is employed the muscles of expression may become somewhat less taut. By and large doctors use comparatively minute doses to result in you looking ‘refreshed’, but still you will of course keep your normal expression.

So by employing a carefully calculated dosage of the preparation in just the right muscles you can accomplish a reduction in the fine lines without compromising facial expression.

Error no. 2: Botox is toxic!
This to some extent is true. Its pharmaceutical term is Botulinum Toxin Type A. Too large a dose may relax facial muscles that you do not want loosened or can cause serious illness.

But to help us grasp the bigger picture: an ancient pharmacist’s expression is that ‘everything is poisonous - all depending on the dose’. A large dosage of any medicinal drug can cause illness. Water can be fatal if too much is taken.

Error no. 3: Botox will sting!
Your hair is larger than the hypodermic needles we use at Star Cosmetic Medicine. Many individuals state that the treatments are not worse than being bit by a mosquito. For Certain not as painful as getting a regular shot.

Error no. 4: Botox will deaden my face!
False. Botox affects the junction between the nerve and the facial muscle, and not on sensate nerve fibers. Botox only affects the relaxation of muscular tissues.

Error no. 5. You cannot stop having Botox or else you may age faster than before!
This is also false.

The first set of injections is effective for approximately 3 months. Subsequent injections tend to last longer. Eventually as muscle strength returns, the wrinkles will return bit by bit. But they will certainly not be any worse than before.

Even if you do not have Botox treatments again - those lines should be smoother than if you hadn’t undergone the procedure. Due to the fact that your skin has had a ‘wrinkle holiday’ during the therapy.