BOTOX is NOT scary! (And why it's one of our commonest procedures)

We've had patients between ages 25-75 coming to our clinic for BOTOX injections and after many conversations and procedures later, we've broken down some of the reasons a lot of them were initially reluctant to get BOTOX done the first time. A lot of people fear this procedure based on misinformation and the wrong assumptions.

1. I've been told it wont look natural

As aesthetic physicians, every time somebody walks out of the clinic, their face is a walking, talking advertisement of the work that we do. So there is no way that an unnatural look is what we would leave them with. That being said, the internet and TV and instagram is replete with memes and jokes and videos mocking people with "frozen" faces.

The truth is that it's not BOTOX's fault. The blame usually lies with the injector. Injecting BOTOX is both an art and a science rolled together. The art part is to know where to inject to get the best aesthetically appealing look, while NOT making it look unnatural. The science part comes into play while deciding which muscle to inject and most importantly, HOW MUCH to inject! Practitioners who don't have adequate experience and/or training can misjudge the dosage, leaving the patient with a "plastic face".

The best way we've found to avoid this is to take the time to have a detailed conversation with every person who wants to get it done so we have a thorough understanding of their desire and expectations.

2. Scared of side effects

Side-effects are a common concern for any procedure or drug/medication. The side-effects from BOTOX, an anti-wrinkle procedure are generally very minimal and related to the injection rather than the drug. Injection site redness, small bumps or bruises may be seen. A little more dramatic side-effect like brow/eyelid droop or asymmetry are usually related to the technique and placement rather than the actual product itself. There are a lot of options for getting BOTOX treatments in Kochi, so do your research and make sure you chose an injector that is experienced, skilled and can manage complications in the rare case that they occur. BOTOX is even used in children with spasticity!

3. I don't need it yet!

Stand in front of a mirror. Raise your brows as hard as you can. See any lines? Frown as hard as you can. See any lines? Smile with all your might. See any crows-feet? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you could probably benefit from anti-wrinkle/BOTOX injections. Nobody "NEEDS" an elective cosmetic procedure. But if you think you wouldn’t benefit from one you may be wrong. That's why “Baby-botox” is so popular right now because patients are focused on preventing issues rather than treating them more aggressively and invasively later on.

4. I'll need to maintain it constantly?

To be honest, I don't really understand this one. Almost every patient I see has some eyebrow/eyelash situation that needs maintenance. My husband has to get a haircut every month or so. Nails need maintenance. So why is it that when it comes to your face and cosmetic procedures, maintenance is a problem? BOTOX is a safe, effective and reliable procedure that has been used for the last 20 years! Nothing else works like botox for fine lines and wrinkles.

5. I don't want to be judged

Vanity is linked to something negative and narcissistic. Yet we all have the desire to want to look and feel good. You could call this self-love, you could call it vanity. It doesn’t matter. Judging and criticizing someone for taking care of themselves is a far worse character flaw than self-love. Vanity is an attitude and give off a vibe of self-importance. But living your best life, taking care of your skin and body while being humble and spreading happiness and kindness is not being vain.

So, we hope that you have some of your fears answered. The best antidote to fear is information, and the knowledge that

the person doing your procedure has your health, safety and best interests at heart.