8 things you didn’t know about botox, but probably should

I’m not going to lie – when I hear the words ‘botox’ and ‘fillers’, images of trout pouts and botched face lifts spring to my mind.
Even though both treatments have become increasingly popular in recent years, I don’t actually know a lot about them beyond these misconceptions about beauty.
I suspect I’m not alone in my ignorance, which is why I decided to pick skin care expert Dr Van Park’s brains on the subject.
Below, she reveals eight rather interesting facts about botox and fillers…
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1. Botox has quite a history
According to Dr Park, “Botox has a long history and many uses that people are often unaware of.” It was first discovered in the 1820s, when Dr Justinus Kerner discovered a toxin (botulinum toxin type A) in meat while investigating a case of food poisoning. Later, in the 1980s, an ophthalmologist “used it to cure crossed eyes and realised it smoothed wrinkles in the process”.
2. Botox has multiple uses
Dr Park describes the treatment as “a jack of all trades". According to the doc, “There are over 30 conditions in which botulinum toxin type A has been reported to be of benefit.” It can be used “in armpits to prevent excessive sweating”, as well as “to prevent chronic migraines and treat overactive bladders” – and that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
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3. Botox is also technically a brand name
According to Dr Park, in the same way “people refer to all adhesive bandages as Band-Aids, people tend to refer to all anti-wrinkle injections as botox” because it is also a trademarked brand name. But generally speaking, botox is just one of several products containing “a purified form of botulinum toxin type A” to treat wrinkles. Dysport and Xeomin can be “just as effective”.
4. Botox and fillers aren’t the same thing
Dr Park says, “Botox and fillers are commonly thought to be the same thing, [but] this is totally not true!” Botox is a muscle relaxant, while “soft tissue fillers such as Restylane and Emervel consist of a hyaluronic acid gel formulation [that is] injected into the skin tissue to restore lost volume and smooth wrinkles and lines.” So, in a nutshell, botox helps relax facial muscles, while fillers literally ‘fill’ and plump the skin.
5. Botox isn’t permanent
For aesthetic treatments, “Botulinum toxin type A is injected into targeted facial muscles responsible for lines, causing the muscles to relax so wrinkles cannot form in the skin lying above the muscle.” But it’s not a permanent fix: “After a few months, the nerve recovers as the botox wears off, meaning the muscles start moving again and wrinkles are visible.”
6. Botox ‘naturally’ wears off
Wondering where the botox goes after it's worn off? According to the doc, the product is “a natural protein”, which means “it’s broken down in the body and naturally disappears” over time. Bye-bye, botox!
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7. Botox takes longer than fillers to have an effect
Once injected, “fillers begin working their magic instantly”, but botox treatments take “approximately 72 days to have full effect”. While “results vary from person to person”, fillers can last for up to 18 months, while botox typically wears off after four to five.
8. The procedure isn’t usually very painful
Worried about the pain factor? Dr Park says patients “typically associate the pain of dermal fillers with 2.5 on the ‘0-10 Pain Scale’.” The injection is usually “combined with lidocaine, which helps alleviate the pain associated with needle injections”. In some cases, doctors will also use a local anesthetic.
Were you surprised by any of these facts about botox and fillers? Are you concerned about lines and wrinkles?
159 Member Comments
I am.. Surprised..
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Definitely wouldn't mind just a little bit on some areas of my face atm. In saying that botox helps relax facial muscles, I guess it prevents wrinkles dramatically if you get them at a young age too since you won't be using your facial muscles much
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This article is so informative and detailed. Had no idea botox was originally used to attempt cure of cross eyes.
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As long as you do your homework and find an injector with experience, this product can make a huge difference.
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I LOVE Botox in my masseter muscles. I grind my back molars into dust when I am stressed and this stops me form doing that and prevents the headaches and jaw aches that come with it. I just wish it was permanent!
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Botox applied judiciously and by a dermatologist or dermal nurse, staves off wrinkles!
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Botox. I love it. It is bloody painful when injected into the palm of your hand or sole of your foot. I have cerebral palsy and increases my limb functionality. Enough said!
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Umm.. ok. But still don't want to get it.
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Always ensure the doctor/nurse injecting is a registered medical practitioner. You can check by searching their details on the AHPRA website.
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Ohhh I had no idea! Still scared of needles so not something I would consider myself though!
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Botox to prevent excessive armpit sweat? I never knew that!
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I think presuming botox is only for people who are insecure is kind of harsh. That could be said for ANY work anyone puts into their appearance. I'm considering botox for me - and I'm glad it's becoming more accessible.
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Botox, filller, etc etc. Just ways to make money of people's insecurity
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I didnt know half of those facts , very interesting. I wouldn't get Botox now , bit who knows later on down the track !
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I feel the same way! :)
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Wow, botox takes up to 72 days to show effects? That's 2.5 months! Then it only lasts 4-5 months? Doesn't seem worth it
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I'm not sure where they got 72 days from but that's definitely incorrect. Anti-wrinkle injections can take up to 3 days to take full effect. It usually only takes a day to start noticing a difference and by day 3 the full effects are there.
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I am glad I read your comment my mind read 72 hours not 72 days. 72 days is too long.
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Yes, I had to read that sentence several times because I couldn't believe it. I think I would be too impatient to get botox!
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Ahaha same :D
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I think it must be a typo. I just did a google search and it seems that most places say that you notice the effects in 72 hours and that you won't see the full effects until up to 2 weeks later.
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I think you are right.
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Interesting I didn't know many of these facts but still not for me. .
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I have seen on tv that if you get botox to treat sweating in one area, it may cause more sweating in another area.
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Now that you mention it, it is not too surprising as sweat is your body trying to regulate heat so if you don't sweat in one area your body may try to compensate elsewhere.
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