Social Concerns

Not surprisingly there was once a certain stigma attached to BOTOX® Cosmetic. BOTOX, after all, has risen from a bacterial toxin to the #1 cosmetic treatment in the country. Not only is BOTOX the leading treatment, but it’s the rapid rise to success that helps lead to certain misconceptions. We all know what BOTOX is today, but just 10 years ago BOTOX Cosmetic was virtually unknown. Rumors spread about the wonders of BOTOX and suddenly there are a lot of people running around with misinformation.

The Stigma of BOTOX Cosmetic

BOTOX is not a poison, and there have been no fatalities linked to the cosmetic usage. BOTOX Cosmetic is, in fact, derived from botulism toxin, C. botulinum, however, the bacterium and the toxin are two different things. Botulism bacteria rapidly replicates through spores, and this what makes the toxin so dangerous because it spreads so quickly through the system. The toxin itself without the bacteria, as how it’s found in BOTOX Cosmetic, cannot replicate or reproduce on its own. While, BOTOX is a toxin, BOTOX is not poisonous. Moreover the amount of toxin found in dermal injectables is too small to be harmful.

Social Confusion: BOTOX and Dermal Fills

Patients also confuse BOTOX with dermal fillers such as Restylane®, Collagen, or Radiesse®. BOTOX is not a dermal filler, but a dermal injectable. Fillers like Restylane and Collagen literally fill your skin with biodegradable gels to smooth wrinkles by adding volume. BOTOX works a little differently, the toxin impedes nerve impulses to the muscles that cause facial creasing. By limiting this movement, facial wrinkles become less pronounced and less visible. BOTOX Cosmetic doesn’t eliminate wrinkles, but downsizes wrinkles and keeps skin looking younger for longer periods of time. When used by those in their 20’s or 30’s, BOTOX can be an excellent prevention to wrinkles.

While the stigma of botulism is certainly hard to over come, in today’s society the stigma of wrinkles can be far worse. BOTOX Cosmetic can also be used to treat excessive sweat (hyperhidrosis). Embarrassing wrinkles and sweat stains can be easily overcome with a little help from a so-called “deadly poison.”