Botox, Hyaluron & Filler. These terms often come to mind in connection with aesthetic and plastic surgery. Whether because of the press or in conversation with acquaintances: many patients come to us with stories and myths that make our experts smile. But which myths are true and which are fictitious?

We have summarized the most important myths for you.

MYTH ONE: Botox is a neurotoxin

As the saying goes: the dose makes the poison.

Botox or botulinum toxin is a substance which, through its inhibitory effect, disrupts the transmission of excitation to nerve cells. The substance was first used in medicine in the 1980s. At the time, Botox was used to treat movement disorders and muscle spasms. However, around a thousand units were used per treatment. In aesthetic medicine, only 50-100 units are used per treatment to smooth out small wrinkles and tighten the tissue. From a medical point of view, Botox is therefore not a poison, but a drug.

An additional important feature: the product then completely breaks down again. It disappears from the body without leaving any residue. Due to its purely local effect, it cannot migrate through the body and only works where it is applied to the muscles. The myth that botox is a neurotoxin is therefore wrong!

MYTH TWO: Frequent treatment with botox can produce antibodies

An antibody is the body’s own defense against diseases. These are formed when they come into contact with foreign substances. In medicine there are some known incidents in which patients have developed antibodies against “botulinum toxin”, whereby this antibody reaction is not due to the botulinum toxin molecule itself, but to a protein that is also included in some products. These patients call themselves “non-responders”. However, if your own body develops antibodies against the product, this will not be noticeable. The botox then simply does not reach the muscle, as it is fought and repelled beforehand and thus loses its effectiveness. However, this case occurs very, very rarely. In addition, it only occurs in special products. For example, if the doctor uses the product “Bocouture”, which is a “pure” neurotoxin, the development of antibodies is as good as impossible.

In general, however, the following applies: Only inject Botox as often as recommended by the doctor. Because as long as the product has not yet broken down and a new one is injected, no change or improvement is possible.

So there are antibodies against Botox. The myth that these occur if the injections are too frequent is wrong!

MYTH THREE: Botox is worse than hyaluron

Botox and hyaluronic acid are probably the most frequently used products in aesthetic medicine. They are used to smooth out small wrinkles and tighten the skin, especially on the face. Hyaluronic acid is like an endogenous substance. It binds the water under the topmost skin and thus smooths the skin. The fact that Botox is “worse” cannot be generalized in any case. Because with hyaluronic acid as a filling substance, complications occur much more often than with botox.

In general, it depends on the patient which product is best for him / her. Because which product is used depends not only on the nature of the tissue, but also on the affected area that is to be injected and treated. Botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid therefore have a different effect and cannot be exchanged for one another according to the motto “I would rather have …”.

The myth that botox is worse than hyaluronic acid is therefore just as wrong.

MYTH FOUR: The lips become particularly beautiful with botox

Many rumors about botox, fillers & Co. are circulating in the tabloids in particular. The injecting of botox on the lips is one of the most popular rumors. However, this myth is wrong! Because dynamic wrinkles such as those on the forehead or temples (frown lines, crow’s feet, etc.) can be treated with Botox, but not the lips. Therefore, only hyaluronic acid and NOT Botox is used to model lips. In aesthetic medicine, hyaluronic acid is mostly used to smooth out small wrinkles, to restore volume and thus help the tissue to regain its elasticity. It is perfect for injecting under the lips and thus achieving beautiful and natural results. Botox, on the other hand, is not suitable for this, as it only works on the target muscles and minimizes their movement.

MYTH FIVE: The more often I treat myself with hyaluronic acid, the earlier I age and the more often I have to “re-inject”!

The ageing process is a natural process of the body that medicinal substances or applications can neither stop nor accelerate. Aesthetic medicine treatments can, however, touch up small details and bring back a youthful freshness. Hyaluronic acid is a good helper in this case. It stabilizes the tissue through new volume and makes the skin appear plumper. However, it is simply wrong that you age faster through frequent injections and therefore have to inject more frequently! After some time, hyaluronic acid breaks down automatically by the body. The formation of wrinkles cannot be stopped by hyaluronic acid, but the expression can be minimized. Because of the bound water under the skin, the wrinkles are evened out for a longer period of time and that much faster than through the body’s own production of collagen. So the treatment with hyaluronic acid doesn’t make people age any faster. However, you should only re-inject as often as recommended by the attending physician, as an excessive dose does not have a better effect, but often also causes disproportionate results.

Our Recommendation

There are many myths about botox, fillers & Co. And just as many answers are circulating on the World Wide Web and in the tabloids. As a patient, it is best to discuss your questions and wishes personally with a doctor in order to work out an individual treatment concept together and thus achieve optimal results.

We look forward to your feedback at office@theaesthetics.at