In recent years, as minimally invasive cosmetic procedures have surged in popularity, rumors about them have also proliferated. For instance, claims that Botox injections are addictive or that excessive hyaluronic acid injections accelerate skin aging. Let's debunk these myths one by one.
Myth 1: Botox injections are "addictive" and accelerate aging?
Some celebrities' faces appear to change daily, or they exhibit forced smiles and unnatural expressions.Why does this happen?
(1) Causes of facial stiffness:
A: When injecting Botox into both masseter muscles, the total dose per session should not exceed 100 units. The interval between treatments should be at least 3 months. Exceeding these limits can cause severe facial expression stiffness.
B: Improper Botox injection may paralyze the zygomaticus major muscle, leading to stiff expressions.
(2) Can Botox or minimally invasive procedures become addictive?
Some individuals who experience the benefits of Botox (wrinkle reduction, facial slimming) may wish to maintain the effects as the treatment wears off and opt for repeat injections. Others may find the results acceptable even after the effects fade and choose not to continue. This is primarily a psychological factor rather than a technical issue. It's important to clearly understand your own needs and expectations.
Myth 2: Does hyaluronic acid injections cause rapid skin laxity?
Skin elasticity defies prediction and imagination. For instance, during pregnancy, skin elasticity expands to 300,000 times its pre-pregnancy state. A normal uterus is only the size of a small pear, yet it accommodates a full-term fetus. Thus, periodic injections of minimal hyaluronic acid for contouring will not cause skin thinning or laxity.
Hyaluronic acid is highly safe for the human body. It is hydrophilic and absorbable. When injected into the dermis, it deeply hydrates the skin and enhances elasticity—the primary reason why skin appears more youthful after treatment.
Myth 3: Starting cosmetic procedures young leads to sagging skin later?
If you begin Botox injections at age 25 to address noticeable nasolabial folds, your doctor can help slow their progression. By age 35, your peers will likely have deeper folds than you. This myth is easily debunked.
Below is a clinical comparison of famous American twin sisters undergoing BOTOX wrinkle reduction over 10 years: The older sister received BOTOX only twice in 7 years, while the younger sister had BOTOX every 4-6 months for 13 years.After 13 years, the twins' comparison shows an apparent age gap of over 7 years! It's clear that long-term versus occasional BOTOX use leads to vastly different skin aging outcomes. For middle-aged and older clients, consistent botulinum toxin use inevitably results in fewer facial wrinkles compared to non-users or occasional users, making them appear younger than peers—this is a proven fact.
Conclusion: Claims that cosmetic procedures are addictive or that faces will sag post-surgery are overly biased and absolute. Adopting a cautious approach to cosmetic procedures is the correct stance.
Before deciding on any procedure, it is essential to thoroughly understand it and communicate fully with your doctor. Additionally, adjust your mindset and set reasonable expectations for the outcome.