Debunking Botox “Frozen Face” Myths

Botox is made up of a purified protein produced by Clostridium botulinum. Although it may sound dangerous, these toxin injections are used to reduce and prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is used in small doses to help relax certain regions of your facial muscles. The most common areas where it is used are the forehead, around the eyes, or the brow area.

Apart from cosmetic uses, Botox can also be used to help with medical problems like chronic migraines, excessive sweating, neck or eye spasms, and overactive bladders. It can be used to treat pain, help in temporarily correcting asymmetrical looks, and even as a preventative measure for wrinkles and other stress or wear lines.

In some cases, this treatment can also prove useful to soften neck and chin lines, lifting up the lips and reduce any line around the jaw and mouth. It can give your face the slimming effect that you’ve always wanted and even help you lift the corners of your mouth to reveal a more dazzling smile.

Although using Botox has become a common practice, many people still have many reservations regarding it. Some people believe that they will lose their facial expressions, and their faces will turn “stiff” or “frozen” if they get Botox. After all, nobody wants a robotic appearance when their goal was to simply look refreshed!

However, before you start believing such nonsense, you need to understand how Botox works. While there may be some botched Botox experiments walking around, there are many ways to ensure that it doesn’t happen to you.

How Does Botox Work?

Botox injections strategically target some precise facial muscles to reduce the formation of negative expressions such as frowning or scowling. It reduces the movement of the muscles that are causing lines on your forehead or around your eyes. It trains your facial muscles and reduces their ability to create tension on your face.

If someone looks unnatural after treatment and is unable to move their face, it may be because of the wrong placement and incorrect dosing of the drug. Botox is very specific in its actions and must be administered very carefully in the appropriate positions to maintain the natural balance of the facial muscles, which will not compromise their ability to form natural expressions.

However, the fact remains that sometimes people’s faces become unrecognizable after the improper use of Botox. It is important to understand that Botox should not make you look weird or unattractive. And this can happen if the injection is improperly placed on your face. If such a thing happens, Botox may depress the middle of your eyebrows while elevating the eyebrows, which creates a very odd look. It is crucial to maintain the natural expressions of your face.

Thus, when these injections are used properly, Botox will not affect the movement of your eyebrows. It will only enhance your features by removing odd lines and wrinkles from your face. The result is a fresh, youthful, and inviting look for all users. It can even make your face more symmetrical and relax your facial muscles so that you get a brighter and well-rested look.

What Can You Do to Avoid a “Frozen” Face?

The frozen face should only belong on mannequins, and you should not fall prey to it. If you are considering getting Botox injections, there are several ways to ensure that this does not happen. Let’s take a look at some important tips that can help you prevent an unnatural look.

1.   Find An Experienced Medical Provider

Perhaps the most important thing to consider before you get a Botox treatment is where you are getting this treatment. Botox is a pharmaceutical drug and should not be administered by just anyone.

Only Master Trained injectors like Dr. Shelly Naegele should be injecting something into your face. Master Level trained professionals have expertise with different clients. They know how much dosage you will require and what results can you expect. You will find that most people with bad experiences with Botox have gone to the wrong injector.

Although it might cost you a bit more, anything is worth not getting your face frozen! You can also ask the injector about previous treatments they have done and pictures of the before and after look of their clients so you can get a better idea.

2.   Your Treatment Should Be Customized To Suit Your Needs

Every individual has a different facial structure and expressions. Using a one-size-fits-all approach with Botox injections should always be avoided. A qualified medical provider will first study your face and design an individualized treatment for your needs. You should make sure that your injector has the required knowledge and training to do so.

3.   You Should Carefully Choose Your Dosage

Another important factor to consider before getting Botox is to make sure that you don’t overdo it. The most common cause of the frozen face look is too much Botox. Your medical provider should determine how many units you need to treat your wrinkles while maintaining your natural expressions. It is not wise to inject so much Botox that you lose half your facial muscle strength. It will make you look fake and unnatural. The amount of Botox you need should be decided by taking into account the treatment area, the facial anatomy, and the severity of lines and wrinkles.

Moreover, another rule of thumb that you should keep in mind is that less is always more with regards to Botox. Over-treating should never be an option. The treatment is much more effective if touch-ups are done periodically rather than injecting too much Botox at once. This practice will create a more natural result and give you a relaxed and youthful look.

What About “Bad” Botox?

There are some instances in which people fail to understand the abovementioned tips and get some lousy Botox results on their faces. Even a millimeter in the wrong direction can change your face in a bad way. And the worst part is that it can last for about 2 to 3 months. 

Unlike hyaluronic fillers, Botox cannot be dissolved or removed from your face. You will need to wait out its effects to wear off and get your natural look back.

However, generally, the drug is very safe if it is injected by a qualified and licensed practitioner who is following the recommended protocols regarding the dosage and location of the injection. Unfortunately, not all Botox injections are regulated. This is why you should be extra careful and do your research before getting the treatment.  We here at Oxford Medical only purchase our Botox from Allergan, which is the only licensed manufacturer on the product.

After Your Botox Treatment

After a Botox treatment, some people may experience a bit of bruising from the injections. However, they usually disappear after a few hours. The results of the treatment often take about 2 to 10 days before they start showing. You must show a little patience during this time and incorporate the following tips to get the best results.

• Don’t try to massage the treated area on your face. This can cause the product to move into muscles that do not need the effect.
• Procedures like facial and laser treatments or microdermabrasion should be avoided for at least ten days.
• You should try to avoid excessive straining activities like vigorous exercise or heavy lifting for a day after getting the treatment. It will ensure that the Botox does not move somewhere else.
• Avoiding the sun is also important. You should always wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher when going outside to avoid excessive sunlight and heat.
• You should also refrain from drinking large amounts of alcohol or consuming excessive salt to avoid any bloating.

These tips will help you avoid any misadventures with your treatment and will give you the desired results in just a few days. You can now try to focus on your daily skincare routine without worrying about your wrinkles and face lines.