You and all your friends want to get cosmetic injections to rejuvenate your skin, but you’re a little nervous. Getting injections in your face sounds a little scary. Today we’re going to clear up some of the misinformation about cosmetic injections and separate the myths from the facts about these treatments.

What are some of the myths about cosmetic injections?

Myth: Cosmetic injections are full of unhealthy, dangerous chemicals.

Fact: Cosmetic fillers are made from substances that occur naturally in your skin, like hyaluronic acid. BOTOX, while derived from the botulinum toxin, has been approved for cosmetic use since 2002.

Myth: Cosmetic injections are painful.

Fact: While they are a little uncomfortable, your doctor can apply a topical anesthetic cream to numb your skin first if you want.However, most do not opt for this cream.

Myth: I won’t be able to move my face after a cosmetic injection.

Fact: Cosmetic fillers do not paralyze your facial muscles.They just add slight volume to soften transitions. “While BOTOX does temporarily paralyze facial muscles, these are very localized shots and your face will still have some mobility,” CEENTA ENT doctor Roy Lewis, MD, said. “We can always add more to decrease mobility even more.”

Myth: I’ll have to come back every week for more injections.

Fact: Cosmetic filler injections can last anywhere from 3 to 4 months all the way up to 18 months depending on which filler is used.The average is about 6 months.BOTOX injections typically last 3 to 4 months as well.

Myth: Any cosmetic injection can be used anywhere on the face.

Fact: BOTOX is designed specifically to be used on frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. Dermal fillers are used to address facial volume. You and your doctor will discuss your goals before selecting an injection.

Myth: I should be worried about side effects.

Fact: Very few major side effects have been recorded from cosmetic injection cases. If you do have side effects, they will most likely be something minor, like mild bruising or itching around the injection site. They should last for no more than a week, though.

Myth: I don’t need to go to a doctor. Getting cosmetic injections at a spa is fine.

Fact: Cosmetic injections are a medical procedure, and it is strongly advised that you get them from a healthcare provider. All cosmetic fillers and injections at CEENTA are performed by medical doctors, many of whom are fellowship trained in facial plastic surgery.

And with cosmetic treatments at CEENTA, you’ll see results right away.

“Fillers are especially fun because patients can see the improvements while they are still in the office,” Dr. Lewis said.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your physician. To make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Lewis or another CEENTA doctor, call 704-295-3000. You can also schedule an appointment online or through myCEENTAchart.