Botox myths: is it a filler, and do zinc or magnesium matter?

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Botox is one of the most common aesthetic treatments, and also one of the most misunderstood. Here are the questions my patients ask most often.

Botox is not a filler

Botox does not plump the face or add volume. It temporarily reduces the movement of the muscles where it is injected. That is why it is used for expression lines such as forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet. The aim is not a frozen face but a more rested look, with natural expressions preserved.

The effect is temporary

The effect usually starts within a few days and gradually wears off. Botox is also used for medical reasons, such as excessive sweating and teeth grinding.

“If I take zinc, will my botox last longer?”

There is a scientific basis for this question. Zinc is one of the minerals involved in how botulinum toxin works at the nerve ending. A few small studies have looked at this, and some reported a longer effect in people who took zinc before treatment — one study reported an increase of around 30%.

“I take magnesium. Will it reduce the effect?”

There is currently no reliable clinical evidence that magnesium reduces the effect of botox or makes it wear off faster. There is no need to stop a magnesium supplement your doctor recommended for this reason.

In short

• Botox temporarily relaxes muscles; it does not fill the face.
• Zinc shows interesting early data, but it is not a standard recommendation.
• There is no reliable evidence that magnesium affects botox.
• Talk to your doctor before starting or stopping any supplement.

Cet article est fourni à titre d’information générale et ne remplace pas un examen.