Botox myths, busted: a dermatologist's guide

Few treatments are as misunderstood as Botox. Let's clear up the big ones.

Myth: it will freeze your face

Done well, the goal is softer movement, not no movement. We dose conservatively and review you after two weeks so we can fine-tune — most people just look rested.

Myth: once you start, you can't stop

Not true. If you stop, the muscle simply returns to its previous activity over a few months. Nothing gets 'worse' than it would have been.

Myth: it's only for wrinkles you already have

Many patients use small amounts preventively, to slow the etching of lines. It's also used medically — for jaw clenching, excessive sweating and migraines.

Myth: all injectors are the same

Anatomy knowledge is everything. Ask who's injecting, what product and what dose — at our clinic that's always a qualified dermatologist, and we'll explain the plan before anything happens.