Botox Myths vs. Facts: Debunking Common Misconceptions

Are you curious about Botox and trying to sift through the mounds of information online about it? What’s true? What’s not? In this post, we focus on common myths about Botox and the Botox facts that counter them.

Botox has become a buzzword in the world of beauty and aesthetics, with millions of people around the world turning to the treatment to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Though it’s become the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic treatment backed by years of evidence, there are still a lot of rumors and plenty of misinformation about Botox Cosmetic floating around. From the idea that it “freezes your face” to fears of it being dangerous or addictive, there’s no shortage of myths floating around. But what’s fact, and what’s pure fiction?

Whether you’re curious about Botox for the first time or just want to separate the science from the scare tactics, it’s time to set the record straight. In this blog, we turn to Houston-based Nurse Injector Nicole Sarmiento to break down the most common myths and reveal the truth behind this popular treatment—so you can make informed decisions based on facts, not fear. 

Botox myths vs. Botox facts

Sarmiento is an Allergan Medical Institute trainer for Botox. 

Here is a summary of the common Botox myths she hears people discuss, with the Botox facts that counter them:

• Myth #1: Botox makes your face frozen
  • Fact 1: Botox relaxes muscles without freezing facial expressions

• Myth #2: Botox is permanent 
  • Fact 2: Botox injections typically last 3-4 months with adjustments dosing

• Myth #3: Botox is unsafe 
  • Fact 3: Botox is an FDA-approved medication and has been used cosmetically for over 20 years

• Myth #4: Botox is painful
  • Fact 4: Most people experience only mild discomfort during Botox injections

• Myth #5: Botox is only for women
  • Fact 5: An increasing number of men seek Botox for its cosmetic and medical benefits

• Myth #6: When you stop Botox, your wrinkles will worsen
  • Fact 6: If you stop Botox treatments,  your muscles will gradually regain movement, and over time, your wrinkles will reappear

Myth #1: Botox makes your face frozen 

Botox Fact: Botox relaxes muscles without freezing facial expressions

Some believe that Botox makes your face appear frozen. However, this is not the case when working with a skilled injector.

As Sarmiento shares, “Botox relaxes muscles without freezing facial expressions.” 

To ensure you love your results, find and work with a skilled person who knows the right amounts of Botox to inject and where to inject it to allow for facial expressions versus a more frozen look. 

Myth #2: Botox is permanent 

Botox Fact: Botox injections typically last 3 to 4 months with adjustments dosing

If you’re wondering if Botox is permanent, it’s not. Treatment results wear off over a few months. “Injections typically last 3 to 4 months, with adjustments in dosing with each treatment,” shares Sarmiento. 

Myth #3: Botox is unsafe 

Botox Fact: Botox is an FDA-approved medication and has been used cosmetically for over 20 years

For those curious about Botox’s safety profile, as Sarmiento points out, Botox is a medication that’s been used for more than 20 years for cosmetic purposes. It was initially FDA-approved in 2002. 

Myth #4: Botox is painful

Botox Fact: Most people experience only mild discomfort during Botox injections 

Sarmiento has injected 1000s of units of Botox for satisfied patients, so she knows firsthand how people respond to Botox treatment and whether they perceive it as painful. 

Though some might say Botox is painful, in Sarmiento’s experience, “most people experience only mild discomfort during Botox injections.” 

Myth #5: Botox is only for women

Botox Fact: An increasing number of men seek Botox for its cosmetic and medical benefits

Though women may have popularized Botox, it is now a popular cosmetic treatment among men, too. “An increasing number of men seek Botox for its cosmetic and medical benefits,” states Sarmiento. 

In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that there was a 400% increase in men spending money on neuromodulator treatments between 2000 and 2023. Botox for men is often referred to as “Brotox.”

Myth #6: When you stop Botox, your wrinkles will worsen

Botox Fact: If you stop Botox treatments, your muscles will gradually regain movement, and, over time, your wrinkles will reappear

Another common Botox myth is that wrinkles will get worse after you stop getting Botox injections. However, what happens is that “your muscles gradually regain movement” after you stop getting Botox. As the Botox wears off, your wrinkles reappear over time. 

One’s perception is often that wrinkles are worse after they stop getting Botox because of the long-term improvement in the appearance of wrinkles they’ve had. Once wrinkles return, the perception might be that they are worse when, in reality, they’re not.

What is Botox FDA-approved to treat?

“Botox has four FDA- approvals for cosmetic use – more than any other neurotoxin on the market,” shares Sarmineto, “It’s used for temporarily improving the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines, and the most recently added platysma bands – the vertical bands connecting the jaw and neck – in adults.” 

Botox is also used for several off-label cosmetic treatments, including:

• Bunny lines (lines across the bridge of the nose)
• Chin Botox (chin dimpling)
• Eyebrow lifting
• Marionette lines (around corners of the mouth)
• Botox lip flip
• Jawline contouring

Schedule a Botox consultation today!

Now you know some common Botox facts and myths. Are you ready to learn more to determine if Botox injections are right for you? Schedule a Botox consultation with your local clinic or MedSpa!

DermaTouch RN is an Allergan-certified clinic – Allergan is the maker of Botox. Schedule online 24/7 for your Botox appointment, or call 210-660-4368 (San Antonio) or 281-720-8622 (Houston)!

Nicole Sarmiento, BSN, RN

NURSE INJECTOR

Nicole became a Registered Nurse in 2011 after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Since 2013, her focus has been in Medical Aesthetics. Her background includes Botox & Dysport, Fillers, CoolSculpting ELITE, Ultherapy, BBL, and Laser Hair Reduction. Nicole enjoys teaching and educating her clients. She has a strong passion for the aesthetic industry and, most importantly, helping others feel and look their absolute best.

In 2022, Nicole became a Trainer for The Allergan Medical Institute® and currently provides training on Botox, Juvederm, and Kybella to new and existing practices in South Texas. She enjoys sharing her experiences on how to achieve great client outcomes with injectables.