7 (very believable) botox and filler myths you should stop falling for

Pouty lips and frozen faces—if that’s what springs to mind when you think of botox and fillers, you’re not alone. Along with their rising popularity, these cosmetic procedures have gained quite a questionable reputation over the years. Blame it on a series of bad ‘before-and-afters’ or simple misinformation doing the rounds, these minimally invasive procedures became the bad boys of the beauty world (along with the people who opt for it). But, that shouldn’t always be the case. 

Don’t get us wrong: there’s nothing wrong with skin ageing—fine lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles are all welcome. For those, however, considering injectables, going in with the right information (and dismissing the wrong) is key. We caught up with three experts and asked them to bust some of the most popular and bizarre botox and filler myths they’ve come across. 

Myth #1: Botox and fillers are considered plastic surgery or going under the knife

Truth: “Botox and fillers are both injections,” explains Dr Jaishree Sharad, cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Skinfinitii Aesthetic Skin and Laser Clinic, Mumbai. “There is no cutting and suturing, and both are lunchtime procedures. There is no hospitalisation or local or general anaesthesia involved.” 

Botox, medically known as onabotulinumtoxinA is a medicine injected into the muscles to relax them or prevent contraction. Fillers, on the other hand, are pre-filled syringes of hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxyapatite injected into areas of the face and body, where there is volume loss. 

Myth #2: Botox is only meant for cosmetic results

Truth: Contrary to popular belief, botox is also used to treat many medical conditions, as Dr Swetha Dilip, celebrity aesthetic physician, The White Door explains. “It is effectively used to treat conditions such as chronic migraines, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), and muscle spasticity. It's a versatile treatment that offers both aesthetic and therapeutic benefits.”

Myth #3: Once I stop getting fillers, my face will sag

Truth: Dr Sharad states that stopping fillers won’t cause your face to sag. “When the effects of the filler wears off, your face will gradually return to its natural appearance before treatment.” It’s important to note that fillers temporarily restore volume and smooth out wrinkles, which means if you stop using them you may notice a return of the natural signs of ageing. 

Having said that, Dr Shilpa Reddy Gill, dermatologist, Zennara Clinics believes that when done correctly fillers can help support the skin and hydrate it. Over-correction, however, can stretch out the skin. 

Myth #4: Botox and fillers are poisonous, and can get absorbed into the body

Truth: These injectables are safe! “Botox has a long-standing safety profile, supported by extensive research and clinical trials,” clarifies Dr Dilip. Busting this myth further, Dr Sharad explains that botox is a highly purified protein derivative obtained from clostridium botulinum. It is usually given in small doses and cannot cause any harm. “Once injected, botox generally stays localised in the area where it's placed. It doesn’t travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body,” she explains.

HA fillers are made of hyaluronic acid which is naturally present in the skin, joints, and retina. Secondly, they are large molecules and cannot be absorbed by blood. 

Myth #5: Fillers will result in duck lips

Truth: Inaccurately filled or overfilled lips usually result in duck lips, explains Dr Sharad. When injected in the right manner with the right quantity, lip fillers can enhance the shape of lips, making the face appear more youthful.

Myth #6: Botox and fillers are permanent

Truth: The effects of botox last anywhere between four to six months, after which the toxin is completely flushed out of the body. Hyaluronic acid fillers are biodegradable and automatically dissolve within eight months to three years. “Overfilling the face, however, can cause the HA filler to migrate or remain in certain pockets causing puffiness or swelling later,” explains Dr Sharad.

In cases like these Dr Gill recommends opting for Ultratherapy MNRF or other radio frequency devices to help reduce the overfilling.

Myth #7: It’s addictive

Truth: Rest assured, botox isn’t chemically addictive. “We all love looking our best with the least amount of makeup/filters and may become accustomed to the positive effects,” explains Dr Dilip. “When the effects wear off, you may wish to maintain your appearance, leading to regular treatments.” Calling it a personal choice rather than a psychological dependency, she states that the effects of botox are temporary, allowing you the flexibility to decide on subsequent treatments. 

Dr Sharad’s disclaimer: Injecting fillers and botox is a medical procedure that should only be performed by qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed dermatologists, aesthetic physicians, and plastic surgeons who have undergone proper training in facial anatomy and injection techniques. For your safety and the best results, it's always recommended to seek these treatments from a certified and experienced medical professional in a clinical setting.

Lead Image credits: Pexels 

Also read: Having once lost out to botox and fillers, the facelift is enjoying a revival

Also read: Experts debunk myths surrounding some common cosmetic procedures