Top 5 Myths about Botox & Fillers—DEBUNKED!

Myth 1: Botox is a filler, right? 

NO! Botox is not a filler and should not be used in place of filler. Botox is used to treat and prevent wrinkles, whereas fillers are used to correct volume loss associated with genetics, aging, and facial hollowing. Dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (which our body naturally produces in our joints and skin), and is a clear, jelly-like substance used to volumize, lift, plump, and hydrate skin. Fillers are commonly used to treat the cheeks, lips, jawline, tear troughs (under eyes), temples, nasal/labial folds, chin, hands, and neck lines. Fun fact…or not so fun…starting in our mid-thirties, people begin to lose approximately 1mL of volume in the facial area per year. Yikes!

Myth 2: Fillers look fake.

Not if done correctly. Clients get scared hearing the word “filler” because they immediately imagine “Real Housewives.” But when layered in properly by an experienced injector with an aesthetic eye, you will leave looking like the best version of YOU. No one will see you and suspect filler, but they may be left wondering when you escaped for a weekend retreat to the spa in Sedona, sans the family. In all likelihood, your neighbor, sister-in-law, and co-worker have gotten filler, but because it was done properly by an experienced injector, you’ll never know! 

Myth 3: I should shop around for the cheapest price.

The type of filler is not nearly as important as the skill, talent, aesthetic sense, and expertise of the injector performing the treatment. Imagine five artists given the same paint or clay. The materials are the same, but the outcomes are very different depending on the skill and vision of the artist. For example, I have attended several master level trainings led by the Allergan Institute (the makers of Botox) to continue advancing my injection techniques and to offer the most cutting-edge treatment options to my clients. I have been injecting for over five years, and have treated an average of 4,000 clients each year. I encourage all of my clients to ask about my training and experience, as it’s such a critical consideration when choosing an injector. 

Myth 4: Fillers can be placed anywhere— they are all the same.

Not even close. Each filler is indicated for specific treatment purposes and should not be placed in just any location. For example, Juvederm Voluma is a filler that has been FDA approved to treat on bone. Because Voluma was designed and engineered to treat on bone, it will provide the support and structure needed to treat the problem as opposed to a filler that was meant for another area.  I always say, all wine is made from grapes, but the products are a result of manufacturing and technique. The same is true for fillers and facial aesthetic injectors.

Myth 5: Botox is injected in wrinkles.

False. Botox is injected in the muscles that are causing the wrinkles. Botox is a neurotoxin that relaxes muscles and helps soften movement to assist in correcting fine lines and wrinkles. It is most commonly used to treat frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet, but can also be used to treat a gummy smile, skin laxity under the eyes, hooding of the eyelids, lip lines, chin dimpling, platysmal bands in the neck, the infamous lip flip, and to correct a downturned smile. Botox has even been shown to be effective in treating migraines, TMJ (for teeth clenching and grinding), sweating, and depression.