Before we begin — a few figures
Botulinum toxin type A (commonly known as Botox, although this is the trade name of one product) is the most commonly performed aesthetic medicine treatment worldwide. In 2024, over 9 million treatments were performed globally (ISAPS data — International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery). In Poland, the market is growing by several per cent each year.
This is not a niche procedure. It is not an experiment. It is the gold standard in aesthetic medicine, with a twenty-year clinical history. But TikTok will not tell you that, because facts do not go viral. Myths do.
MYTH 1: “Botox is a poison”
The cosmetic dose of botulinum toxin is around 20–60 units for the whole face. A potentially dangerous dose is many times higher and administered intravenously — not locally. This difference makes the cosmetic treatment safe.
Botulinum toxin is also a medicine. It is used in neurology (dystonia, muscle spasticity), urology (overactive bladder), ophthalmology (strabismus) and chronic migraine treatment (approved by the FDA). It is a medicine with broad medical use, and aesthetics is one of its applications.
MYTH 2: “Once you start, you cannot stop”
Botulinum toxin does not affect reward receptors or alter the brain’s neurochemistry. It does not cause withdrawal symptoms. When the result wears off, your muscles return to normal. No new wrinkles appear. Existing ones do not deepen.
Psychological habit — yes, this is possible. You become used to a smooth forehead and prefer to return to it when the result wears off. This is an aesthetic preference, not dependence on a substance. It is similar to becoming used to coloured hair — regrowth is not “worse” than your hair before colouring.
MYTH 3: “Botox freezes your face”
Modern aesthetic medicine offers approaches that preserve natural facial expression:
- Micro-botox — minimal doses distributed over a larger area. Result: smoother skin, with facial expression preserved.
- Baby botox — preventative, small doses at strategic points. It slows wrinkle formation without eliminating facial expression.
- Precise dosing — an experienced doctor adjusts the dose for a specific muscle. Too much creates a mask-like effect.
MYTH 4: “Botox is for wrinkles”
Bruxism (jaw tension) — do you clench your teeth at night? Botulinum toxin in the masseter muscle may reduce tension and pain. Studies published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation confirm its effectiveness for this indication.
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) — blocking nerve signals to sweat glands in the underarms, hands or feet. The result may last from several to more than a dozen months. This treatment can have an important impact on quality of life for people with hyperhidrosis.
Chronic migraine — since 2010, botulinum toxin has been approved by the FDA for chronic migraine treatment (15+ days with headache per month). Injections are given at multiple points on the head and neck, repeated every few months.
Downturned mouth corners — botulinum toxin in the DAO muscle gently lifts the corners of the mouth. It neutralises the “sad facial expression” caused by muscle tone and gravity.
Gummy smile — excessive gum exposure when smiling. Botulinum toxin in the upper lip levator muscle limits its movement in a subtle, natural way.
MYTH 5: “At 25, I am too young”
Before the age of 25 — expression lines have usually not had time to become “established”. The skin regenerates quickly enough for folds to disappear once the muscle relaxes. In most cases, botulinum toxin at this age is an intervention introduced too early. An exception is a very deep frown line caused by genetic predisposition and a strong muscle.
27–30 years — this is where discussion of a preventative approach with minimal doses begins. The idea is that if a static wrinkle, visible even without movement, starts to become established, earlier intervention may slow this process.
MYTH 6: “Botox travels around the body”
Studies from Toxicon and the Journal of Neural Transmission confirm that botulinum toxin acts locally, within around 1–2 cm of the injection site. It binds to receptors on nerve endings at that specific site. It does not enter the bloodstream in clinically significant amounts.
MYTH 7: “I cannot exercise after Botox”
Intense exercise within 24 hours after the treatment causes blood vessels to dilate and increases blood flow. This may lead to greater diffusion of the toxin beyond the intended area — for example, eyelid drooping if toxin from the forehead moves to the eyelid levator muscle.
- 24h after the treatment: no intense cardio, gym workouts or hot yoga
- Walking, office work and normal life — no restrictions
- Do not bend over (with your head below your heart)
- Do not massage the injection sites
- Avoid the sauna and hot showers
- Do not lie down for the first few hours after the treatment
MYTH 8: “Cheaper Botox is worse”
- Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) — Allergan/AbbVie, USA
- Azzalure / Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) — Galderma/Ipsen, France
- Bocouture / Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) — Merz, Germany
They differ in their diffusion profile. Azzalure spreads more widely, while Bocouture works more precisely. Their dosing also differs — 1 unit of one product is not equivalent to 1 unit of another. An experienced doctor understands these differences and selects the dose accordingly. Prices also vary because Botox is a premium brand with a substantial marketing budget, which is reflected in the cost.
When Botox is genuinely not right for you
The facts also show when botulinum toxin is contraindicated:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding — there are no studies confirming safety, so the treatment is not performed
- Neuromuscular conditions (myasthenia, ALS) — the toxin blocks neuromuscular transmission, which is already impaired in these conditions
- Allergy to ingredients in the product — rare, but possible
- Infection at the planned injection site — treatment comes first
- Unrealistic expectations — a good doctor will decline treatment if the goal cannot be achieved safely
Summary — before you make a decision
Before your treatment:
- Research reliable sources (PubMed, dermatological society websites) — not TikTok
- Check your doctor: PWZ (licence to practise), specialisation, portfolio and reviews
- Consultation: a good doctor will decline treatment if they consider it unnecessary or your expectations unrealistic — that is a GOOD sign
- Do not look for price deals — with botulinum toxin, a low price usually means a compromise on quality or qualifications
If you are already having Botox:
- Keep track of your appointment — the effect lasts several months, so do not return sooner than after 3 months
- Do not increase the dose — if the effect lasts less time after several repeat treatments, consider changing the product rather than the dose
- Photograph the result in the same lighting after around 2 weeks — an objective assessment rather than an impression
J'ADORE INSTYTUT
At J'ADORE INSTYTUT, botulinum toxin is performed exclusively by aesthetic medicine doctors — because the difference between a “frozen face” and a “natural result” comes down to experience, not the product. A consultation before the treatment is mandatory and free of charge. A good doctor listens first, then injects.