It has been a landmark year for the aesthetics sector in Britain. While weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro maintain huge popularity, with around 1.5 million UK users, and celebrities like Kris Jenner spark trends with six-figure facelifts, one treatment remains the undisputed king: anti-wrinkle injections.
New statistics from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) show a significant 5% rise in Botox procedures from 2023 to 2024. This increase is part of a broader surge in cosmetic 'tweakments', with nearly 10,000 surgical procedures recorded in the same period, indicating a reduction in stigma and the appeal of non-surgical options.
Expert Verdict on Common Botox Beliefs
With soaring demand comes widespread misinformation. To clarify the facts, we consulted aesthetics practitioner Natalja Andrejeva to address the most persistent myths.
Myth 1: 'Anti-wrinkle injections are purely preventative'
"Anti-wrinkle injections can absolutely be preventative," confirms Natalja. "By relaxing the muscles that create expression lines, they help stop deeper static wrinkles from forming initially."
She notes, however, that for this 'preservation, not transformation' approach to be effective, individuals should consider starting in their late 20s or early 30s. "Think of it like wearing SPF for your skin," she advises. "It's a small step now that can prevent more pronounced signs of ageing later."
Verdict: A mixture of fact and fiction. It can be preventative, but timing and intent are key.
Myth 2: 'It doesn't work on all wrinkles'
This statement holds true. Natalja explains that these injections are most effective on dynamic wrinkles—lines caused by repeated facial movements like smiling, frowning, or squinting.
"For static wrinkles, which result from sun damage or skin laxity, the results may be less dramatic," she adds. "These often require complementary treatments such as dermal filler or skin resurfacing techniques."
Verdict: Fact.
Myth 3: 'You can always tell when someone's had them'
Natalja, founder of Face Code Aesthetic, strongly disputes this. "The best anti-wrinkle work is subtle. When performed skilfully, you shouldn't visibly notice the injections—the person simply appears refreshed or well-rested," she states.
The dreaded 'frozen' look, she clarifies, typically stems from overtreatment or poor technique. A competent practitioner will tailor the dose to preserve natural facial movement.
She emphasises the importance of using a trusted professional, recommending patients consult government-approved registers like Save Face to verify a practitioner's credentials.
Verdict: Fiction.
Myth 4: 'Once you start, you're stuck doing it for life'
This is a common fear, but unfounded. "If you stop treatments, your wrinkles do not suddenly worsen," Natalja assures. "Your muscles gradually return to their normal activity, and your lines will reappear as they were before you started."
She stresses that the treatments are not a lifelong commitment and that the client remains in full control of their schedule.
Verdict: Fiction.
Myth 5: 'Botox is toxic and builds up in your system'
Addressing safety concerns, Natalja is clear: "Botulinum toxin does not accumulate in the body. It is eventually broken down and eliminated by your system. It's a temporary treatment with temporary effects—nothing builds up long-term."
While dangerous in large amounts, she notes that in the minute, purified doses used cosmetically, it has an incredibly well-established safety profile after decades of medical use for conditions ranging from migraines to muscle disorders.
Verdict: Fiction.
Myth 6: 'The results are frustratingly short-lived'
On this point, the myth is accurate, though there is a silver lining. "The effects are not permanent; they typically last around three to four months," Natalja confirms.
However, she adds that over successive treatments, some patients may experience longer-lasting results as their facial muscles become trained to move less forcefully.
Verdict: Fact.
Key Questions to Ask Before Your First Treatment
Psychologist Emma Kenny suggests anyone considering anti-wrinkle injections should first reflect on three crucial questions.
First, examine your motivation. Is it driven by healthy self-care, or by deeper insecurities and a search for external validation? If it's the latter, you may need to reconsider.
Second, are your expectations realistic? Botox can soften lines but will not automatically resolve underlying self-esteem issues. Understand its limitations to avoid post-treatment disappointment.
Finally, how will you cope if you're not satisfied? Consider your emotional readiness for all outcomes. If you are prone to anxiety, having a support plan in place can help manage any feelings of letdown.
