Many myths surround non-surgical cosmetic treatments and aesthetic procedures. These range from slight misconceptions to bizarre untruths, but they all have the same effect: nervousness. 

During my aesthetics clinic in Tarporley, I meet many patients who have waited years to enquire about non-surgical cosmetic treatments because they’re nervous about a “fact” they’ve heard, a photograph they’ve seen, or a misconception they believe.

And, nearly always, their concerns are unfounded. 

So, what are the top myths about aesthetic treatments, and what are the truths?

Myth #1 - Botox and dermal fillers make you look fake and “overdone” 

Tabloids and magazines have fuelled a real fear that cosmetic procedures make you look unnatural, fake, and emotionless - even if visiting a professional clinic. 

The truth is, cosmetic procedures only produce these results when done in excess by an unqualified practitioner. If you choose an ethical and professional practitioner, Botox treatments and dermal fillers create subtle changes that discretely enhance your natural appearance, with no telltale signs of “work.” 

For example, as a qualified GP and experienced practitioner, I achieve natural-looking results by balancing anatomy, products and the art of beauty to achieve “the golden ratio” - or “Phi”. There are no fake or overdone patients walking out of my clinic. 

Myth #2 - Botox is poison

Many people have heard Botox is a poison, and this isn’t wholly untrue. Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin - a poisonous substance produced by bacteria that blocks nerve transmissions to weaken or paralyse specific muscles. 

But Botox isn’t as scary as it sounds. In small doses, Botox is FDA-approved and extremely safe to use for cosmetic purposes and health problems. You might have heard it being used by doctors to control severe sweating, treat chronic migraines or help with an overactive bladder. 

To date, no significant long-term hazards of Botox treatments have been identified. However, it’s important Botox is administered by a professional and qualified practitioner who accurately administers Botox in targeted areas to avoid affecting other muscles. This is something I cover in detail during your initial consultation at the Skinphinity cosmetic practice in Tarporley and Hale.

Myth #3 - Cosmetic treatments are a lifelong commitment - once you start you can’t stop

The media often paints cosmetic procedures as an addiction, with countless documentaries on people obsessed with aesthetic treatments. Luckily, this is a rare extreme, and most people have a healthy relationship with aesthetic treatments, using them sparingly, a couple of times a year. 

For example, I work with patients who want a simple “freshen up” before their wedding or a confidence-boost after a divorce. I also work with patients who enjoy the results and seek a safe and regular course of cosmetic treatments, as needed. But that doesn’t mean they can’t stop treatments. 

My favourite analogy is that cosmetic procedures are like a gym membership. You can use a day-pass to enjoy a treatment as a one-off treat, or you can invest in more regular treatments that help you feel fresher, look younger, and put a spring in your step. However, they’re a luxury, and if your priorities or budget changes, you can stop and start again when the time is right. 

Myth #4 - Botox will make you look frozen, shiny and expressionless

A frozen and expressionless face is a common concern for those trying Botox for the first time, especially if you don’t want people to know. However, this myth is only true if you want it to be. 

Botox blocks nerve transmissions to the muscle, which means a large injection of Botox will temporarily freeze the muscle, creating that expressionless look. 

However, a smaller dose of Botox sprinkled across the forehead (what I like to call “baby Botox”) will just reduce the power of the muscle. This allows the muscle to work and show expression, but softens the lines it creates. In fact, Botox treatments can look so natural that more people have had Botox “tweakments” than you realise. 

Myth #5 - Botox and dermal fillers are the only non-surgical cosmetic treatments

People hear “non-surgical aesthetics” and immediately think of Botox and dermal fillers, remember the above myths and think it’s not for them. However, even if Botox treatments and dermal fillers aren’t for you, there are alternative non-surgical cosmetic treatments that enhance your natural appearance and reduce the signs of ageing. 

For example, at Skinphinity, we offer other treatments including Profhilo injections, platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatments and simple skin care products. Yes, you read right, if I think skincare products can achieve your goals rather than cosmetic treatments, I’ll recommend them. 

Related reading: What is retinol? The skin GP’s take on this anti-ageing miracle

Myth #6 - Aesthetic treatments are only for matured, female skin

Finally, one of the most common and untrue myths of them all: Botox and dermal fillers are only for older females. 

At my cosmetic practices in Tarporley and Hale, I work with patients of all ages. While non-surgical cosmetic treatments are excellent at reversing the signs of ageing and freshening the skin, certain treatments are preventative, too, delaying the signs of ageing. 

And we provide cosmetic treatments for men and women. 

Final thought

One last myth to bust “I’m on my own with aesthetic treatments”. This simply isn’t true.

If you want to discuss cosmetic treatments, have any concerns or wish to ask questions, I am here to help you through the entire journey. Get in touch and we can jump on a Zoom call or have an in-house consultation where I give my honest opinion on treatments suitable and not suitable for you, including wrinkle relaxing injections, fillers, Profhilo and skincare products. And after treatments, my patients love the fact I’m always on the end of the phone for advice.

And, if you want to learn more about the truths of aesthetic treatments, watch the BBC documentary on The Truth about Cosmetic Procedures. 

Get in touch

About Skinphinity

Skinphinity is a cosmetic practice in Tarporley, run by the cosmetic GP, Dr Adam Cheong. Dr Adam is a qualified GP and specialist in non-surgical facial aesthetics. He is passionate about natural-looking enhancements and works hard to give the industry a good name, built on ethical, qualified and honest practices. 

Skinphinity provides a range of non-surgical aesthetic treatments for patients in Tarporley, Chester, Northwich, Hartford, Hale, Manchester and across Cheshire.