Botox can seem both tempting and intimidating…
But is there really anything to fear?
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There are more scary stories and wild myths surrounding botulinum toxin than any other aesthetic treatment! These tales only grow and spread as they’re passed from person to person.

Let’s start with the basics: Botox is actually the brand name of a specific product containing botulinum toxin type A. Over time, the name ‘Botox’ has become synonymous with the entire group of similar products, simply because it was the first to be widely used for smoothing expression lines.
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In Russia, several other botulinum toxin products are also approved for use, including Dysport, Xeomin, Botulax, Lantox, and Relatox.
Botulinum toxin type A is a muscle relaxant that causes targeted muscles to relax. This relaxation smooths out wrinkles, as the muscle no longer repeatedly creases the skin in the same spot.
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Botulinum toxin type A does not cause addiction. In fact, during the 6-8 months that your muscles are relaxed, you actually unlearn the habit of frowning. The process is completely reversible.
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Now, let’s address some of the most popular myths.
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⚠️ Myth #1:
Botox ‘turns off’ your muscles, causing them to atrophy.
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✔ The truth:
Botox relaxes the muscle; it doesn’t ‘turn it off.’ It simply relieves excessive tension (hypertonus), which is what leads to overactivity. When a muscle contracts, it pulls on the skin, creating a crease—a wrinkle.
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⚠️ Myth #2:
Botox is a poison that makes you ‘dull.’
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✔ The truth:
Any neuropeptide is technically a botulinum toxin! As with many substances, the difference between a medicine and a poison is the dose. That’s why it’s so important to trust a qualified doctor to perform your procedure.
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You don’t become ‘dull’ from botulinum toxin products, but rather from believing the nonsense you read online or hear from friends. It’s always better to consult a skilled cosmetologist and get professional advice than to live with unwanted wrinkles!
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I can address all your concerns and questions during a personal consultation.

Article author: Chief Physician Elena Alexandrovna.