# 10 myths about *Botox.*

> Botox gives you a mask face, is a poison, is addictive, helps against all wrinkles, works instantly: ten common claims about botulinum toxin

- Source: https://www.vivaderm.de/guide-botox-myths-en.html
- Language: en
- Publisher: VIVA DERM, Privatpraxis für ästhetische Medizin, Rosastraße 6a, 45130 Essen, Germany, +49 1520 8367711
- Responsible physician: Katayoun Mostaghimi (Fachärztin für Allgemeinmedizin)
- Updated: 2026-10-15

Hardly any treatment is as well known – and as misunderstood. Ten sentences you hear all the time, and what medicine says about them.

## Claim versus finding.

**1. 'Botox gives you a mask face.'** A frozen expression results from overdosing or wrong placement, not from the substance. Correctly dosed, expression is preserved – the aim is that nobody notices the treatment.
**2. 'Botox is a poison.'** The substance comes from a bacterium but is used highly purified in tiny, locally acting doses. It has been licensed in medicine for over 30 years and is among the best-studied products.

**3. 'Botox is addictive.'** There is no physical dependence. Anyone who stops has their old expression back after a few months – not more wrinkles than without treatment.
**4. 'Botox helps against all wrinkles.'** Only against expression lines. Static lines, volume loss and crinkly skin need hyaluronic acid or skin-quality treatments.

**5. 'The effect is instant.'** First effects after two to three days, the full result after about two weeks.
**6. 'Botox is for women.'** A growing share of those treated are men; dose and goal differ, the principle does not.

**7. 'The more units, the better.'** More units mean more immobilisation – and less expression. The right dose is individual.
**8. 'Botox smooths the skin.'** It relaxes muscles; the skin itself changes only indirectly because it is no longer folded. For skin quality there are other procedures.

**9. 'Once Botox, always Botox.'** You don't have to; you can. Many treat twice a year, some once, some stop.
**10. 'Botox is dangerous if it is counterfeit.'** That is true – which is why the substance is sourced only through pharmacies and used only by physicians. Suspiciously cheap offers in beauty salons are a warning sign, not a bargain.

## The essentials.

- **Mask face:** result of overdosing
- **Dependence:** none
- **Works on:** expression lines only
- **Fully effective:** after ~2 weeks

## Important note.

This text is general information. It replaces neither a medical examination nor the consultation required before any treatment under German law (§ 630e BGB). Whether and which treatment is suitable for you can only be said after examination and consultation. No treatment results are promised.

## Frequently asked questions.

**Can you see Botox?**

Not with the right dose. You look rested, not 'done'.

**May a beauty salon inject Botox?**

No. Botulinum toxin is prescription-only and in Germany may be used only by physicians.

## Related.

- [Botulinum toxin](https://www.vivaderm.de/botox-en.html) – Treatment
- [Botulinum toxin](https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-botulinumtoxin-en.html) – Lexicon
- [How long does Botox last?](https://www.vivaderm.de/guide-botox-duration-en.html) – Guide

## Sources

- [NHS: Botox injections – patient information](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures/botox-injections/)
- [DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy](https://www.dgbt.de/)
- [BfArM – Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices](https://www.bfarm.de/)
- [European Medicines Agency (EMA)](https://www.ema.europa.eu/)
- [NHS: non-surgical cosmetic procedures](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures/)
- [Medical Association North Rhine – patient information](https://www.aekno.de/patienten)
- [§ 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__630e.html)

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This page is general information and does not replace medical consultation and informed consent (§ 630e BGB). No guarantee of results. Prices are guide prices per GOÄ. Quoting with attribution (VIVA DERM, Essen) is expressly permitted.