By Dr. Skylar Souyoul and Dr. Lindsey Pennington
In the world of aesthetics, misinformation runs rampant—and it can impact how people approach their skincare and cosmetic treatments.We’re here to clear the air. As a board-certified dermatologist and a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, we hear these myths all the time. Let’s break them down and set the record straight.
x Myth: Starting Botox early will make you immune to it.
+ Fact: Botox is a purified protein that relaxes targeted muscles to soften wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming.
When used correctly, Botox and Dysport remain effective for adults of all ages. Preventative neurotoxin treatments in your 20s and 30s can help delay the onset of static wrinkles. As long as treatments are spaced out by at least 12 weeks and performed at appropriate doses, there’s minimal risk of developing antibodies. Starting earlier doesn’t lead to resistance—it can actually help you age more gracefully.
x Myth: All Botox and filler treatments are the same, no matter where you go.
x Myth: All Botox and filler treatments are the same, no matter where you go.+ Fact: Your results depend entirely on the skill, training, and expertise of the injector.
Cosmetic treatments are medical procedures—not commodities. That’s why it’s so important to see a board-certified core aesthetic physician—like a facial plastic surgeon or dermatologist—who has in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy, uses FDA-approved products sourced directly from the manufacturer, and is trained to manage even the rarest complications.
As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and a board-certified dermatologist, we have completed the most rigorous and specialized training available in aesthetic medicine. In addition to treating patients, we’ve also served as clinical investigators and national speakers in the field. When it comes to your face, experience, education, and credentials truly matter.
x Myth: To get perfect skin, just copy someone else’s routine.
+ Fact: Great skincare is personalized, not one-size-fits-all.
Your skin is unique—your skincare should be, too. What works for someone else might cause irritation, dryness, or breakouts for you. That’s why we design custom regimens tailored to your skin type and goals. We even provide written instructions to guide you step-by-step (many of our patients keep them taped to their mirror!
x Myth: Myth: If you’re thinking about a facelift, you should skip Sculptra.
+ Fact: Sculptra is one of the only truly regenerative treatments available—and it won’t prevent you from having a facelift later.
Sculptra is a unique injectable that stimulates your skin to produce its own collagen and elastin, leading to visible improvements in skin quality, tone, texture, and subtle volume loss over time. It’s backed by clinical studies and is a great option for patients of any age—whether you’re interested in prejuvenation or rejuvenation.
There’s a common misconception that Sculptra can interfere with future facelifts. While it’s true that improperly placed product can complicate surgery, this only occurs when it’s injected into the wrong tissue planes. In the hands of a board-certified, trained aesthetic physician, Sculptra is safe to use before and after surgical procedures.
Dr. Pennington typically prefers at least a 6–12 month window between Sculptra and facelift surgery to allow for collagen remodeling, but the idea that you must avoid it altogether is simply not true. When placed appropriately, it does not affect your ability to undergo a facelift—and it remains one of the most effective regenerative treatments in aesthetics today.
x Myth: Everyone will know if you get filler.
x Myth: Everyone will know if you get filler.+ Fact: Filler is a gel-like substance made of hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring compound in your body—used to restore lost volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours.
The best filler results are completely undetectable. Natural-looking results are our specialty. We focus on enhancing your features so you still look like you—just refreshed. If filler is noticeable, it was likely too much or poorly placed. That’s why choosing an experienced injector with a refined aesthetic eye is so important.
The Bottom Line: Botox, fillers, and skincare are powerful tools— when they’re used correctly. Skip the social media myths and talk to trusted experts. When done properly, these treatments enhance your natural beauty, restore confidence, and help you feel your absolute best.
To see more before and after results follow: @aestheticfaceandbodycenter | @penningtonfacialplastics