Let’s Bust a Botox Myth

You’ve probably heard it whispered: “Botox makes wrinkles worse over time.” It’s a common fear—but is it fact or fiction?

Let’s clear the air. Whether you’re curious about starting Botox in Salem, OR or wondering about long-term effects, this guide breaks down the science, the rumors, and what really happens when you choose Botox the right way—with a provider who truly understands your skin and your goals.

Quick Answer: No—when done correctly, Botox does not make wrinkles worse. It temporarily relaxes facial muscles to reduce the appearance of dynamic lines. Misuse or abrupt stopping treatments may give the illusion of deeper wrinkles, but Botox itself does not cause long-term damage.

What Is Botox, Really?

Let’s start with the basics. Botox is a purified protein that works by gently relaxing the muscles underneath your skin. These are the same muscles that create facial expressions—like squinting, frowning, or raising your eyebrows.

Over time, repeated movements from these expressions can lead to dynamic wrinkles—the fine lines that show up when your face is in motion. Think: crow’s feet, forehead lines, or the “11s” between your brows.

By softening muscle activity in targeted areas, Botox helps smooth out these lines, giving your skin a more rested, youthful appearance—without changing you. It doesn’t freeze your face or erase your expressions—it simply calms the overactive muscles that crease the skin.

Here’s how Botox supports natural-looking results:

• Muscle relaxation
• Wrinkle softening
• Expression preservation

When done well, Botox highlights your natural beauty, not hides it.

Where the Concern Comes From

So, why do some people worry that Botox might make wrinkles worse?

It usually comes down to misunderstandings about how facial muscles and skin behave over time. Some fear that if you relax a muscle too often, it could weaken or cause sagging. Others worry that stopping Botox will somehow “rebound” the wrinkles, making them deeper.

The truth? These concerns are often based on myths—not medicine.

Unfortunately, social media has added fuel to the fire. Dramatic before-and-afters, overdone treatments, and “frozen” expressions have created fear around what Botox might look like—especially when performed by underqualified providers.

Let’s be clear: when Botox is used properly, by someone who understands facial anatomy and dosing, those risks drop dramatically.

Here’s what can really cause problems:

• Over-injecting
• Incorrect placement
• Inexperienced hands

When personalized to you, Botox should look subtle, smooth, and entirely natural.

Can Botox Actually Make Wrinkles Worse?

Let’s get straight to it: Botox does not make wrinkles worse.

That said, there are a few reasons why it might look that way—especially if treatments are misused or suddenly stopped after long-term use.

Here’s what can happen: if you’ve been getting Botox regularly and then discontinue it, your muscles slowly regain full movement. That means the dynamic wrinkles you’d previously softened may start to reappear—and if you forget how deep those lines were before, it can feel like they’ve gotten worse.

But this isn’t new damage—it’s just your natural muscle activity returning. No harm done. The key is knowing what to expect and working with a provider who keeps your treatment timeline realistic and personalized.

These three things make all the difference:

• Precise technique
• Consistent care
• Customized dosing

When Botox is done well—and with you in mind—it helps soften signs of aging, not speed them up.

Real-Life Impact: Confidence vs. Confusion

The biggest cost of Botox myths? It’s not just about skin—it’s about self-confidence.

We see it all the time: someone curious about aesthetic care puts it off for years because of what they’ve heard online. They worry it’ll make things worse. They wait. And as time passes, those fine lines deepen—and so does the frustration.

Misinformation can delay care, leaving people feeling stuck between wanting change and fearing it. It’s a tough spot—especially when all they need is a little education and the right provider to walk them through it.

At Functional Wellness & Aesthetics, we believe the decision to try Botox (or not!) should come from clarity, not confusion. When you’re informed, supported, and never pressured, you can make choices that feel aligned—not anxious.

Functional Wellness & Aesthetics’ Holistic, Personalized Botox Approach

At Functional Wellness & Aesthetics, we have a shared goal: helping you feel confident in your skin.

We start with a conversation, not a sales pitch. Your goals, your questions, your comfort level—they all guide the process. Whether you’re new to Botox or looking for a more natural approach, we take time to make sure you’re fully informed and in control of your care.

All injections are performed by Rick Meyers, FNP-BC, a highly skilled aesthetic provider in Salem, OR, who pairs clinical expertise with genuine, down-to-earth care. Patients trust Rick for his precision, honesty, and ability to create results that look beautifully you—never overdone.

Here, we don’t believe in “freezing” faces or chasing trends. Our focus is on:

• Enhancing natural beauty
• Supporting whole-person wellness
• Creating subtle, confidence-boosting results

Because when aesthetic care is personalized, respectful, and aligned with your goals, it becomes a powerful part of feeling well—inside and out.

Complementary Aesthetic Options for Long-Term Results

Botox is a powerful tool—but it’s just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to facial rejuvenation.

For more balanced, long-lasting results, we often combine Botox with other aesthetic treatments that support volume, shape, and symmetry:

• Dermal Fillers to restore lost volume and soften deeper lines
• Lip Augmentation for natural fullness and facial harmony
• Facial Contouring to define features and create structure

Each plan is fully personalized at our Salem wellness clinic, so your results feel cohesive. Think refreshed, not “retouched.”

Tips to Make the Most of Botox

A few simple habits can help you get the best—and most natural—results from your Botox treatments:

• Stay consistent, but avoid overtreating
• Hydrate and care for your skin daily
• Rebook before results fully wear off to maintain a smooth, seamless look

Think of Botox as part of your broader wellness routine—it works best when paired with healthy habits and thoughtful timing.

Key Takeaways

• Botox does not make wrinkles worse—that’s a myth
• Results depend on proper technique, timing, and personalization
• Stopping Botox won’t damage your skin—it just returns to baseline
• Combining Botox with fillers or contouring can enhance natural results
• At Functional Wellness & Aesthetics, Botox is part of a holistic, relationship-driven approach
• Treatments are performed by trusted Salem provider Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
• Your experience is relaxed, informative, and always tailored to you

Ready to Feel Like You Again?

Smooth your concerns—and your skin—with expert Botox in Salem.

Book a personalized consultation today and take the first step toward refreshed, confident, natural results.

Because your most radiant self is closer than you think—just one visit away.

FAQs: 

Will my face look frozen?

Not with us. At Functional Wellness & Aesthetics, Botox is carefully dosed to relax—not freeze—your muscles. You’ll still look like you, just a little more rested.

What happens if I stop Botox?

Your muscles will gradually return to their natural movement, and dynamic wrinkles may reappear. But stopping doesn’t make them worse—it just returns you to baseline.

Is Botox safe long-term?

Yes. When administered properly, Botox has a strong safety record and can be used long-term without damaging your skin or muscles.

Does Botox give you more wrinkles in the long run?

No—this is a myth. Botox actually slows the development of wrinkles by reducing repetitive muscle movement.

Does Botox prevent wrinkles or make them worse?

It helps prevent dynamic wrinkles from deepening. It doesn’t make wrinkles worse when used properly.

Does Botox make you look older faster?

Not at all. In fact, many patients say they feel like they age more gracefully with Botox as part of their routine.

Rick & Jennifer Meyers | FNP, LE & MA

Functional Wellness & Aesthetics

www.functionwellsalem.com

Phone: 503-991-8549