As a board-certified dermatologist deeply involved in both the medical and cosmetic aspects of skincare, I've had the unique opportunity to experience a range of cosmetic procedures firsthand. Today, I want to share my personal journey with Botox, lip fillers, and Kybella, shedding light on their benefits and dispelling myths from the perspective of someone who understands both the science and artistry behind these treatments.

Understanding Botox: More Than Just Wrinkle Reduction

Botox, a brand name for a type of injectable neuromodulator, is a protein engineered to reduce muscle movement when injected. Its primary function is to soften or prevent typical facial lines caused by repetitive expressions, such as frown lines between the eyebrows, horizontal forehead creases, or crow’s feet around the eyes.

I began Botox treatments at age 26, not primarily to prevent wrinkles — as I naturally have a less expressive face — but rather to achieve a subtle brow lift. Since my eyebrows tend to be flat and my eyes deep-set, I found that relaxing the muscles that pull my brows downward helped create a slight arch, making me appear more awake and approachable without looking “done.”

Another area I target with Botox is my masseter muscles, the chewing muscles on the sides of the jaw. Many people with bulky masseters have a rounder facial shape. By modestly relaxing these muscles, I’ve been able to slim my jawline over time, enhancing facial balance without compromising chewing ability.

Beyond these common sites, I’ve used Botox in my chin to reduce a “pebbly” texture caused by muscle movement when making certain expressions, and even in my neck muscles—specifically the platysma. The platysma is a superficial muscle that pulls down on the lower face, contributing to sagging and the formation of vertical neck bands known as platysmal bands. Relaxing this muscle improves jawline definition and creates a smoother, more youthful neck contour.

The Art of Subtlety: Staying Natural

One of the biggest concerns about cosmetic injections is looking overdone or unnatural. From my experience, the goal isn’t to erase every line or drastically change features but rather to make small, targeted tweaks that preserve individuality while enhancing confidence. For example, I use a light touch in my forehead to soften severe brow creases but maintain natural movement and expression.

Cosmetic procedures like Botox are tools that, when applied thoughtfully, help us age gracefully without losing our unique appearance. It’s about enhancing beauty, not masking it.

Maintaining Results: The Commitment Factor

A key point I always emphasize to my patients—and remind myself—is that cosmetic injectables are not permanent. Botox typically lasts a few months, varying per individual and treatment area. This means regular sessions are necessary to maintain results, similar to other cosmetic routines like hair coloring.

The good news? If you’re unhappy with the outcome, Botox wears off completely, returning your face to its baseline state. This reversibility provides peace of mind to newcomers considering these treatments.

While this overview focused mainly on Botox, my experience extends to other injectables like lip fillers and Kybella, each serving different aesthetic goals. But the guiding principle remains consistent: used responsibly, these treatments offer empowering options for self-care and confidence.

I hope sharing my personal experiences as both a dermatologist and patient helps demystify cosmetic procedures and encourages informed decisions without stigma or pressure. Aging and beauty are deeply personal journeys — and having trusted, effective options to support them is truly a blessing.