As demands for aesthetic treatments continue to rise, so do the number of myths surrounding them. Realistically, misinformation is everywhere, from our social media feeds to salon chatter. While some myths are harmless, others can affect your results as well as your relationship with your skin. Kelli Clifton chats to Dr Janine Olivier, Dr Juanri Jonck and Dr Chris Giezing to unpack the ten most common myths they see on a daily basis. We hope this helps you make informed, confident choices about your skin.
MYTH 1: “Aesthetic treatments are all about vanity.”
“Ah, yes. Vanity, thy name is woman,” says Dr Olivier.
“But let’s be honest, there’s far more to this story. When you look a little fresher, you feel a little better. Your confidence rises, your mood lifts, and somehow the world’s nonsense becomes slightly easier to face. Looking your best isn’t about vanity; it’s about well-being, confidence and showing up as the best version of yourself.”
MYTH 2: “Getting dermal fillers is extremely painful.”
“This is not true,” says Dr Giezing.
“For most people, it’s a very comfortable experience, partly because of the quality of the needles used but also because most fillers used today contain local anaesthetics to promote a more comfortable procedure. In certain areas, such as the lips, there might be a bit more discomfort, but then we use anaesthetic gels.”
“They were painful back in the aesthetic dark ages,” says Dr Olivier.
“Think pre-lidocaine, pre-numbing, pre-anything civilised. In those days, you’d need half a bottle of whiskey and three strong lads to hold you down for dental work. Today, fillers come pre-mixed with anaesthetic.
We use numbing cream, and the whole experience is closer to a mild annoyance than a medieval torture scene. If you’re still suffering, something is very, very wrong (and you should run),” she suggests.
MYTH 3: “Once you start having aesthetic treatments, you can’t stop.”
“For those patients who love the effect, it’s inevitable that they will be intrigued to do a procedure again. It’s the same reason they might have tried it out initially,” says Dr Jonck.
“However, the results of most aesthetic treatments fade gradually, and the decision to stop is entirely optional. There is no physiological dependency that comes from starting aesthetic treatments.
When done correctly, it will usually leave you looking better than you looked before due to the biostimulatory effects of biostimulators and even fillers, for example. Patient guidance notes that you simply repeat when lines or concerns return, or don’t.”
MYTH 4: “Wrinkle relaxing freezes your face, making you look unnatural.”
“Only if done badly,” says Dr Olivier.
“Balance is everything. No two faces share the same anatomy, muscle strength, genetics or expressive habits. A good injector studies your unique structure and tailors your treatment so your forehead can still have a polite conversation with your chin. You should absolutely still move, just not so much that your frown lines enter the room before you do.”
“Frozen looks are few and far between,” says Dr Jonck.
“It comes from poor technique or overdosing, not the toxin itself. When performed by trained injectors, toxin is very precisely and artistically titrated and placed to relax specific muscles whilst still preserving natural expressions, except of course the frown. Nobody needs that one.”
“By playing around with the dosage, we can often create a very natural outcome,” says Dr Giezing.
“I generally prefer not to freeze a face due to the fact that it is so obviously unnatural.”
MYTH 5: “Botulinum toxin and fillers are unsafe or toxic.”
“Botulinum toxin has a decade’s long safety record in medicine when used appropriately. It’s a scheduled medicine and undergoes rigorous testing,” explains Dr Jonck. “Labelling, however, emphasises correct dosing as well as storage and anatomical expertise at all times.”
“HA fillers, on the other hand, are made from hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring molecule in human tissues. It unfortunately has a molecule that tends to degrade in our tissue, especially in age-related decline, like menopause. HA-based fillers are non-permanent and also reversible with Hyaluronidase if ever needed,” says Dr Jonck.
“Here’s my honest, unfiltered version – doctor to patient. Botulinum toxin and fillers are generally very safe when your injector knows what they’re doing,” says Dr Olivier.
“I’ve been doing this long enough to see that most ‘complications’ arise when someone’s cousin’s best friend does their injections in a living room next to a ring light. Please. Don’t be that story.”
Dr Olivier’s quick guide to botulinum toxin safety (a.k.a. why you want a steady hand)
“Most people get nothing more than a little swelling or bruising, maybe a mild headache. I compare it to the gym: temporary pain, long-term gain.
But yes, rarely, can botulinum toxin drift where it shouldn’t and cause a droopy eyelid or a lopsided expression – usually when injected by someone who watched a 10-minute “How-to Tox” video online. Serious issues like trouble swallowing or breathing are extremely rare, but possible.
And no, you can’t have Botulinum toxin if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or dealing with certain neuromuscular conditions. I’m good, but not good enough to override biology.”
Dr Olivier’s summarised guide to filler safety (the ‘don’t-order-this-online’ part)
“Reputable, medical-grade fillers are quite safe. Again, the worst-case scenario for most people is a day or two of swelling or bruising. Know that technique matters: poor injections can cause lumps or the nightmare event of accidental injection or migration into a blood vessel. That’s where the risk of skin damage or vision problems comes in.”
“Please don’t buy filler online and try to convince a doctor to inject you with the mystery substance that may or may not have some form of HA in it. I once had a patient bring in a syringe from a site that also sold cat toys. Enough said.”
MYTH 6: “Aesthetic treatments are only for female patients.”
“This is patently untruthful,” says Dr Giezing.
“In my clinic, I would say around 25 – 30% of my client base is men. More and more males are taking advantage of the opportunity to improve their looks because we all know that looking better gives us a better chance to be more successful. Looking better adds to the halo effect – when you look more attractive and younger, people perceive you as more successful and clever.”
“Aesthetic treatments are not gender-restricted,” states Dr Olivier.
“In my practice, I see patients of all sexes who are simply looking to feel confident, refreshed and a little less like their Zoom camera’s biggest victim.”
For decades, aesthetic medicine was treated like the secret society of womanhood – password: “I’ll never tell.” But times have changed. Men are now walking through the clinic doors with purpose, confidence and occasionally a look that says, “Please don’t post this on Instagram.”
“Consumers need to realise that this isn’t vanity. This is strategic maintenance.
From high-performing executives to exhausted new dads to gym enthusiasts who want their jawline to match the rest of their hard work, men want treatments that deliver subtle, natural results. Nothing drastic. Nothing dramatic. Just “Did you sleep well?” energy instead of “Are you okay?”
“I always remind patients (male or female or other) that a bespoke treatment plan matters. Aesthetic treatments aren’t like ordering the special your favourite influencer had. Remember, your face is not a TikTok trend.” Thank goodness.
Dr Olivier explains botulinum toxin for men
(Think of it as ironing the shirt you forgot you owned – same guy, just… fresher).
- Purpose: Smooths dynamic wrinkles from everyday facial expressions (or from years of pretending Rugby scores don’t stress you out).
- Common areas: Forehead, frown lines (those lovely “11s”), crow’s feet. Some men also use it to soften a square jawline or for teeth grinding.
- Dosage: Men typically need higher doses because of those facial muscles. They’ve not skipped leg day.
- Goal: Look rested and less stressed. Not frozen in existential horror.
Dr Olivier explains dermal fillers
(Structural support, but make it handsome).
- Purpose: Restores volume, fills static lines and enhances features.
- Common areas: Jawline, chin, cheeks. Think definition, not puffiness.
- Goal: A more chiselled, balanced look without erasing the rugged charm.
- Composition: Usually hyaluronic acid. It’s naturally found in the body and absorbed over time, and easily dissolved if you don’t like it. You won’t set off airport scanners.
How male treatments differ
- Aesthetic goals: Subtle, natural, “I woke up like this but actually didn’t” results.
- Technique: Adjusted to keep masculine angles intact. No one is trying to give men apple cheeks. Promise.
- Application: Men often want refreshed definition; women may lean toward volumising or lifting certain features.
“The bottom line is that aesthetic treatments are not just for women. They’re for anyone who wants to look great and feel even better. And the men who think they’re too cool for skincare?
They usually end up making an appointment for botulinum toxin after watching their buddy emerge from the treatment room looking suspiciously well-rested,” says Dr Olivier.
“Welcome to the modern era of aesthetics where everyone’s invited, and no one has to pretend they” just came in to use the bathroom.”
MYTH 7: “Anyone can perform aesthetic treatments.”
“Aesthetic treatments are medical procedures that require the knowledge (anatomical and physiological) of a medical professional,” explains Dr Jonck.
“Aesthetics are not limited to the outside, and a firm understanding of the hormonal and nutritive components to age gracefully is required. You need to know the contraindications and how to go about improving the holistic outcome in a patient.
Leading medical bodies advise avoiding non-medical settings and emphasise choosing licensed, medically trained professionals, even if it is just to turn your frown upside down.
It’s important to remember that serious complications, including blindness and tissue death, can take place if these products end up in the wrong place.
Having the skill to identify and reverse these effects is extremely important.
The FDA has also warned against using DIY and needle-free Hyaluron pens due to serious injuries and how it underscores the need for qualified care and approved techniques.”
Note from the editor: In South Africa, only registered medical professionals with the HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa) can inject medicines for aesthetic purposes, for example, Botulinum Toxin and HA Fillers. Patients can check their doctor’s credentials on the HPCSA website.
BEWARE OF FAKE DOCTORS AND FAKE PRODUCTS.
MYTH 8: “Results from aesthetic treatments are instant and last a lifetime.”
“The fortunate and unfortunate truth is that nothing lasts forever, including your aesthetic treatments. Neuromodulators like toxin take 3-7 days before onset of action and last between 3-4 months.
HA fillers, on the other hand, will show an immediate volumising effect, while biostimulators can take weeks to months to develop before you see results,” says Dr Jonck.
“Longevity ranges from months to years depending on the specific rheology, mechanism of action and area injected.”
MYTH 9: “Aesthetic treatments are too pricy and unaffordable.”
“People still think aesthetic treatments are reserved for celebrities lounging on yachts or the mysterious ‘ladies who lunch’ – and I giggle a little because if you’d ever seen my Monday morning schedule, you’d know most of my patients come straight from the school run, not Saint-Tropez,” says Dr Olivier.
“The truth is, the myth that aesthetic medicine is only for the wealthy simply doesn’t hold up anymore. The field has evolved tremendously. Today we have an entire buffet of options, everything from quick, low-cost chemical peels, needling and neuromodulators where a little can go a long way (in experienced hands) to more advanced technologies and, yes, the occasional big-ticket injectable or surgical procedure or combo to address more than one concern simultaneously.
Most of my patients choose the less invasive treatments not just because they’re more affordable, but because they’re wonderfully effective for real, everyday concerns.”
“Speaking of technology, thankfully for all of us, there’s been an arms race of innovation. The competition has pushed prices down and quality up. I jokingly call it the “Skincare Olympics“: every year, lasers, devices, and formulas get faster, gentler and more accessible. This democratisation means aesthetic care isn’t a luxury reserved for a select few; it’s increasingly something anyone can explore.
Clinics have also adapted. We offer flexible payment plans and bundles, for those who prefer to pay gradually rather than all at once. I once had a patient tell me, with complete seriousness, “Doctor, if Netflix can bill me monthly for entertainment, surely glowing skin deserves the same treatment plan.” Honestly, she isn’t wrong.”
“What I love most is personalising treatment plans. We design them around lifestyle, goals, and budget, not around unrealistic ideals. Many of my “working-class heroes,” as I like to call them, invest in small, consistent treatments. Over time, these add up to beautiful results – often more cost-effective than a bathroom cupboard overflowing with pricy creams that promise miracles but deliver moisturised disappointment.”
“And we can’t forget accessibility. With medical tourism, a wider pool of qualified providers, and technological advancements, people have far more choices than ever. It’s opened doors but with that, I always give one gentle warning: bargain hunting is fantastic for flights and furniture, not so much for your face.”
“Cheap aesthetic treatments often take a toll that’s far more expensive to fix later. Choosing a qualified, experienced professional is non-negotiable. So no, the industry isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s for the teacher who wants to feel a little fresher, the new mom who misses her glow, the retiree who says, “Why not? I’ve earned this,” and everyone in between. Aesthetics today is about confidence, self-care and accessibility… with just a touch of sparkle.”
MYTH 10: “Aesthetic treatments are only for older patients.”
“This is not true,” says Dr Giezing.
“There are three levels of aesthetic treatments. There’s a problem-solving level which is obviously going to be mostly for older patients, but there are also preventative and beautification strategies that are necessary and might have an advantage for younger patients to do as well.”
Dr Jonck adds: “The latest statistics show that Gen-Z and younger adults are increasingly focusing on skin quality and minimally invasive options that will focus on prevention rather than correction over time. This is where prejuvenation or preventative aesthetics adds enormous value, especially with the use of toxins and biostimulators. Thus delaying corrective and filling strategies.”
Dr Olivier concludes: “Aesthetic treatments aren’t about being older, younger or somewhere in between – they’re about wanting to look like the best version of yourself. Whether you’re preventing your first wrinkle or negotiating with one that’s been with you since the early 2000s… we’ve got options. Age doesn’t decide what you can do. Your skin does. And your skin, thankfully, doesn’t care what year you were born.”
About the author
Kelli’s no stranger to the beauty biz, with this being her thirteenth year in the industry. She’s got over 100 issues of FAIRLADY Magazine under her belt, where she worked her way up from Beauty Intern to Beauty Editor. She had two loves – beauty styling, along with beauty writing but the main reason for her putting pen to paper each issue was the community she built – full of fellow beauty enthusiasts, sharing everything from their favourite fragrances to their skincare woes. Since leaving FAIRLADY in 2018 to pursue her own business of beauty content creation, consulting, social media management and more, she’s had the honour of working with both local and international brands, creating successful, personalised workshops in the makeup, skincare and fragrance space. She currently manages the marketing of some of SA’s most loved beauty brands and freelances for glossy Modern Beauty, Edgars Beauty Hub and Benefits Magazine. And now, she gets to add Aesthetic Appointment to her proud list of accomplishments.
MBChB, GPSI Aesthetic Medicine Member of American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM).
Dr Janine Olivier is the founder and medical director of HuidAesthetic. Based in Pretoria, South Africa, Dr Janine has been involved in the practice of Aesthetic Medicine since 2009 and has extensive experience and special interest in the field of Internal Medicine and the biochemical and molecular basis of cosmeceuticals. HuidAesthetic offers exclusive, specialised and individualised aesthetic health care. Dr Janine follows a holistic approach to medicine and aesthetics and sees beauty and health as a multifaceted model. She is a member of the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine.
MBChB (Pret)
Dr Juanri Jonck is a medical doctor based at lifeLAB in Pretoria and serves as a medical advisor for BST Global Aesthetic Connection. She is dedicated to enhancing natural beauty and restoring confidence through a holistic, individualised approach to patient care. Her primary focus lies in orthomolecular medicine and the importance of health optimisation through nutraceuticals, not only to prevent but also to treat certain pathological processes. She has a special interest in Aesthetic Medicine, Hormone Optimisation, IV Nutrient Therapy, and Lifestyle Improvement. Dr Jonck believes that anti-ageing begins from within, and that a natural, refreshed appearance is best achieved through internal balance. By evaluating and optimising hormone and nutrient levels, she helps patients function at their optimum health level and achieve sustainable, long-term wellbeing.
Medical Doctor (MBChB) with special interest in Aesthetic Medicine / Director - Medskills Training Academy
Owner and Medical Practitioner at Aesthetic Lab, Hazelwood, & Advanced Full Face Aesthetics, Stellenbosch.
Dr Chris Giezing has spent more than two decades working in the evolving field of non-surgical medical aesthetics. Throughout his career, he has focused on enhancing patients’ quality of life through treatments that combine medical science with an artistic understanding of facial and body aesthetics.
Driven by a strong interest in medical innovation, Dr Giezing has always prioritised minimally invasive techniques that support natural-looking results while helping patients feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.
In 2003, he helped establish one of South Africa’s first fully fledged aesthetic clinics, marking an important step in the development of the country’s aesthetic medicine landscape. The clinic later expanded its footprint across other parts of South Africa, developing a comprehensive anti-ageing and aesthetic framework built around a 3D approach to the face, body and overall wellness.
Dr Giezing believes that optimised skin treatments form the foundation of successful facial aesthetics. His clinical approach, therefore, incorporates a variety of skin-focused procedures aimed at improving both skin health and aesthetic outcomes.
Alongside his clinical work, Dr Giezing is committed to education and mentorship. Through the independent Medskills Training Academy, he is actively involved in training the next generation of aesthetic practitioners.