Jax Taylor’s Plastic Surgeon Dispels Myths About Preventative Botox

One of the most frequently used beauty tricks amongst Bravolebrities is Botox. But if you think this treatment is just used to erase existing wrinkles, think again. Recently, Botox has been gaining popularity with the younger crowd, including men (hello ,Jax Taylor) who are using it proactively to keep wrinkles at bay. During the Season 1 reunion of Vanderpump Rules, Scheana Shay admitted to using it preventatively when she was just 25, and since then many of the cast members have opened up about doing the same.

Dr. Payman Danielpour (M.D., F.A.C.S) of Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group, is one of the Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (along with Dr. John Layke) who has treated Jax Taylor, Brittany Cartwright, and Kristen Doute. The trio have gotten various cosmetic surgeries from the celeb doctor duo, including nose jobs, a breast augmentation, and facial reconstruction, as well as regular Botox injections. Dr. Danielpour gave us the scoop on some of the myths and truths surrounding the use of preventative Botox. Read on to learn more.

Myth: Botox is just for older people who already have wrinkles. 

The idea that Botox is just for deep wrinkles is a total myth and using it preventatively with the proper doctor totally works. According to Dr. Danielpour, “it is best when started early in order to prevent wrinkles from forming. For younger patients the amount is going to be much less, but still very effective.” The doctor will determine if the Botox is administered in micro doses or larger amounts. It will also depend on “the individual patient and their facial anatomy and areas targeted.” So if you think you may need it, talking it over with a professional is a good first step.

Truth: Preventative Botox from a younger age will reduce the amount needed as you get older. 

Dr. Danielpour said this is true. “The premise behind starting earlier is so wrinkles don't form as you get older." Therefore you won't need "filler and surgery to correct the wrinkles and aging that has occurred.” 

Myth: Getting Botox is the only way to prevent wrinkles from forming. 

Dr. Danielpour shared, “The most important thing to prevent the aging process is taking care of your skin.” He explained that a good way to do that naturally is by “avoiding sun exposure, not smoking, and hydrating.” Additionally, regular maintenance facials also helps as well as some laser treatments his practice offers including, “the InMode laser, Lumenis Picoq4 laser, microneedling, and PRP.”

Myth: Only plastic surgeons are qualified to administer preventive Botox. 

Dr. Danielpour clarified that Plastic Surgeons are highly qualified “when it comes to knowing facial anatomy” so they are a top choice, but you can also go to a board certified dermatologist who is experienced in giving Botox injections.

Since many people already have a dermatologist they visit regularly, asking them if they offer preventative Botox is an easy way to learn more. We got some tips from board certified dermatologist Dr. Amy McClung to help debunk the last few popular Botox myths! 

Myth: Botox makes you look frozen.

Dr. McClung explained that “any areas, if done correctly (i.e. not over treating), should provide a look that is more natural and not frozen.” Dr. McClung said that “treatment of the frown lines (the #11s) is so great because it provides a ‘refreshed’ look.” Also, treating the crow's feet typically does not create a frozen look. Dr. McClung shared that she loves “treating patients so that the expressions are softened, but that it is not obvious Botox is used.” This helps with aging gracefully. 

Truth: Sometimes you are too young to treat with Botox.

This is true. Dr. McClung explained that she “would never treat a teenager” and for her patients, she recommends “waiting until the late 20's and 30's” to start.

Truth: Botox has more uses than just treating wrinkles.

There are many uses for Botox other than wrinkles. Most commonly it's used to reduce excessive sweating and help with migraine pain, but Dr. McClung shared that some studies now suggest “that Botox can help with mood disorders” too.

Myth: If you start young you will have to get it every few months for upkeep. 

Dr. McClung admitted that there is “upkeep involved” since “the nerve fibers can regenerate," but if you start it younger, you may get away with doing it less often in the future. This is because the muscles have been made weaker with time. Usually Botox wears off in 3-6 months, but for younger patients who are doing it proactively and depending on the look they want to achieve, getting it “1-2 times a year is sometimes enough.”

Stassi Schroeder shared with People Magazine that she only likes to get Botox once a year when she’s not filming because she can’t stand not having expressions on camera. On the other end of the spectrum, Jax said in the interview that he is a big fan of Botox and joked that he wants it done every month and a half. Although Scheana started getting it preventively, she joked that she doesn't like her face to move (“only when she smiles”) and says she now gets Botox every two and half to three months. Either way, no matter which end of the Botox spectrum you are interested in, the most important part is picking the right board certified doctor!