A Note From Sophie.
I created this guide because I kept noticing the same pattern: women arriving at their first consultation with either too much misinformation or almost none at all. They'd either been terrified by something they'd seen online, or they'd booked without really understanding what they were walking into. Neither is a good starting point.
Injectable treatments — done correctly, by a qualified medical professional — are among the safest and most effective aesthetic options available. But "done correctly" is the entire point. This guide exists to help you understand what good looks like, so you can make an informed decision and choose the right person to do it.
This guide is written from clinical experience, not marketing copy. I'm going to tell you things that might surprise you — including the things I wish more clients knew before their first appointment.
Read this at your own pace. Take notes. Bring it to your consultation if it helps. And if you have questions I haven't answered here, reach out directly — I answer every enquiry personally.
— Sophie, RN · Lumière Medical Aesthetics, South Surrey BC
What Botox Actually Does.
Botox is a brand name for botulinum toxin type A — a purified protein that temporarily relaxes specific muscles by blocking the nerve signal that tells them to contract. When a muscle can't contract, the skin above it can't wrinkle. That's the entire mechanism.
It doesn't paralyse your face. It doesn't make you look plastic. It doesn't spread beyond the injection site when placed correctly. And it doesn't accumulate in your body — it metabolises naturally over 3–4 months, after which the muscle returns to its normal function.
| Area | What it addresses | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Forehead | Horizontal lines from raising brows | 3–4 months |
| Glabella (11s) | Vertical frown lines between brows | 3–4 months |
| Crow's feet | Lines at outer corners of eyes | 3–4 months |
| Lip flip | Subtle upper lip enhancement | 2–3 months |
| Brow lift | Subtle elevation of the brow arch | 3–4 months |
| Jaw (masseter) | Jaw slimming, teeth grinding relief | 4–6 months |
| Neck bands | Platysmal bands, neck tightening | 3–4 months |
The most important thing to understand about Botox is that the dose matters enormously. Too much and you get the frozen, expressionless look that gives injectables a bad name. The right amount — placed by someone who knows facial anatomy — leaves you looking refreshed and natural. Nobody should be able to tell you've had anything done. They should just think you look great.
Botox vs Fillers — The Difference.
One of the most common points of confusion: people use "Botox" to mean all injectables. But Botox and dermal fillers are completely different products that do completely different things. Understanding the difference helps you walk into your consultation knowing what to ask for.
| Feature | Botox | Dermal Fillers |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Relaxes muscles to prevent wrinkling | Adds volume, shape, and structure |
| Best for | Dynamic wrinkles (caused by movement) | Volume loss, static lines, contouring |
| Common areas | Forehead, crow's feet, frown lines | Lips, cheeks, jawline, tear troughs |
| Results timing | 3–7 days to appear, full at 14 days | Immediate, full results at 2 weeks |
| Duration | 3–4 months | 9–18 months (area dependent) |
| Reversible? | Not directly — metabolises naturally | Yes — hyaluronidase dissolves HA fillers |
| Downtime | None | Minimal — possible swelling 2–5 days |
Many clients benefit from both. Botox handles the movement-related lines; fillers restore the volume that has been lost with age. A good injector will assess your face as a whole and recommend a combination that makes sense for your specific concerns — not just sell you the most expensive option.
5 Myths vs The Truth.
Aesthetic injections have more myths around them than almost any other cosmetic treatment. Here are the five I hear most often — and the honest truth behind each one.
Myth 1: "Botox will make me look frozen."
If you get Botox, you'll end up looking expressionless, plastic, and unable to move your face naturally.
Frozen faces come from too much product placed by inexperienced injectors. Conservative dosing from a skilled RN preserves full natural expression.
Myth 2: "If I stop, it'll look worse than before."
Once you start Botox you're locked in forever, otherwise your face will wrinkle dramatically when you stop.
When Botox metabolises, your face simply returns to its natural baseline — often even better than before, since the muscles haven't been actively wrinkling during treatment.
Myth 3: "Fillers stretch your skin permanently."
Having fillers placed will permanently stretch or distort your skin, leaving you worse off when they dissolve.
Conservative filler placement causes no permanent stretching. HA fillers also stimulate collagen production, which can actually improve skin quality over time.
Myth 4: "Injectables are only for older women."
You have to wait until lines are deeply set before considering any injectable treatment.
Preventative treatment in your late 20s or 30s is highly effective — treating early means smaller doses, better results, and slower overall progression of lines.
Myth 5: "All injectors are the same."
Anyone can do injectables and the results will be roughly the same no matter who you choose.
Injector skill is everything. The same product in different hands produces radically different results. Training, anatomy knowledge, and artistic judgment are what separates natural from overdone.
How to Spot a Good Injector.
The single most important factor in your injectable outcome is not the product — it's the person holding the needle. Here's how to tell the difference between an injector you can trust and one you should walk away from.
🟢 Green Flags — Look for These
Formally trained medical professional — RN, nurse practitioner, doctor, or dentist. Someone with a real understanding of facial anatomy and how to manage complications if they arise.
Starts with a thorough consultation — asks about your medical history, medications, allergies, previous treatments, and your specific goals before recommending anything.
Conservative with dosing — recommends starting lower and topping up than overdoing it from the beginning. Tells you "you can always add more, but I won't put in too much today."
Shows you real client photos — not just curated stock imagery. Natural-looking results that demonstrate restraint and skill, not dramatic transformations.
Holds professional liability insurance and can tell you what they would do if something went wrong. A qualified injector has protocols and emergency products (like hyaluronidase) available.
Doesn't pressure you — gives you time to decide, doesn't push additional treatments, and is honest when they think something isn't right for you.
🔴 Red Flags — Walk Away From These
No medical background — estheticians, beauty therapists, or "trained practitioners" without formal medical qualifications injecting prescription medication.
No consultation before treatment — anyone willing to inject you without first reviewing your medical history and goals is cutting a corner that could hurt you.
Heavily discounted group deals or flash sales — legitimate medical treatments are not Groupon products. Deep discounting usually means corners being cut somewhere.
Before/after photos that look dramatic or overdone — if you don't want those results, their portfolio is showing you exactly what you'll get.
Pressure to buy more or buy now — any injector who makes you feel rushed or adds on services without your clear request is not working in your interest.
In British Columbia, botulinum toxin and dermal fillers are Schedule I controlled substances that can only legally be prescribed and administered by authorised medical professionals. Always verify your injector's credentials before booking.
Questions to Ask at Your Consultation.
A good consultation is a two-way conversation. Your injector should be asking you questions — and you should be asking them right back. Here are the most important ones to bring with you.
What are your qualifications and how long have you
been performing this treatment?
You're entitled to know exactly who is treating you and what
their training background is. A confident, qualified injector
will answer this without hesitation.
What product are you using, and what brand is it?
Reputable injectors use Health Canada approved products from
known brands (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin for toxin;
Juvéderm, Restylane for fillers). Unbranded products are a warning sign.
What results are realistic for my specific face
and concerns?
You want an honest assessment, not a sales pitch. A good
injector will tell you what's achievable, what isn't, and
what would actually make a difference for you.
What are the risks, and what would you do
if something went wrong?
Every procedure has risks. A qualified injector will explain
them clearly, not minimise them — and will have a plan
(including emergency products on hand) for rare complications.
Can you show me before/after photos of clients
with similar concerns to mine?
Seeing results from clients with a similar starting point
is much more useful than generic portfolio photos.
Their hesitation to show you is a red flag.
What does the aftercare involve, and when
should I come back if I'm unhappy?
You want to know exactly how to care for the treated area and
— importantly — that your injector will see you again if the
result isn't right. This is called a review appointment.
You should leave a consultation feeling informed, comfortable, and unrushed. If you feel pressured, confused, or dismissed at any point — that is your signal to leave and find someone else.
What Natural Results Actually Look Like.
The goal of excellent injectable treatment is that nobody notices the treatment — they just notice that you look well. Here's what that actually means in practice.
You still have expressions. Natural treatment allows full facial movement — you can still raise your brows, squint, smile, and frown. The lines created by those movements are softened, not erased.
You look like yourself — just refreshed. People shouldn't think "she's had Botox." They should think "she looks great lately — is she sleeping better? Did she get a new skincare routine?" That's the benchmark.
Fillers add subtle enhancement, not transformation. Well-placed lip filler gives a naturally fuller lip — not a trout pout. Cheek filler lifts subtly — not overstuffed chipmunk cheeks. The best filler work is barely detectable.
Symmetry improves without becoming artificial. Skilled injectors work with your natural asymmetry — most faces are asymmetrical, and that's completely normal. The goal is harmony, not mathematical perfection.
You feel more confident, not different. The most consistent thing clients tell me after their first treatment: "I look like me, just better." That's exactly the goal. You shouldn't feel like a different person.
Before & After Your Appointment.
Preparing properly and caring for yourself after treatment makes a real difference to your results and your recovery. Here's exactly what to do — and what to avoid.
Before Your Appointment
Alcohol thins the blood and increases bruising risk. Avoid it the day before and the day of your appointment for the clearest possible result.
Ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, and some supplements like fish oil and vitamin E can increase bruising. Check with your doctor before stopping any medication — never stop prescription blood thinners without medical advice.
Remove makeup before your appointment if you can. Your injector will cleanse the area before treating, but arriving already clean makes the process faster and more comfortable.
Don't come on an empty stomach. Having eaten keeps your blood sugar stable, which reduces the chance of feeling lightheaded if you're nervous about needles.
After Your Appointment
For Botox specifically, avoid touching or pressing on the treated area for 24 hours. This prevents the product migrating to unintended muscles.
Avoid lying flat, exercising, or anything that significantly raises your heart rate for 4 hours after Botox injections. For fillers, wait 24–48 hours before intense exercise.
Filler swelling typically peaks at 24–48 hours and resolves within 5–7 days. Don't judge your results until at least two weeks have passed and all swelling has fully resolved.
Skip saunas, hot tubs, sunbeds, and direct sun exposure for 48 hours after treatment. Heat increases swelling and can affect how products settle.
Always attend your scheduled review. This is when your injector assesses the result at 2 weeks, answers any questions, and — if needed — makes minor top-up adjustments. A good injector includes this in their service.
Book Your Free Consultation With Sophie.
You've done the reading. Now come and ask your questions in person — no pressure, no obligation, just an honest conversation about what's right for you.
Free consultation. No pressure. Sophie responds personally.