The changing face of Botox

For some, the word ‘Botox’ is still charged with a certain stigma. Increasingly however, Botox represents a safe and reliable way to reduce those frown lines and look and feel, not just younger but also relaxed and more confident. For a number of reasons such as advances in treatment quality, recent years have seen a distinct departure from generally negative perceptions towards Botox.

Apart from Botox, a range of non-invasive facial rejuvenation techniques exist to lift your face, each loaded with changing social connotations and degrees of acceptability. For example, undergoing Botox may have been viewed ten years ago as a dangerous, vain and unnecessary indulgence that should be shrouded in secrecy. In contrast, attending a spa day, to enjoy an ‘age-defying’ facial was luxury pampering for hardworking women who deserved a day off.

So how have attitudes changed towards Botox since it’s initial surge in popularity over a decade ago? To what extent do men and women still feel the need to keep these lunchtime facelifts under wraps?

Botox in the Media
Dubbed ‘Botox’ for short, the protein and neurotoxin Botulinum toxin type A, as used in cosmetic procedures, makes up an industry worth around £18 million a year in the UK. Apart from helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles Botox or other brands such as Azzalure and Bocouture that stem from the same neurotoxic protein, also help with treating muscle spasms, excessive perspiration and even migraines.

​Some people may find it uncomfortable discussing treatment of real medical issues because it means admitting to physical imperfection, to accept that your body may no longer be in perfect condition. Similarly, discussion of Botox is sometimes seen not only as acknowledgement of the signs of ageing but also admission of self-confidence issues.

​Some blame Hollywood and the media, firstly for raising expectations of beauty and youthful looking skin to impossible levels and secondly, for encouraging judgement of those who try to reverse the clock artificially.  The contradictory manner in which the media demands flawless looks yet focuses wholeheartedly on ‘natural beauty’ could be partly to blame for our own feelings of inadequacy in this regard. Of course, throughout time physical beauty has been highly valued, but only with the advent of modern media (and digital enhancement) have we been exposed to what society deems ‘perfection’ in such high volumes.

Changing Perceptions
While celebrities who naturally achieve a flawless complexion through a healthy diet continue to receive praise and admiration, the media no longer stigmatises those who need a little extra help through Botox or similar injectables. Why is this?

• Increased Uptake – like internet dating, the sheer volumes of people seeking the procedure have perhaps made Botox an increasingly socially acceptable form of beauty maintenance. The casual nature with which some men and particularly women now approach Botox is even comparable to a salon hair colour treatment or spray tan. Women in some circles may even boast about receiving the latest treatment from a sought after doctor to their friends.
• Treatment Advances – the quality of Botox has undoubtedly improved, with treatments and techniques that make up for the previous generation’s track record of bad allergic reactions and immovable eyebrows. These days, satisfaction rates are very high and quality Botox treatment from an experienced practitioner produces consistently natural looking results. Furthermore, more people now take care not to overdo it meaning we no longer conjure the mental image of a desperate middle-aged woman, with skin stretched tightly against an expressionless face, frozen in time.
• Other Treatments – the rise in popularity of different non-surgical facial rejuvenation techniques have perhaps blurred the line between what is considered a healthy amount of concern for one’s appearance and a desperate refusal to age gracefully.

As attitudes towards beauty continue to shift and evolve, the skincare regime of men and women may never be totally free from scrutiny. What one might consider a normal part of looking presentable in society, another sees as self-centred grooming. Botox is a tried and tested path to younger-looking skin and a happier expression that need not imply a deep-seated sense of insecurity or obsession with outward appearances. Wanting to look good for yourself and others is part of being human, and the way you go about that is your choice and your choice alone.