This is going to be a tough blog to write—I’m swallowing my pride and exposing my grand hypocrisy with every measly keystroke.
BECAUSE I GOT BOTOX AND I REALLY, REALLY LIKE IT…which, would be no big deal, but I am that girl.
You know the one:
- Vocal about the merits of aging naturally and gracefully
- Preachy about accepting yourself as you are
- Ever encouraging others to embrace their perceived imperfections
- Blah, blah, blah…
I was the judgmental one in the corner taking stock of the size of your lips, and now my forehead is as smooth as can be. Yes, a crow sandwich sounds delicious, thanks!
About Me…
I’m 43 and fairly fabulous. I’m generally not obsessive about fighting father time. I like to eat well, exercise and get plenty of sleep. I don’t invest big money on skincare or makeup, mostly because I’m cheap, and partly because that’s one shopping addiction I’ve never quite cultivated.
My ride on the Botox train to happy land began innocently enough when I accepted a job as a writer in the marketing department of a cosmetic surgery practice. I found myself surrounded by people who used Botox. I was intrigued.
The Botox fans didn’t look frozen or plastic, but they did look fresh. I have to admit I was starting to dislike my forehead that had expression lines even when I wasn’t making an expression. It was a little Shar Pei-ish and I’m allergic to dogs. And here I was, working right downstairs from Botox Central…
I remained hesitant. I thought, “Beth, this is a slippery slope…Beth, Botox is the gateway drug in this particular addiction tale…Beth, you are such a freakin’ hypocrite.”
And Then, I Tried Botox Anyway.
But before I did, I decided I wasn’t going to hide it for one single second. I’m not embarrassed or ashamed. Plus, I am terrible at keeping secrets anyway. I want you to know:
- I don’t look weird, unlike myself or frozen—I just don’t have five creases in my forehead 24/7.
- I look awake, refreshed…and open to whatever. I look nicer; which makes me feel nicer; which is nice because I’m not all that nice.
- I grimace a ton and often get tension headaches. Thanks to my friend B, I don’t have as much tension on my forehead. The muscles still move, silly, just not with as much intensity.
There’s a Fine Line Between Looking Fresh and Looking Frozen.
Oh the irony of the fine line reference. If you are a human who wants to get Botox or do anything to your beautiful face, please do so for the right reasons:
- Do it because you want to look better, not younger.
- Do it because you’re curious and cautiously optimistic.
- Do it because you have realistic expectations.
And:
- Don’t do it because you are chasing something: youth, some idea of handsome or pretty, a guy/girl, the Joneses, The Kardashians—you can’t keep up.
- Don’t do it because you think it will distract you from something else that’s really bothering you: weight gain, a loss, a broken heart…
Being new to this particular game, but having been around the block a few times, I feel compelled to say that softening a few lines on your face is only going to soften a few lines on your face. More Botox is not always better.
If you are seeking perfection, cosmetic treatments can be a very a slippery slope. Think of it as a wet, wild and pricey ride to Neverland Ranch (home of Michael Jackson). We all know how that ended.
What I Learned About Botox And Myself.
I learned that Botox doesn’t hurt all that much. It’s also not immediate—it takes about a week to 10 days to get your final and best result. Perhaps the most important thing I learned: Botox doesn’t have to be shameful or an obsession. I can get it or not. I can write a blog about it and own it.
I also have to own the fact that I used to make fun of others for something that I now do myself. Yes, Botox has made my forehead smooth, but it has also been a source of life lessons.