The B Word
One of my favourite bloggers Jacey Dupree, who writes the uber popular Damsel in Dior blog came clean yesterday with a little secret - bloggers/influencers get botox...they just don't talk/write about it. Until now I've never read a post from a fashion/lifestyle blogger admitting to their use of Botox. These women post multiple photos a day of their faces and would have you (hopefully) believe that it is the lotions and serums that are gifted/sponsor that make them look so picture perfect. Not true. What makes them look so fab each and every day (beside carefully curated filtering) is Botox. No lines (wrinkles) = a younger looking face and smooth clear skin. So I decided to go there too...let's talk about Botox.
For many years I was a staunch opponent of Botox. I mean who would inject botulism right into their face? Why would I bother promoting the use of clean beauty products if I was willing to inject a toxin to make my face look years younger? Well, as the years have passed and I creep ever closer to fifty, I softened my opinion on the use of Botox. You can stop reading now if you think I'm crazy...that's fine with me. But I've always been honest and authentic on Glimmer, so why stop now? What reading Jacey's post made me realize is that I'm a grown ass woman and if you want to judge me for something I may or may not do to my face (to make myself feel better) 'm ok with that. I have created a platform to write about things fashion and beauty related...why not this?
Several months ago I started Invisalign orthodontic treatment to improve my teeth. I'm very happy with the how the treatment is progressing. My teeth (when I smiled) made me feel self conscious - so I did something about it. Do the wrinkles on my forehead and round my eyes make me feel self conscious? Yes...a little, they are definitely starting to bother me. I do use some of the best serums and creams available and have noticed a difference in my skin and I go for regular laser facials, BUT I have gone for a initial consultation about Botox with my dermatologist and it intrigued me. This was several months ago, I still haven't called to go ahead with treatment. Will I? Honestly...I'm not entirely sure. But I wanted to be honest that it is something I think about because maybe you are too. I'm also hopeful that it might help with my monthly migraines - but there's no guarantee. Maybe my wrinkle free forehead would just be a happy byproduct if my headaches decrease in severity. ;)
Before undergoing any cosmetic dermatology - make sure you make an appointment with a reputable dermatologist for a consultation. Good Botox (yes, there's bad Botox - I'm sure you've seen it). The cost of Botox depends on the amount necessary and the area being treated. For me the cost would be somewhere in the range of $500 to $800 per treatment. Treatment would include forehead lines, crows feet and pitting on the chin. A treatment can last anywhere from three to five months. I personally have very deep frown lines between my eyes (though I'm generally a very happy girl) and that area might require a treatment more frequently for desired results. Are there any treatments that are effective as Botox on lines and wrinkles. I wish I could say yes...try this, but there isn't. Botox is the most effective way to reverse the signs of aging - if that's what you want to do.
I can honestly say that I'm not sure if I'll get any Botox in the near future, but I would be interested in hearing from you and possibly sharing your (anonymous) stories about Botox. I know there are other women who are in the same position as me, late forties and trying to hang on to their fresh faces a little longer. Drop me a note at vicki@glimmerlife.ca if you're interested in sharing and let's have a discussion.
P.S. Full disclosure - I filter my photos on Instagram...in case you hadn't guessed! :)
