It makes me sad that people feel the need to spend thousands of dollars on body modifications to enhance their self-appearance.
The long-term effects of Botulinum neurotoxin (Botox) are clear, just look at Jocelyne Wildenstein — if you aren't familiar with who that is, open up a search engine on that smartphone, tablet or laptop and Google her, it's the 21st century.
There is also Valeria Lukyanova who is a literal botched Barbie doll and I mean that in the worst way possible.
As a Barbie fanatic, I find it horrific.
Botox injections are shots that use a toxin to prevent a muscle from moving for a limited time. These shots are often used to smooth wrinkles on the face, according to an article by The Mayo Clinic.
I was taught early on to love and cherish all of my natural features.
I love my round eye shape, eyebrow arch, and non-over-the-top lips.
Growing up in Europe, I feel that natural beauty is more appreciated there than it is here in the United States, but that could also just be my personal experience.
For example, when I'm walking around in Paris, I hardly see individuals with lash extensions, acrylic nails, Brazilian Butt Lifts(BBL), lip fillers, etc.
Almost every time I go to my local grocery store, I see one to two people with at least one of the bodily augmentations listed above.
Although I'm aware that lash extensions, acrylic nails, and BBLs are not considered botox, they all have one thing in common: they’re not natural.
Of course, there are things I wish I could change about myself.
I wish my cheekbones weren't so high.
However, never in a million years would I think to go and have a procedure to change that.
Instead, I have learned to embrace my cheekbones. Upon further research, I have learned that my high cheekbones probably work in my favor.
According to a study in The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, high cheekbones are seen as an indicator of high estrogen levels in women and a sign of youthfulness.
Youthfulness and high estrogen levels are components men gravitate toward when seeking a partner, according to the same study.
I mean, that is a win for me, I would be crazy to not take that as a huge compliment.
And if you think Botox is something only women do, you are incredibly wrong.
A study conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons revealed that there were 250,000 Botox procedures performed on men in the year 2020.
Take Micheal Jackson for example, renowned pop artist, whose career is often overshadowed by major scandals — one of which being his drastic appearance alteration.
From his nose reconstruction, lightened skin, unnatural cleft chin, and chin implant, to his severe lip augmentation, MJ was not bashful when it came to Botox.
According to an article by CBS News, Jackson was a classic case of body dysmorphic disorder.
Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition in which someone can not refrain from thinking about the defects or flaws of their appearance, according to an article published by The Mayo Clinic.
Many people with this disorder may seek out numerous cosmetic procedures to try to "fix" their perceived flaws, according to the same article.
Afterward, they may feel temporary satisfaction, but unfortunately they often resume searching for other ways to fix their perceived flaws.
Botox isn't something someone simply does once in their life. It's just like getting your eyebrows waxed — once they start to grow out, you feel the need to get them waxed again.
Not only will Botox catch up with you in the long run, but it can also cause potential health risks and in some cases even death.
I wish I was overreacting, but I'm serious.
According to an article by Scientific Research, a 34-year-old female collapsed at a beauty salon soon after receiving a Botox injection.
Although resuscitation was done in the emergency unit, she could not be revived and succumbed to death.
I mean . . . is Botox worth dying over?
No fucking way.
For anyone who needs to hear this:
Your lips are perfectly sized.
Your nose isn't too big.
Your wrinkles are a part of maturing and growing up.
For what it’s worth, I think you are beautiful just the way you are.
