To think that society does not require Botox

[MeridaBrave]

I’ve just started a new job and everyone is lovely. It’s a start up and there is a great atmosphere. A younger colleague (she is 28, so only 6 years older than my DD) said she has Botox. I asked why? She said society expects it so she has to. I really struggled to understand (I’m in my 50s and they recruited me for my technical skills).

I kept on saying I didn’t understand why it was required - clearly our employer wouldn’t care. To her it seems so obvious that it was expected by society. Eventually she said social media. I suppose also could be her social circle?

Am I being unreasonable to think that this is insane? I’m also worried about what sort of world we are bringing our daughters up into. What’s the point in feminism and equal opportunity if young women feel Botox is required.

Yes I was thinking this also

Genuinely, why do you wish it would go away? How does it affect you in any way if youre happy with your choices.

Also, I've been having it for over 10 years, no muscle wastage and I can assure you my muscles 'wake up' again after 3/4 months. Its really not a big deal. I don't understand why its so taboo. I genuinely wonder what you lot look like sometimes when these subjects come up.

It’s kinda hard when it’s in your face literally. Having to look at it is just annoying as it’s so unnatural and fake.

Because I don’t like the next generation growing up with a warped view of ageing.

Society might not need it but I bloody do

@JanitorLaidlawi always find that so funny. I get Botox and my mum regularly rants to me about how everyone who gets it looks stupid and plastic and fake…she has no clue I have it and have done for the past three years.

You have no idea who has it and who hasn’t. Neither do I. You’re just being pointlessly judgy.

Well I said people. I wonder why people don't get botox, aside from finances.

I don't because I don't consider my aging face to be unattractive or something I need to pretend isn't happening.

Not really anything for you to worry about though is it. You don't buy into it.
You'll be fine, although wrinkly 😉

Good for you. You obviously prioritise other things. My face without isn't unattractive but my face with is so much better 🙂

Huh? It’s so obvious when people have had it. You can lie to yourself but trust me, everyone knows.

I genuinely doubt that it is. But we have different perceptions of attractiveness. I'm very confident that not worrying about the natural effects of time passing makes me more relaxed and happier.

Excellent article in the Guardian :
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/nov/20/why-do-i-want-a-facelift

You don't consider yourself feminist - does that mean you don't believe in equal rights? I'm sure (& hope) I must be misunderstanding what you mean

Lots of people lack critical thinking skills - she clearly does!

Valid points from article above- just replace facelift with botox;

Facelifts also perpetuate ageist, classist, all-around-oppressive beauty norms. (Of course, facelifts are motivated by ageism, classism and oppression as well, but crucially, do little to alleviate the material disadvantages individuals experience because of these systems and do nothing to challenge these systems .... And since “individual acts of conformity can strengthen these norms”, in the words of political philosopher Dr Clare Chambers, “individual acts of resistance really can matter”.

I thoroughly agree about cosmetic uses - especially when it’s younger girls using fillers or getting tooth implants or all these other things that will potentially have life long impacts.

Just to be that person though my Mum has Botox for medical reasons (to open her eyes when the muscles keep them closed, she’s effectively blind otherwise) - so some Botox is good, although I know that’s not the type you meant!

OP my Dd is a qualified nurse, who works in the field of aesthetics. Aesthetics is the professional name and is a lot more than Botox and Lips.

My Dd, says that some treatments are better started earlier because for some types of a
skin and wrinkles, later maybe to late.

Aesthetics in this country has been given a really bad name.

I personally don’t have anything done. But I do not judge anyone that does.

There is a world of aesthetics out there that you know little about, but judge the whole
profsession based on your judgment of a work colleague, who has made a personal choice.

I don’t feel that young women are forced to have these treatments but women have always been influenced by certain aesthetics of the times, in magazines, television and advertising.
SM, I presume depicts the aesthetic of today, which women look at and aspire to.

There has always been women who are beauty focused and there always will be.

My Dds demographic are women in their 50s, that can afford the more expensive treatments,
that are not Botox.

I have young adult children, so I am invested to some degree. Thankfully they are not into this kind of thing at all, and neither are their friends. But who knows how their views will change. And actually I like my wrinkles, I am 55 not 25, so they suit me.

Maybe for the same reason why people, smoke, drink, take drugs and eat UPF to name but a few.... It's their choice?!?!?

We all know that.

We get it because it looks good.

And yes, as a responsible member of society I feel it is my civic duty to not walk around with wrinkles if possible not to.

Yabvu for badgering her about it.

Trust me, my own mother doesn’t so…

But also @JanitorLaidlawi don’t even know why I’m getting into this debate. I don’t give a shit who knows! I tell people. It doesn’t bother or embarrass me.

I also had a tummy tuck. Fucking awesome. Not embarrassed about that either

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