Facial fashion fad the kiss-of-death
WHAT is it, this obsession with Botox and facial fillers, the injecting of toxins into lips, cheeks and wherever else you can jab a needle, all in the good name of cosmetic enhancement?
Those who have been watching the television reality show Married at First Sight, will know exactly where I’m coming from.
It isn’t the squabbles, tears and awkward love-ups that have captured my attention, but all those oversized lips protruding way beyond the limitations of their owners’ faces.
The endless pouting, licking and sucking on these abnormally puffed up appendages leaves me scratching my head as to why on earth anyone would want to go around looking like a kissing gourami (fish).
The sad part is that online pics of each of these young women taken pre-Botox/filler days, shows some naturally pretty girls.
Whatever insecurity led them to think they needed injections of Botulimen (a potent bacterial neurotoxin) to improve their appearance is beyond me.
Worst part is these young women seem oblivious to how these humungous, unnatural-looking “smackers” completely distract from their other features.
Now, I can understand people wanting to get a set of “wing nut” ears pinned back, a broken nose straightened or any other medical procedure performed to right a wrong. But I cannot understand this obsession with altering one’s appearance through injected toxins for no reason than some misguided perception of beauty.
While Botox and various types of fillers used in the cosmetic industry today are considered safe, you only need to look online to see the horrendous results of Botox and fillers gone wrong through dodgy operators, allergic responses and overuse.
Sure, beauty treatments have been around since the dawn of civilisation. The Romans used lead-based mixtures to lighten their skin and the process persisted through Elizabethan times when ceruse, a lead-based powder, was used by both sexes on their face and hair.
A ceruse making industry developed where workmen suffered ill effects from their exposure to lead and its poisonous effects.
Those who used it often became ill, some died as a result, but the ceruse industry was a lucrative one while the trend lasted.
While we’re a hell of a long way from lead poisoning here — and certainly Botox is widely used to treat various medical conditions — hopefully the current open slather approach to its use in the cosmetic industry doesn’t come back at some stage to bite us firmly on the backside.
Years ago, a young woman in her 20s announced she and her boyfriend were going to give each other Botox for Christmas. When asked why she used Botox at her young age, she replied it was a “generational thing”, that “prevention is better than cure”.
Botox generally lasts three months, fillers can last longer but with injections costing around $400 to $600 upwards, you’re going to need a good job and understanding partner just to keep up appearances.
And what about when you can no longer afford it and the big freeze wears off? What happens to your face then? Nobody quite seems to know and if they do, they’re certainly not saying.
Nor is the stuff without its possible side-effects, including pain, headaches and flu-like symptoms.
According to experts, the common side effects associated with fillers — which include hyaluronic acid fillers and synthetic fillers such as Radiesse, used to plump out the skin — include bruising, infection and allergic reaction.
There can also be significant complications if the operator accidentally injects filler into blood vessels, the most common being potential skin loss.
In addition, experts warn to beware of permanent fillers that are prone to significant and longterm side effects and to stay clear of bargain basement dealers as there are consequences if not used properly.
And if per chance it does go pear-shaped and your pre-Botox smile goes awry, you’re just going to have to suck it up and smile sideways for three months till it wears off.
For what it’s worth, I’ve seen women in their 90s, with all the character lines and creases associated with having lived a full life, just as beautiful as those without.
But for those hell bent on going down the Botox/filler path, at least seek fully qualified, expert medical advice first.
As for me, I’ll take the wrinkles, lines and turkey neck thanks.
Aside from being too far gone already, I’d rather be seen as having lived than die beige.