Today I want to talk about a topic that’s a little bit taboo, but that a lot of you ask me about: botox and fillers.
I like to live as natural and clean of a life as possible. This topic is not the most organic thing, but it’s also a bit borderline with so many people doing it. There are no rules for how to live, and it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. I think everyone should choose a balance that works for them.
PSA: This is not meant to be judgmental, just to help people who’ve never had it, might be feeling vulnerable or bad about themselves because of what they see on social media, and want to go experience it. I hope this post can help a lot of you before you get it done.
Fillers
This is all the rage right now. Here’s what I think:
- Can be great when done correctly. If you want to get a little filler to preserve the way you look, I’m all about it. I’m not a fan of getting filler to manipulate the way your face looks – the bigger trend for cheeks, fixing your jaw, etc. – I think these before and afters give people false hope.
Beauty cannot be looked at as one dimensional! (Dr. Julius Few, sparked this rant I’m about to go on.) I think that the problem, especially in L.A. and on social media, is that we’re looking at a still, frozen photo. That’s not real life. Beauty is multidimensional- when you make an expression, when you talk, etc. – these are all a part of someone’s attractiveness. Think about an instance where you were not attracted to someone at first, but as soon as you got to know them …all of a sudden, they’re the most attractive person in the world. That’s pretty much anyone I’ve ever dated :).
You have to think about how you’re going to be interacting in real life. A lot of people over-inject, and they might look great in photos, but in person it’s pretty alarming. Be careful of that and of doctors who might take advantage of this vulnerability.
- Hyaluronic Acid. Most filler is a hyaluronic acid substance. I love hyaluronic acid as a serum for your face- it’s very hydrating (can retain up to 1000x its weight in water in skin cells). When injected in your face, if you go into a humid area or have allergies, it will SWELL. This is another reason that I DON’T recommend over-filling.
What to Avoid:
- Doctors who encourage trying to change the way you look.
- Using a doctor you find online that is offering a huge discount. (Not that more expensive = better, but don’t go to someone just BECAUSE he is offering a lower rate.) Go to a doctor that you TRUST.
The best doctors will:
- Watch the way you talk / Listen to you
- Ask what else you’ve done / If you’re taking anything
- Ask about your lifestyle
Botox
I know this gets a bad rep because it’s a toxin, and it’s the same as botulism (which can be deadly). BUT, botox in general has proven to be very safe. It’s very localized and was originally discovered for other reasons: hyperhidrosis (over-sweating), migraines, TMJ.
Botox locally paralyzes the muscle so that you can’t move it. Without having as much expression, you won’t form a permanent line.
What I like about botox:
- Short-lived (only lasts 3-4 months) …Fillers can last 1-4 years.
- If done well, you would never know someone had it done.
Pro Tips:
- Avoid botox around the lips (can distort your smile).
- Get it done by someone you trust and know is very experienced (please don’t get it done by your dentist).
For either of these, always start LOW and go SLOW. You can always add more, so don’t overdo it the first time.
The bottom line is that these are completely personal choices. For the most part, these are very safe. Of course, there’s risk associated with anything. These have been done quite a bit now, and when done mildly, I think it’s completely fine.
I think that people look the most beautiful when they preserve their own looks and don’t go overboard. I hope you guys enjoyed this, and please let me know if you have any questions.
