Even stigma doesn’t work the same way it used to, and Botox is a perfect example. Pre-social-media, stigmas surrounding Botox and other aesthetic treatments were more unified and consistent.
Now that everyone views the world through the myopic lens created by social media algorithms (just sayin’), our perceptions are all over the place, and that includes Botox.
All this is to say, if you’ve had Botox for fine lines, expect to be confronted by a hodgepodge of old-school stigmas, misinformed opinions, and even paranoid fears. But that’s okay—you look great, and you feel even better. Here’s a list of things you can expect to hear, as well as how to gracefully respond, after telling people you got Botox.
Wow, I Can’t Even Tell!
In other words, Huh, that’s weird. You don’t look ridiculous. Clearly, we’re up against a more old-school form of anti-Botox stigma here.
On the one hand, it’s not exactly this person’s fault that popular media has poked fun at Botox by depicting TV and movie characters who’ve received the treatment as balloon-faced narcissists.
On the other hand, they need to get out more. When skilfully wielded, Botox injections deliver a perfectly subtle enhancement that works with your facial harmony. Our advice? Just hit them with a classy “Thanks! It must be working.”
You Don’t Need Botox!
Look, not everybody cares about aesthetics, and that’s okay. For many people, including the person who says this, there are two “settings” when it comes to aging and aesthetics: “young and smoothe”, and “old and wrinkled.”
In other words, the whole “You don’t need Botox” thing is really just a symptom of somebody who doesn’t understand how aesthetics works, or how subtle details can make a huge difference, or that preventive treatments are a thing in the aesthetics world.
Our favorite response? “I don’t need nice shoes either, but check these out!”
Isn’t That Stuff, Like…Toxic?
Ironically, the knee-jerk reaction to this kind of a jab may be to say something that is in fact toxic. But hey, they are technically not wrong, and also, this is actually a great opportunity to educate someone on how this anti-aging wrinkle treatment works. And with greater understanding comes less fear and stigma.
In other words, you can say, “Actually, the active ingredient in Botox is derived from a toxin, but it’s obviously formulated in a way that makes it safe.”
Or, if you’re just embracing the petty on that particular day, you can ask them if they drink alcohol, use makeup, or eat anything. Heck, hot peppers are literally a bioweapon, and we eat those!
So You Want to Freeze Your Facial Expressions?
This one’s easy.
“Do I look frozen to you?”
[At least 10 seconds of hardcore Vogueing]
Next.
Aren’t You Worried About Filler Fatigue?
This is kind of like asking someone who just started lifting weights for half an hour a day, three times a week, “Aren’t you afraid you’ll get twice as bulky as Arnold Schwarzenegger?”
Yes, filler fatigue is a thing, but it’s not something you just “trip and fall” into. It requires session after session of poorly placed, over-filled injections.
Any injector who knows what they’re doing knows how to easily avoid filler fatigue.
Are You Afraid You’ll Get Addicted?
This person is either under the grave misconception that Botox contains some kind of addictive ingredient, or they’re heavily implying that you don’t have the presence of mind to restrain yourself. Bit of a lose-lose here.
Here’s an easy and effective reply: “Are you ‘addicted’ to makeup?”
Walk away, but do that cool “no-looking-back” thing from 90s and early 2000s movies. You’ll probably be able to hear the gears turning anyway.
Wasn’t It Crazy Expensive?
“Not as expensive as my monthly skincare costs.”
Sometimes, it’s that simple. There’s nothing wrong with being a pragmatic penny-pincher, and this person may in fact be asking because they’re low-key considering Botox for themselves. But sometimes, a little perspective can go a long way in breaking down stigmas.
Seriously. Most people who invest in high-quality skincare spend more per month on skincare products than Botox.
What About When You’re Older?
Ah, this one’s great. It’s just like the tattoo objection. Our preferred response is this,
“Oh, well I’m planning to do [xyz unrelated thing] and travel [to xyz random place],” etc.
They will walk away chuckling, thinking the question flew over your head, while you’ll walk away chuckling, knowing that it didn’t.
What Does Your Partner Think?
Translation: I would never be with someone who got Botox.
Sometimes, the most powerful way to address veiled condescension is not to roll away from it, but to acknowledge it and defuse it in your own way. Usually, we prefer humor.
“What does your partner think about you getting Botox?”
“The same thing they thought about me before. They have no appreciation for my love of durian, they think I say ‘if you don’t mind’ too often, and they still love me.”
Is it a passive-aggressive guilt trip disguised as a cutesy response? Heavens, no! You’re a terrible person for thinking that! (Get it?)
But You’re So Young!
Finally, this last objection will conclude our mini-series on playfully aloof responses to ignorant Botox misconceptions.
“But you’re so young!”
“I know! Isn’t it great?!”
This is another one of those “they walk away thinking you’re a dope, but you walk away knowing they’re the one who doesn’t get it” plays.
Why forego the gratification of a more obvious “burn”?
Because you’re confident in yourself. Because you don’t need anyone else’s approval or permission. That’s the whole point.Ready to own your Botox journey with confidence? Don’t let outdated stigmas hold you back. Book a consultation today and embrace what makes you look and feel your best!
