I have some strong opinions about Botox.

While it is considered the most significant advancement in cosmetic care in the last twenty years, I feel that the residual effects this has had in our society are not entirely positive.

There were 1.6 million Botox procedures logged in the US 2007. This is a 46% increase since the year 2000. This made it far and away the most popular non surgical cosmetic procedure. It seems that you can get Botox as readily as a Starbucks coffee these days.

And while Starbucks is closing shops right and left, the Botox sites just keep popping up everywhere. This obsession with Botox in “mainstream” America in my opinion finds its roots in Hollywood’s desire to be completely wrinkle free. You literally will NOT see a wrinkled forehead or a furrowed brow anywhere on TV or movies these days. Seriously, I challenge you to find a wrinkle on any forehead anywhere on TV or in a movie. The societal impact of this is profound. Now housewives, realtors, salespeople, receptionists and the like also want to be wrinkle free.

There is a new subculture of people walking around with far fewer wrinkles than is normal for someone their age. And not everyone is “doing it right”. Yes, there are many in Hollywood and civilians in mainstream America who are doing it right. They get their Botox injections like clockwork every four months and they have foreheads as smooth as a baby’s bottom. But I would argue though that the ones that look great are also taking amazing care of their skin. They use sunscreen, get facials, exfoliate and wear the best moisturizers, and make up. They also know how to apply make up (or have a make up artist apply it, in the case of the stars).

The cumulative effect of all of this–they look amazing. The Botox fits into the whole regime.

The problem that arises when someone gets Botox but doesn’t take care of their skin in other ways. The result is someone who doesn’t look younger or better, but rather their age but just lacking the wrinkles that match. In these cases, the effect is a weird disconnect. It’s kind of like ironing a shirt that is stained. Yes, your shirt is starched but it’s also stained.

It’s not a good look.

The other beef I have is that many women go too far. They get too much or from someone who doesn’t know how to administer it and the results are horrible. They look like kabuki dolls or in the case of one A-List actress who shall remain nameless, they get the dreaded "bat face".

In the case of this particular Oscar winning actress, it’s sadly affecting her career. How can you remain one of the top actresses in the world, when your face literally won’t move enough that you can cry or laugh in a normal way. This woman lost her “sparkle”, the gleam in her eye that made her special about 120 Botox sessions ago. She has become something of a tall, strange, robotic creature that shows up at awards ceremonies and on the red carpet — looking perfect and flawless, but also emotionless and flat.

I'm a big believer in having procedures and trying things that will make you feel better about yourself. If someone who is taking great care of their skin and wants to look younger, feel like their looks match how old they feel and Botox fits into the regimen, I say go for it.

But I urge you to get it from someone who knows what they are doing–a reputable doctor or nurse practioner. Do your research and make sure that the medi-spa or office you choose has a good reputation. Also, use it in moderation. Don’t get so much that it robs you of your emotion and character and ability to laugh and cry normally.

Lastly, if you are going to the trouble and expense to get Botox, by all means, take care of the rest of your skin as well so that the overall effect is great. You want your lack of wrinkles to also match the tone, texture and clarity of your skin. When combined with good overall skin care, the effects of a little Botox can be amazing.

-Melissa Sebastien

Editor-in-Chief, All In Good Face

http://www.allingoodface.com