Social pressure has never been higher to look younger than today—even though women faced unrealistic beauty standards as far back as imperial China. There are constant reminders for women that a youthful, fresh appearance is desired, and anything less than that isn’t enough. Women in Hollywood have been faced with this problem for years. Seasoned actresses vying for roles with younger competition and, as a result, turned to cosmetic procedures to help them maintain their youth.
These days, however, there is no escape, and it’s not just in Hollywood. There are shiny and flashing examples of the ideal body type in our culture continuously. Botox treatment getting continuous popularities. Social media feeds are flooded with pictures of the perfect body. Even though many of these pictures are altered with photoshopping skills and soft filters, that standard still integrates into how we see ourselves. With virtual meetings booming even in a post-pandemic environment, people are constantly confronted with their un-edited filter-free self-image.
The Female Percentage
Women face more scrutiny than men and account for 92 percent of procedures that are considered minimally invasive. Among those minimally invasive procedures is Botox which has increased over 800 percent since 2000. In 2018, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons noted that offices performed more than seven million neurotoxin injections in America alone.
Even though women are the primary consumers of cosmetic procedures, men aren’t going to be left behind. However, their reasoning may be slightly different than their feminine counterparts.
Read: Botox vs Restylane
Men and Botox a Growing Trend
Though men don’t make up the most considerable portion of cosmetic procedures, the numbers are growing. It’s becoming more common for men to seek out cosmetic interventions to reduce the appearance of age.
For men, the reasoning for seeking out treatments like Botox is less about the social pressure to look more attractive and more about pressure at work to look and act younger. Ageism in the corporate world is a real problem, and rather than be left behind; men are doing what it takes to look younger to stay at the top of their game.
That means turning to procedures that help them defy father time himself. One of the most efficient and popular options is Botox. Since 2010 there has been a 27 percent increase in men getting Botox.
Body Image and Mental Health
As mental health awareness grows, so does the understanding that body image and mental health are intertwined. Something many have known through personal experience for years. Cosmetic procedures are becoming more socially acceptable. There isn’t the same stigma and sense of taboo over having some work done that there used to be. People dissatisfied with their appearance are more likely to seek cosmetic treatments now than they would have been even a few years ago.
Self-esteem is critical for success, and it’s been proven repeatedly that the more confidant someone is, the stronger their mental health will be. Unfortunately, because the pressure from society to look better and younger is so prevalent, self-confidence is often wrapped up with self-image.
Thankfully with the multitude of minimally invasive procedures available today, there are ways to boost self-esteem.
Read: Cosmetic vs. Plastic Surgery
The Stress Factors
Stress is one of the most significant contributing factors to facial wrinkles. When the body is stressed, it creates an excess of cortisol hormone, making the skin less elastic. Cortisol also destroys collagen, making it challenging to keep skin healthy and hydrated. In addition, as most people have felt over the last 18 months of the pandemic, prolonged stress can lead to higher levels of inflammation, also responsible for increasing wrinkles.
The shift to everything being on camera these days is adding to that stress for many. Like it or not, we live in a world where everything has the potential to be live-streamed, from our new video-based business meetings to birthday parties. For most people these days, being on video daily is just becoming part of the new normal.
Of course, everyone wants to look their best when in front of the camera.
The Eternal Fountain of Youth
Although no one has discovered the mysterious location of the fountain of youth, people have made serious strides in replicating the visual aesthetics promised from the fictional site. One of the most well-known ways to fight the effects of time is through simple and minimally invasive Botox injections.
Fine lines and wrinkles in both men and women tend to make them look older than necessary. Botox is highly effective at making those virtually disappear. Botox works so well because it relaxes the muscles in the area where it’s injected. Therefore, it’s predominantly applied in the areas of the face that show the most stress, like those forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet. There are a couple of things you should know when considering Botox, however.
Read: Microneedling and Why Is It Popular
Trusting Your Provider
Botox isn’t on the same level as major cosmetic surgery. However, it is still an invasive, even if minimally so, procedure and, as such, should be taken seriously.
For years Botox parties were a trending topic, and though some of these were legitimate, others were not. Some of the potential problems found included fake injections and individuals performing injections without proper qualifications.
When looking for a provider for your cosmetic procedure, you should always research the clinic or office. Most of them will have their credentials readily available on their websites, along with areas that answer frequently asked questions. Often, they will even provide client testimonials.
Most clinics will also offer consultation sessions before making your appointment to ensure that the procedure you’re interested in will provide you with the results you want.
Botox injections are a relatively safe cosmetic procedure with very little recovery time when done with the proper care and through a qualified professional. The injections can last anywhere between three and six months. They can dramatically reduce the physical signs of aging, making someone look younger and, more importantly, making them feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin. The youthful boost of Botox can even improve the chances of being successful in the workplace.
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