By Kiko Dametra
As millennials, we are known for setting trends in various niches, from food recipes to social media dances. And looking good while doing these things is extremely important for many of us. This has led some of our generation to opt for Botox and fillers to promote youthful skin. These effortless treatment options help us keep the skin looking vibrant and healthy.
Characterised by fine lines and wrinkles on the skin, ageing seems to be our enemy, and we strive to defy it by any means necessary. Botox does more than just enhance beauty; it also boosts our confidence.
With the pressure we face every day to look perfect, it’s no surprise that we turn to cosmetic interventions to make us feel better about how we look, and here’s why:
Obsession With Physical Appearance
Most people today judge us by our appearance, and posting selfies on social media is a great way to get immediate gratification. The selfie culture emphasises facial aesthetics, prompting us to compare ourselves with the images we encounter online.
Most online influencers, magazines, and advertisements promote an idealised, perfect image; we internalise these standards and strive to achieve them.
“Our physical appearance reflects our general health although it is not always 100% accurate. The trouble with today’s social media-obsessed world is the unrealistic expectations created by beauty enhancement software. No one can look like their enhanced features in real life, and the online shaming of anyone less than perfect is emotionally damaging and must be stopped.” – Dr Elias Tam, Medical Director of EHA Clinic
According to Dr Elias, “While our physical appearance is important, it should reflect our inner self, manifesting our character, achievements, and kindness. We should celebrate our uniqueness, even more so with the current craze of social media, and not be forced to conform to a cookie-cutter image, instead, we should aim to help each other be the best version of ourselves.”.
This physical appearance obsession comes with a constant desire to look youthful and camera-ready. The validation-seeking nature of social media keeps us preoccupied with our looks. Apps like Snapchat provide a stage of self-presentation where we seek recognition and approval through followers, likes, and comments.
This has promoted an unrealistic beauty standard, and to keep up, many of us rush to get Botox and dermal fillers.
Desire to Stay On Top Of Trends
As Millennials, we are always eager to explore new ideas, and our curiosity makes us early adopters of emerging trends and technologies. This includes being updated on the latest cosmetic procedural developments, like Botox and fillers.
Our generation grew up with easy access to information through social media and the internet, constantly exposing us to news and updates across various platforms. We view cosmetic procedures as a form of self-improvement and personal growth that enhances our physical appearance.
Through the internet, we get the latest stories on the effectiveness of Botox and fillers, supported by how good celebrities look after various injections.
According to Dr Elias, “too much botox/filler will only lead to hideous results which many have seen, including among celebrities. Used correctly, the transformation can be amazing and life-changing. We have patients who look more alert and feel better about themselves now in their 60s than when they first started with us in their 40s.”
The Versatile Benefits Of Fillers
Our interest in fillers goes beyond their ability to fill wrinkles. These cosmetic injectables can enhance facial contours, restore volume, and help achieve a more balanced, youthful appearance. They can augment and reshape the jawline, lips, cheeks, and chin.
Fillers offer a non-surgical option, promoting appearance improvement without extensive downtime in recovery, minimally disrupting our daily lives. Additionally, they can address under-eye hollows, acne scars, and asymmetry. They can be customised to target our unique areas of concern and achieve a more refined facial aesthetic.
In contrast to surgical interventions, fillers have reversible options like Houston Juvéderm and Restylane. These are made of hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the skin and can be reversed through injection with hyaluronidase. This reversible nature allows us to adapt our appearance to suit our evolving preferences and natural style.
The Preventative Nature Of Botox
Prevention is vital to maintaining a youthful and refreshed appearance. Starting Botox treatment at a young age seems to slow the ageing process. Unlike the previous generation that sought Botox as a reactive measure to treat visible signs of ageing, we use it as millennials to delay and minimise wrinkle appearance.
While Botox Injections temporarily relax the facial muscles, preventing the repetitive movements that can cause wrinkles, it can be a proactive step in our self-care routines, alongside healthy eating, exercise and skincare.
According to Dr Elias, “maintenance of youth starts with good lifestyle habits, like diet, exercise, rest and skincare (especially when it comes to applying sunblock daily)! Botox or filler is only a small part and is only effective when used for the correct indications.”
Stigma, Be Gone!
In the past, there was considerable societal stigma towards cosmetic enhancements, portraying them as unnatural. As millennials, we actively changed these perceptions, leading to a more open-minded attitude towards aesthetic treatments. Our generation is known for its progressive mindset and willingness to change traditional norms. We embrace the freedom to make choices that align with our desires, even regarding cosmetics.
Thankfully, technological advancements have contributed to a more natural outcome, reducing the stigma further.
Most of us favour a genuine appearance and opt for procedures that enhance our features without drastically altering our looks. The growing emphasis on body positivity empowers individuals to go for these treatments to make them comfortable in their skin.
Long-Term Solutions
Unlike makeup and other temporary skin care products, Botox and fillers offer long-lasting results, reducing product consumption and the frequent need for touch-ups. This reduces the environmental impact of excessive product usage. Additionally, they require minimal packaging, reducing plastic or paper waste generated from beauty products.
The prominence of Botox and fillers among millennials reflects a desire for empowerment and self-confidence. By understanding our pressures, you can see why we embrace these cosmetic procedures. They allow us to express our individuality while enhancing our features and making us feel more confident.
While there is nothing wrong with Botox and Filler as Dr Elias warned you shouldn’t look for products or equipment featured on social media. They are just tools. Look instead for doctors who care about you. Look at friends whom they have treated. Don’t just focus on getting the cheapest deal or gimmick. A good doctor may reject doing treatment that may not be suitable for you. Don’t get upset. Trust him or her to have your best interests at heart, and be honest during your consultation on what you want from the treatment.