There was a time when Botox was something women rarely discussed. You might notice that someone looked more refreshed, had a smoother forehead or fuller lips, but few people announced what they had done.
That has changed. Botox, fillers and other aesthetic treatments have become increasingly mainstream. Women discuss their appointments with friends, share their experiences on social media and are generally more open about getting a little help with their appearance.
But greater openness does not mean everyone feels comfortable trying injectables.
Many women are curious but have plenty of questions: Will I still look like myself? Will my face appear frozen? Could filler look unnatural? Does it hurt? How much do I need?
Perhaps the most important question is: How do I know whom I can trust with my face?
That concern is understandable. Your face is not something you want to take chances with. Social media can make the decision even more confusing. Before-and-after photos, filtered faces, beauty trends and conflicting advice can make it difficult to determine what is realistic, necessary or simply fashionable.
That is why education is important. The conversation should move away from “What do I need to fix?” and toward “What makes me feel good?”
I see a similar mindset in the fitness industry. Women do not necessarily walk through the doors of Lift & Glitz because they dislike their bodies or want to become different people. Many simply want to become stronger, have more energy, feel confident in their clothes and appreciate the woman looking back at them in the mirror.
Aesthetic treatments can be approached similarly. Wanting to enhance something does not mean you do not like yourself. At the same time, no one should feel pressured to change something because of social media, beauty trends or another person’s opinion. The decision should be personal and informed.
That is why I invited Taylor and Valerie, owners of Smoothline Co., to join me for an upcoming episode of the Lift & Glitz Podcast. The episode, “Botox & Fillers for Beginners,” is intended for people who are curious about injectables but do not know where to begin.
I did not approach the episode pretending to know everything about aesthetic treatments. Instead, I asked the questions women often have: What is the difference between Botox and filler? What should a client expect during a first appointment? Can treatments begin conservatively? How can someone avoid looking overdone? What qualifications should clients consider when choosing an injector? And when should a responsible injector say no?
We also discuss the fear surrounding injectables. Some people are not necessarily opposed to Botox or filler; they are afraid of making the wrong decision. That is where choosing a qualified provider and having an honest consultation become especially important.
Botox and fillers are not for everyone, and that is perfectly fine. This episode is not intended to convince anyone that they need an aesthetic treatment. Its purpose is to remove some of the mystery and help listeners make informed decisions.
Whether the subject is fitness, nutrition, beauty, business or anything else that affects how people feel about themselves, education is more valuable than influence.
If you have ever considered Botox and then immediately thought, “Absolutely not. Nobody is coming near my face with a needle,” this episode may help answer some of your questions.
Taylor and Valerie join me on the Lift & Glitz Podcast to explain the basics and make the world of injectables feel less intimidating. Stay tuned for “Botox & Fillers for Beginners” with Smoothline Co.
Rachel King is the founder and CEO of Lift & Glitz Training Studio, a women-only fitness community with locations in Northfield and Galloway, New Jersey, and the host of the Lift & Glitz Podcast: Lift Your Strength. Glitz Your Life.
