I find myself in a quandary. I’m a passionate advocate for “self love” and people being “perfect” and wonderful just as they are - but I also believe in a cheeky bit of Botox and it makes me feel a whole lot better about myself. So, can I really talk about self love when I actively do things to alter and improve my own appearance to make myself feel better?
The crease between my eyes got worse and worse and really was affecting my confidence so much that at age 38 I gave in and booked myself in for Botox for the first time. A week later the crease was gone and I stopped scruitinsing my face when I did my make-up and feeling self conscious every day. That in my view was a massive win and I really haven’t looked back since as I book myself in for my annual Botox trip.
Did I “need it” as such – no. Did I feel better for it – hell yes!
Like many of us, I’ve long heard all the commentary and negative connotations about plastic and aesthetic procedures and how it can be perceived in a generation of women whole heartedly embracing feminism and the self-love movement. So, is it a sham for me to preach self-love, when I chose not to accept this one part of myself?
If it makes me feel better in my own skin and more confident, enabling me to do things I may have avoided, how can we say it’s bad? Isn’t that empowering in itself? Can’t I want a crease free forehead purely for myself? Is that anything other than feminist choosing how I look to make myself feel better?
So much research done in this area shows that people can be generally happy with themselves while still having something they want to get work done on. Many women who are body-positive, still seek to be the best realistic versions of themselves. They can sit side by side.
All the psychological research seems to point to the same too with the majority of those who undergo cosmetic treatments being pleased with the outcome and reporting feeling much better about themselves. Isn’t that what it’s all about?
But not everyone sees it that way, and there definitely remains a view and a “judgement” that cosmetic procedures are not a valid desire for any woman to have.
Our right to do what what we want with our bodies and appearance has never been more real. It’s also easier and a whole lot more accessible than ever with payment plans and constant offers. It’s no longer only something “the rich” do.
When it comes to whether self-love and cosmetic procedures are mutually exclusive, there is an argument to be had for both sides, but I feel very strongly that how can anything which advocates telling anyone what they can or can’t do ever be be right?
Whether you choose to have cosmetic work done or not, as long as it’s a decision you’re making for yourself that is the main thing. My decision to fix my frown lines to rid me of an insecurity bothering me daily as I look in the mirror doesn’t undo my feminism and nor does it mean I can’t advocate for self love and acceptance – the two really aren’t mutually exclusive.
I for one will continue to practice self-love the best I can and encourage others to do the same.
Natasha Hatherall - Shawe