Botox anyone?

[shootingstar]

Maybe it's because I was never a "babe" and appearance is something I've decreasing cared about as the decades have passed. I'm now focused on ensuring I stay healthy, strong, and active.

I'm not a babe in appearance either, even when I was in my 20's. Alot of men only noticed me...when there were no other women around to distract them. Seriously.

So I've lived several decades of life just living in the shadows of the sexiness and stunning beauty of other women.

I don't like looking tired...and it's more pronounced since my sister's death and plus other stuff. But I have my general, overall good health where already women just a few years older than I (@53 yrs.) are starting to get arthritis, etc. The latter, my health and mobility is much more important to me and where I would spend time, energy...and if necessary, money, where the public medical insurance will not cover. Great health and fitness is always fashionable, always younger than your age --well my philosophy.

I look at the photos of my mother at the same age I was: it's a difference because she had the physical effect (on her body) and stress of raising 6 children. So by default, I am already younger looking: I never experienced that same magnitude of physical impact, energy expenditure and stress since I never had children. (It's nice to talk about the joys of parenting, but with many children there is noticeable stress at various times. I witnessed too much of it.)

I treat myself for vanity... frequent haircuts. But I am barefaced without make-up when I am at work in the office...for the past few years. So someone like me, wouldn't see botox in part of my arsenal.


As for what my partner thinks: he's relieved I'm a small woman at my age. I'm not kiddin': it means less sagging. He's relieved I don't wear perfume..because he's allergic to any fragrance in soaps, lotions, etc. He's never once told me I should get rid of my tired look. I have this feeling it's like seeing wallpaper to him, he's so used to it he doesn't truly notice most of the time.

He enjoys having a partner who bikes with him, among other things.

Note: I made the initial comments earlier in this thread, because the forums do get trolls and spam. It's noticeable when members don't introduce themselves and talk about their cycling first. (Let us know if you introduced yourself already.)

[TrekDianna]

I couldn't do it...for a few reasons - nevermind what it is made of... I am happy being the age I am and I earned it. I don't wear make-up, don't own a blow dryer, I can shower and get out the door in a matter of minutes. I am about as low maintenance as possible. Doing something like that would go against everything that do to be natural in other ways.

I think if that is someone's choice, that's fine. It's just not a choice I would ever make for myself. I could use that money on something much more fun....like another bike!

[Irulan]

Note: I made the initial comments earlier in this thread, because the forums do get trolls and spam. It's noticeable when members don't introduce themselves and talk about their cycling first. (Let us know if you introduced yourself already.)

Noticeable to you, perhaps. I get really tired of the somewhat (perceived by me) unfriendly approach to new posters if they don't meet some specific, unnamed criteria of what a first post should look like.

Re OP, I'm certainly not happy with my age lines, but I can't quite bring myself to consider the alternatives, having been cosmetic free my entire life. So I have nothing useful to add, sorry. Welcome by the way.

[Blueberry]

Noticeable to you, perhaps. I get really tired of the somewhat (perceived by me) unfriendly approach to new posters if they don't meet some specific, unnamed criteria of what a fist post should look like.

I get this. I really do. However - sometimes it's hard to tell. Early morning east coast - this board can be a mess. Lots of spammers. Some reply to 3-4 threads before inserting links.

For this one - I looked at the 1st post - which was about a bike (and included the apparently preferred bikes sig). So my radar wasn't on as much as usual.

Interesting discussion btw. I do hope the original person comes back and weighs in.

[indysteel]

I get this. I really do. However - sometimes it's hard to tell. Early morning east coast - this board can be a mess. Lots of spammers. Some reply to 3-4 threads before inserting links.

For this one - I looked at the 1st post - which was about a bike (and included the apparently preferred bikes sig). So my radar wasn't on as much as usual.

Interesting discussion btw. I do hope the original person comes back and weighs in.

I agree that it's hard to tell, but often the syntax is off with spammers. When in doubt, I'd rather just ignore the thread than suggest that their post isn't the best introduction.

[Blueberry]

I agree that it's hard to tell, but often the syntax is off with spammers. When in doubt, I'd rather just ignore the thread than suggest that their post isn't the best introduction.

I agree 100% with this. It's sad that we're not as welcoming as we once were. Sometimes I just click the triangle and let the mods sort it out (particularly where the syntax is terrible and they've started 10 threads).

[indysteel]

Noticeable to you, perhaps. I get really tired of the somewhat (perceived by me) unfriendly approach to new posters if they don't meet some specific, unnamed criteria of what a fist post should look like.

+1. I don't know if I've perceived a trend with this, but at least in this instance, I totally agree. If someone has concerns about whether a post is spam or otherwise violates forum guidelines, contact the administrator or simply ignore the thread. Otherwise, I think new members should feel free to post about whatever they want, assuming it fits into one of our established subforums. Moreover, we have had past discussions on aging, wrinkles, cosmetic procedures and the like, so I don't think BarbaraJo's question is all that unusual.

[Irulan]

+1. I don't know if I've perceived a trend with this, but at least in this instance, I totally agree. If someone has concerns about whether a post is spam or otherwise violates forum guidelines, contact the administrator or simply ignore the thread. Otherwise, I think new members should feel free to post about whatever they want, assuming it fits into one of our established subforums. Moreover, we have had past discussions on aging, wrinkles, cosmetic procedures and the like, so I don't think BarbaraJo's question is all that unusual.

If someone has concerns about whether a post is spam or otherwise violates forum guidelines, contact the administrator or simply ignore the thread.
+1. Use the report post button, that what it's there for. Let the moderators decide if you aren't sure about it.

Back to wrinkles. I'll probably never botox, but I sure don't like the "frowny" shaped one I'm getting.
What's worse than wrinkles is those darn whiskers!!

[Eden]

I don't think I'd ever personally consider Botox, but in all it's pretty benign - it does wear off- which is lucky for the few who get complications.

When I worked at the VA I video taped one of the nurses who'd had it done (this was back in the early days, when it was pretty new to the cosmetic world, but had been in use for a while for medical treatment). She had a definite complication- her eyelid on one side was paralyzed too! It was almost comical and since she knew it would wear off she did laugh about it. She could lift it open with a finger, but as soon as she let go it would slowly drift back down. I think it took about 3 months for it to go back to normal.

[indysteel]

I don't know whether I would ever get Botox, but in the back of my mind, I'm open to the idea of other procedures if I really thought they would make me feel better and be worth (subjectively speaking) the money. I'm almost 43 now, so it's hard to predict how I might feel at say, 60. My husband is younger than me by more than a few years, and I'm admittedly anxious about how we might look together as I age. Of course, I'm anxious about how I might look to him, too.

I will say this: Many of the older woman I know who seem either older or younger than their years appear that way because of how active, vibrant and fit they are (or aren't, as the case may be). Those that are active and fit, wear their wrinkles, lines and age spots really well. Attitude goes a long way in camouflaging imperfections.

[shootingstar]

BarbJo..hopefully you didn't misunderstand my comments.

Back to botox: Though we are diverse group, I don't think we are as diverse in breadth of women from all lifestyles, demographics (age, race, nationality, literacy level). Go ahead, jump on me. But that is my narrow opinion..after participating here over the last few years.

I suspect in a different women's forum where the whole forum was focused on beauty/cosmetics discussion as the main forum subject thrust, there may be a different sentiment. ie. more widespread use of botox by women participating in such forums.

[BarbaraJo]

Wow! Not sure where to go with this... First off I didn't realize I had to introduce myself, if that is the protocol I apologize for rocking the boat(bike) and hope that this discussion was worth it!
Second, I have to say I appreciate all the comments both positive and negative. It's always so interesting to hear how women don't judge other women!
I am a wearer of makeup, I own several blow dryers, I take great pride in how I look, both on the bike and off.I work out everyday, I ride at least 4 times a week I lift weights take yoga and Pilates, lost 37 lbs a year ago and have kept it off. I am very lucky to have good health, and look forward to aging gracefully! I have worked hard my 33 years of married life and want to continue to do the best I can to look good, and after the delayed discussion on this topic with my DH I was ultimately flattered to hear him tell me "he doesn't see my wrinkles when he looks at me!" That being said we are our worst critics, and I didn't like the angry look I was developing since I lost weight. I am happy with the results but not sure I want to maintain it. Let's call it a therapy session! Oh and to clear things up I was not covering anything up but my deep lines between my eyes and around my mouth!
I posted this here because this is the only women's forum I haveever joined and was wondering what the "feeling" was out there on this subject. Unfortunately I live in an area where this is a pretty common practice, I realize it is not everywhere.
So once again I do appreciate the discussion and look forward to many more!

[lph]

I've mellowed a lot when it comes to what I think of various "beautifying procedures", for lack of a better term, and I do believe people should do whatever makes them happy. But I'll admit that the whole idea of Botox puts me off, more than say, breast implants or liposuction. The idea that women shouldn't have wrinkles, but men look craggy and distinguished with them irritates me. The lines on my face show my personality and the person I've become over many years, more than anything else. When I smile my whole face crinkles up. When I crack a joke or pull a face I want all the mobility my face can muster. Now I wouldn't mind having smaller bags under my eyes, and if I had one single heavy frown line somewhere I might look at Botox differently. But as I am I wouldn't trade my lines for anything.

eta: if I recall correctly my first post was asking about a cyst, and it went sort of "thank god I've found a womans forum! What IS this lump?" I guess about 50% may have thought I was a weirdo. It never crossed my mind to go make a proper introduction first...

[SheFly]

I've mellowed a lot when it comes to what I think of various "beautifying procedures", for lack of a better term, and I do believe people should do whatever makes them happy. But I'll admit that the whole idea of Botox puts me off, more than say, breast implants or liposuction. The idea that women shouldn't have wrinkles, but men look craggy and distinguished with them irritates me. The lines on my face show my personality and the person I've become over many years, more than anything else. When I smile my whole face crinkles up. When I crack a joke or pull a face I want all the mobility my face can muster. Now I wouldn't mind having smaller bags under my eyes, and if I had one single heavy frown line somewhere I might look at Botox differently. But as I am I wouldn't trade my lines for anything.

THIS! I love it. That said, I wouldn't judge someone else for doing what makes them feel right, as long they were doing it for themselves.

SheFly

[badger]

I'm all for doing things to make one feel better, and if that means spending money on make up or on procedures, so be it. I think it's very snooty when someone says they don't do anything and love the way they look and so should everyone else.

Good for them, but if one feels better having done something, that makes them look good because in the end beauty comes from within. I know that sounds a bit contradictory, but even if you're beautiful, you're not going to look nearly as good if you feel good about yourself.

I don't wear any make up or blow dry, but I consider myself super lucky that I can get away with doing that. However, I did spend ~$8,000 on 8 porcelain veneers on my front upper teeth because mine were stained by tetracycline and very small (I also had gums lasered so the teeth were elongated). I will say that it was worth every single penny, because it made me confident enough to smile.

Far be it for me to judge someone for getting botox or fillers - if that makes them feel better about themselves, all the power to them.