by Lucille Iacovelli

Created on: January 03, 2009

Botox and Injectable Filler Addiction ~ What I have learned about "Instant Beauty Gratification"

Botox and injectable fillers are addictive. I know this from years of experience. Back in the days when collagen injections filled in lines and plumped up lips, I was hooked on this form of instant beauty gratification. I vividly recall driving home from the doctor's office after a collagen fix and having a hard time tearing my eyes away from my refection in the rear view mirror. So delighted was I with my enhanced appearance, I couldn't stop looking at myself. Talk about narcissism.

However, when I stopped using collagen for a long period of time, I noticed something very interesting. As the months passed and the lines reappeared, I was surprised to see that after years without the stuff, it really had not made that much difference at all. Most of the allure was that INSTANT GRATIFICATION. I remember using a new lip lipstick (in the days when I still found it necessary to wear makeup). My boss looked at me and said "Have your lips done again?" But I didn't... It was just a new lipstick.

The point I am trying to make is that these "noninvasive procedures" serve more as a fix for a psychological addiction than anything else. I would challenge any Botox or filler junkie to stop all treatments for an entire year and see if they really look that different. And if reports about cosmetic surgery declining in this economic crunch is making people think twice about forking out a substantial chunk of cash for the sake of appearance, they should consider the cumulative cost of becoming an injectable junkie. Before getting thoroughly hooked, they may want to figure the annual cost of the addiction. They will need that Botox and filler every few months. They will need it because they believe they need it.

Another astonishing discovery after relinquishing use of all pricey cosmetics, skin restorative treatments, etc., was that my skin looked better just washing with an inexpensive facial cleanser ( Apricot scrub for sensitive skin $3.49 for 2+ month supply). I no longer wear makeup or use moisturizers, etc. For years, I have just washed my face and my skin is more clear than it ever was when I indulged in an expensive "skin regimen".

While my distorted features and the disabling medical conditions I live with as a result of botched surgery have placed concern for appearance at the very bottom of my list of priorities, the unexpected aftermath has been having clear skin I never had when I was hooked on the props intended to keep me looking younger and "better".

If I could have every moment back that I wasted applying makeup, creams, and looking into the mirror judging my face against what society dictated as attractive, I would use those years to actually enjoy the healthy body I took for granted.

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