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Botox Might Be More Harmful Than You Think
By restricting facial expressions, Botox may interfere with communication and empathy
In the past decade, Botox injections have become the most common cosmetic procedure in the US. A whopping 7.23 million Botox procedures were performed in 2017 — and the number has only been rising each year.
Before Botox became a beauty ritual, it was used exclusively for medical purposes — to treat muscle disorders such as cerebral palsy, eye muscle disorders like strabismus, excessive sweating, and many other ailments. It was only in 2002 that the FDA first approved the use of Botox for cosmetic purposes. And then, it was mainly regarded as a means for vain celebrities to flaunt their wealth and status.
But now, especially among millennials, it’s been increasingly normalized. It’s now seen as a harmless way to “age gracefully” or as simply a fun way to give yourself a little confidence boost.
On the one hand, it’s wonderful if we’re moving away from shaming people for wanting to “improve” their appearance. But on the other, it might be dangerous to be so hasty to assume that Botox is nothing but a harmless, fun procedure, akin to getting a haircut or painting your nails.
