Cosmetic Treatments: Is the Taboo Fading?

For many years, cosmetic treatments were considered taboo. Those who have undergone procedures kept their treatments a secret while others deny having anything done. This was due to the stigma surrounding such treatments, as well as being seen or called plastic, fake, or vain. Fortunately, times have changed.

Transparency about aesthetic procedures

Celebrities are now talking candidly about using injectables and going under the knife. Supermodel Cindy Crawford, for instance, admitted to having botulinum toxin and other collagen-stimulating treatments, while designer Marc Jacobs openly discussed his decision to get a facelift. Actress Kaley Cuoco, on the other hand, revealed having fillers and a nose job, and called her breast implants “the best decision I ever made”.

Other people are being more transparent too. We see influencers and many content creators sharing their experiences with aesthetic treatments. Some post before and after pictures, while others document their procedure and recovery period. There is more open dialogue today, which encourages transparency and breaking down the stigma.

Breaking the taboo

In the recent Allergan Aesthetics global trend report, The Future of Aesthetics, “untabooing treatments” is listed as one of the trend drivers that contribute to consumer behavior change. Allergan’s research found that 92% of global survey respondents agree that people should talk more openly about (face and body) treatments.

Social media, of course, has been a major influence. We now see patients and even doctors sharing photos of and behind-the-scenes procedures. The goal is not to force others into getting such procedures, but more like being honest and owning their personal choices.

A dramatic increase in demand and awareness

As the popularity of cosmetic procedures grows exponentially, so is the awareness about them. People, through social media, are letting others know what they have done or are considering doing. And as people become more open-minded, the negative attitudes about getting something done are almost gone or becoming a thing of the past.

This growing awareness has also contributed to aesthetic treatments becoming more mainstream. Apart from breaking the stigma, it has also helped normalize getting something done, particularly non-surgical treatments, while also alleviating anxiety about the procedure and the things to expect.

Beauty goals and quality of life

While no one is immune to experiencing signs of aging, there is also nothing wrong with wanting to improve or fade them. Everyone deserves to look and feel beautiful, so there should be no shame if getting cosmetic treatments are the avenue to achieving someone’s personal and beauty goals or improving their quality of life.

Many people who have been receiving compliments about their looks are being candid about what they do, with some crediting their energized look to injectables like botulinum toxin. This sparks curiosity in those who are starting to see their own signs of aging and are considering trying what their peers are doing, hoping to get the same results.

Remaining discreet and wanting to learn more

There is no doubt about increasing transparency and openness regarding aesthetic treatments, but there are still those who want to remain silent about what they have done. Some celebrities continue to deny obvious procedures they have received, while others feel that there is still a stigma, but not so much as intense as before.

There are, of course, who will continue to judge, but there are also who are more open and want to learn more. This has been reflected in the rise in male patients seeking aesthetic treatments. According to this report, there has been a 182% change from 2000 to 2020 in botulinum toxin type A treatments for men.

Botulinum toxin remains the top male cosmetic minimally-invasive procedure, with over four million total treatments in 2020. Other popular choices include:

• Laser skin resurfacing
• Laser hair reduction (removal)
• Soft tissue fillers
• Microdermabrasion

Natural-looking results

Cosmetic treatments used to have a bad rap because of the botched results publicized in the past. These included blown-up faces that look fake, frozen, or too perfect (therefore unnatural). What patients want is to look like themselves, but more youthful and relaxed. They don’t want to look plastic or not be able to make facial expressions.

So, the question is how can you get natural-looking results with injectables? The most important thing is to find a qualified injector with a conservative approach. They can help you achieve a well-rested appearance with the right dosage and proper injection technique. Below are a few other things that can help:

• Be wary of cheap treatments and heavy discounts – Providers who offer too-good-to-be-true botulinum toxin or dermal filler treatments may not be using authentic products or are not qualified injectors.
• Follow pre/post treatment instructions – Injectables have minimal side effects, including pain, redness, swelling, and bruising that resolve within a few days. Following before and aftercare instructions can help avoid unwanted side effects such as shifting of the injectable to unintended areas (rare) and excessive bruising.
• Start slow – If it is your first time getting injectables, ask your provider to do something subtle. This will help you get an idea of what you’d look like or help you decide if you need more. More importantly, follow your injector’s recommendation and don’t go overboard.
• Do your homework and have realistic expectations – Apart from doing research or consuming content of others sharing their experience, you should also do your part. Ask questions during your consultation and voice out your concerns regarding the treatment. You should also know that results with injectables don’t appear immediately (they can take two weeks) and last for a few to several months.

Are you curious about aesthetic treatments and wondering how they can help you achieve your beauty goals? Do you believe that certain treatments can help you look and feel your best? Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to be an informed patient.