Botox no longer women – or men’s – best-kept secret

“The discovery of botulinum toxin (Botox) as a cosmetic treatment was a ‘a happy accident’,” says Dr Jemma Simpson, a doctor working in the field of aesthetic medicine at TASH360 in Cape Town. In the past, it was used for medical treatments.

“Initially, the response to the treatment was conservative,” says Dr Maureen Allem, the founder and medical director of the Renewal Institute, who pioneered the non-surgical anti-aging revolution in South Africa. But over the past few years, the industry has exploded, and many women and men in the South African Jewish community see it as a necessity that they cannot go without – and are happy to admit it.

“I started doing Botox 10 years ago when I was 29. I was invited to a friend’s house for a Botox party,” says one Jewish woman, speaking on condition of anonymity. “I must say once you have it, it’s addictive. You never want to see those lines again. I used to have it every four months, but now I go twice a year because I was becoming resistant and it was wasn’t lasting as long anymore.

“I have had filler under my eyes – I really loved the difference it made – and I’ve had a bit in my lips. It’s very important to go to a doctor who is experienced in doing filler. My doctor is amazing and keeps things natural,” she says.

“I’m totally open about having Botox and filler; I don’t think it’s anything to be embarrassed about. All of my friends have Botox. Some of their husbands do too. Frum women definitely have Botox and filler. It’s not against the halacha, and it’s important to look and feel your best for yourself and for your spouse,” she says. “As with all things though, moderation is key. The goal is to keep the signs of aging at bay, not change your face. Less is always more.”

“I’ve been having Botox treatments since I was about 30 years old, and I’m now 43,” says another Jewish woman speaking on condition of anonymity. “I started Botox because I was developing frown lines. I’ve continued with it both because it’s preventative, and it reduces the lines in my face in a relatively natural-looking manner.”

To her, “Botox is simply another beauty treatment. Most of my contemporaries have manicures, pedicures, facials, use anti-aging products, and have laser treatments. Botox is another tool to fight the aging process and make ourselves look better.”

She had fillers done once, many years ago, but didn’t like it. “I find it makes people look puffy and unnatural,” she says. She goes for Botox treatment about twice a year. “I’m not secretive about it at all, but a lot of people are. My best friends and sister don’t use Botox, but I would say the majority of my friends do.”

Even men are getting on board. One Jewish man who asked not to be named says, “There is more pressure on men in the workplace [to look their best]. The fact that people are living longer means they retire later, which means they might need to compete with younger people. Although I’m comfortable getting Botox, I do find that there is still a negative stigma.”

But, according to Allem, “Men have had Botox for quite some time, and their reasoning would be the same as women – to feel better about themselves and look more approachable in the workplace. As for discretion about their treatments, it’s similar to women – some are very open about it whereas others keep it private. Very often men get referred to us by their wives.”

Says Simpson, “According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the number of men having cosmetic procedures has increased by more than 100% since the early 2000s. ‘Bro-tox’ is definitely becoming more popular, and less taboo. In my experience of the few men I have treated, it’s usually their spouse who has pushed them to have cosmetic treatments. The spouses even pay for it!”

So why is Botox so popular? Allem says studies have shown that it can boost mental health, and if started early enough, can prevent the aging process down the line. “The fact that people can do something about their appearance that’s natural yet impactful has made this a popular treatment. Injectables are non-invasive, and can be done over a lunch hour, meaning that it’s very convenient and requires little down time.

“Injectable aesthetic treatments are generally much more affordable compared to surgery, and more and more people can look younger even on a budget. If done correctly and naturally, the results can be life-changing,” says Simpson.

Regarding how secretive some people are about the treatment, Allem says, “It depends on each patient. Some are happy to share their journey, and view it as a status symbol to post on their social media pages. For others, it remains their best-kept secret. Generally, it’s becoming more acceptable, and people are more open about talking about it. It’s similar to the sixties, when women started to colour their hair. Initially, there was such a stigma around it, but it’s a very acceptable practice today.”

“On the one extreme, I have patients who hide it from their family and even pay cash to make it untraceable,” Simpson says. “Usually, this is because their spouse disapproves. On the other extreme, I have patients who are open [about it]. This is usually because family and friends don’t see it as something negative.” Both doctors have had patients in their 20s, but most are older.

They advise against Botox parties. “You need a medical environment to perform the treatment as botulinum toxin is a prescription product, and dermal filler is a scheduled product,” says Allem. She warns of possible complications, and says that the alcohol often served at these parties can make it even more risky.

Furthermore, “There are also many grey and dodgy products available, and a treatment price should be an indication of whether you’re getting the correct product. If it’s cheap, it could be a grey product.” Finally, “should something go wrong, you would want the necessary equipment to be on hand, and if you realise after a few days that you aren’t happy with the results, you want to be able to return to the doctor to discuss it”.

What about those who choose not to have Botox or fillers – will they stand out in a world of enhanced appearances? “Having injectable treatments is a personal choice, and isn’t for everyone. People have different ideas about aging gracefully, and it is important to respect this,” says Simpson. “Some patients change their minds down the line, and some don’t.”

As for the future, “The industry is dynamic and evolving, with constant new discoveries and advances in medical treatments and technology,” says Simpson. “Watch this space – there are so many incredible and exciting things to come in this field of medicine.”