BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Body Image Keeping yourself looking young

I hate needles so I'd never try it. But I tell everybody everything I do, so I wouldn't hide Botox. My theory is if I share the things I've experienced I might help someone else who is considering the same thing. I can provide pros and cons from my own experience.

I definitely am of the theory of live as healthily as you can, and accept yourself for what it is. My nose was broken in a car accident when I was 22 or so and has been off-center ever since. I think occasionally about fixing it - it's fairly obvious since I wear glasses. It's about $5000 and I think of all the people that I can help with $5000 in charity. I can never bring myself to dump all that money into something as fleeting as body shape.

Lisa, you are so giving!

Well or maybe I am always very guilty feeling I'm sure there must be some balance out there where I take care of myself too!

But I definitely hate needles. If it came down to getting needles injected into me for a charity project, I'm afraid the charity would suffer ...

No doubt. But then, you've seen me with needles too...

OK so let's eliminate needles from the equation. It's sort of unfair for us to say "I wouldn't do X" when X to us is like having rats gnaw at our faces

What if botox was $500 a month but all it was was a cream? And that cream made our skin look like a 20 year old model? Would we cave in then? What if it was $50? Would there be a price point where we would jump?

I have watched many episodes of Ten Years Younger and they do botox routinely. Apparently it doesn't hurt. It's the dermal filler restalyn that hurts. Again, from watching this show, that is my impression.

BUT. Um, it's kinda a waste of money, as you need to do the botox every 4-6 months, right? So it becomes an expense like haircuts and pedicures. Does one need to maintain this young look, or use it for special occasions?

Honestly, if one has skin not totally destroyed by the sun at present, they can maintain a youthful look by diligent use of sunscreen or sun clothes like hats and sunglasses.

It probably depends on what matters to an individual.

Me, not a big deal. If it was a cream, yes - I would try it once to see if it was really worthwhile. But i seriously doubt I would keep up with the expense. As it is, I get only two haircuts a year and a couple of pedicures.

I do love makeup, though!

I cannot remember where I read it, but apparently they are starting to find some not so great side effects of Botox in women who have been using it for a long time.

Apparently, because it is injected so close to the eyes, it can leak over and get into the brain (ok this was said a lot more scientifically than i'm saying it) - and that it was causing some people to have TSIs - or mini-strokes.

I'll have to go dig for thst article...

Lisa, you are so sweet! Also, I think you made a great point - if it was just a cream and a low price, I think more women would get it and don't think they would hide this from others - i think it would be something just like getting a hair cut or a pedicure like Jilly said! It would definately change things because then it isn't like surgery!
Michelle_Launch - let me know if you find the article you were talking about. I was fascinated by the one I read in More, I would love to read it!

I would definitely tell the truth if some will ask.hehe
As fr the acupuncture, it depends on where the needles are placed. Most areas you can't even feel them go in.

hello everyone,
I agree that diet and exercise are the best way to go, maybe some organic vitamins when you need something more. I use the New Chapter brand from the USA, sold in most health food stores.

Even walking is better than no exercise, yoga and pilates are also great. Then you need some cardio or aerobics, I guess.