Are cosmetic injectables warping beauty standards?
Injectables have changed the game when it comes to cosmetic work, but is overzealous use warping our standards of beauty?
Cosmetic injectables have skyrocketed in popularity and are quickly becoming the most common form of cosmetic enhancement in Australia.
“There has been approximately a 40 per cent increase in the number of injectables being administered over the last five years,” according to specialist plastic surgeon from the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic surgery, Dr Tim Papadopoulos.
“The main reasons for its increasing popularity are accessibility and shorter recovery time, greater social acceptance, greater understanding of what is involved, and prevalence on social media.”
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What are cosmetic injectables?
Cosmetic injectables are used to reduce wrinkles or to alter an aspect of your appearance by restoring fullness and structure.
Botulinum toxin can be used to minimise wrinkles by paralysing the muscle in the area.
Botulinum toxin has been used medically to treat muscle movement disorders since the late 1980s, and has been used for cosmetic enhancement since the early 2000s.
The effects of botulinum toxin typically last 3-6 months.
Dermal fillers are used to restore volume and structure.
They have been used for cosmetic enhancement since the early 1980s, and are medical device implants that help create a smoother or fuller appearance in the face.
They can last 6-18 months or, depending on the type of filler, even longer.
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Is excessive cosmetic enhancement warping beauty standards?
Subtle tweaks with filler or anti-wrinkle injections can provide an effective non-surgical alternative to the impact of ageing, particularly as we lose facial volume, however excessive use can create problems, says Dr Papadopoulos.
“Excessive filler use is a real concern, and good plastic surgeons will say no to their patients if it puts them at risk, gives them poor outcomes, or creates unrealistic expectations,” he says.
A 2007 episode of SpongeBob inspired a meme that depicts what excessive filler use can do to our faces.
Also known as facial overfilled syndrome, it can lead to overly pronounced cheeks, pointy chins and a puffy or swollen appearance.
Dr Papadopoulos says the goal among injectors and clients should be wanting to achieve a better version of yourself, not a different person.
“A lot of influencers may look beautiful in the moment, but they also don’t look like human beings, more like avatars and the omnipresence of social media has created a desire for an ‘IG face’,” he says.
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The dangers of too much injectable treatment
Like any medical treatment, cosmetic enhancement is not without risk.
Although rare, patients should be informed about the potential for an allergic reaction, as well as side effects such as drooping eyelids, blurred vision, nausea or muscle weakness as a result of anti-wrinkle injections.
Dermal fillers can result in complications such as vascular occlusion (when filler is injected into or around an artery), blindness or stroke.
Excessive cosmetic injectables can also contribute to distorted beauty ideals, according to oculoplastic surgeon Dr Benjamin Burt.
“Often the filler has become excessive from gradual injections, so patients don’t actually realise how extreme they look until it’s dissolved,” Dr Burt says.
Research from Deakin University found cosmetic injectables can impact our perception of beauty, and another study found body image dissatisfaction is a key motivator for cosmetic procedures.
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How to avoid excessive injectables
Be realistic about your expectations and inform yourself of the possible risks and complications from the procedure you’re looking at doing.
It’s important to find a practitioner who fully understands facial anatomy and works to achieve a subtle, natural result.
Dr Burt says much of the risk factors associated with excessive filler can be prevented by doing your research, using a qualified, well-regarded injector.
“Good filler injecting is not obvious so if it’s a good job, you really wouldn’t be able to tell,” he says.
“Make sure whoever is administrating the filler, whether it’s a nurse, doctor or surgeon like myself, just ensure they really know what they’re doing with a lot of training behind them; that’s the key.”
Written by Charlotte Brundrett.
