Botox at 26? That was the recommendation of one financially inclined New York doctor whose 26-year-old patient dared let her forehead develop wrinkles. (A separate doctor says, âThe youngest patient Iâve seen was 22 years old, and she needed it.â Ouch.) And so begins a thought exercise on aging and beauty, and when is too young to start taking care of anything you consider a cosmetic flaw.
We have friends in their early thirties whoâve been getting chemical peels, microdermabrasion, Botox and Juvederm treatments for years. The forehead of one mid-twenties acquaintance no longer moves. Same for several forty- and fifty-something friends, though theyâre less likely to own up to it than the youngins. So letâs hear from you:
⢠Have you had Botox, or other âlightâ cosmetic treatments? Are you considering them?
⢠Would you think less of your friends if they got treatments?
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
⢠Is there an age thatâs too young? An age that all but makes Botox necessary?
⢠Is âaging gracefullyâ something to respect, or a punchline?
⢠If youâve had treatments done, and youâre will to share, tell us your age, how often you get them done, and whether youâre satisified with the results.
DistinguĂŠ Traces
[contempt]
Jennifer
I’m 47 and I’ve never had a damned thing done. Your best defence against the wrinkle monster is a lot of water. Sufficient sleep is also important, as well as exercise, supplements that promote healthy skin, good eating and good skin care.
Don’t drink like a fish, either.
Signed, your mom.
ChicagoJimmy
I am 34 and have not had anything done. I would not judge someone else’s choice, nor would I count out ever having anything done myself.
That having been said, there seems to me to be a few people that take this stuff over the top.
My question for people is are they trying to look better or younger? One is achievable while the other is pathetic. I’ve seen older men that are hot, hot. I’ve also seen older men trying to look 20 who look silly.
No matter how much botox, how many face lifts, how much hair color, or many A&F sleeveless T-shirts you have you won’t look 20 when you’re 50.
Carsen T.
Well there is a medical use for Botox. I’ve had it done on my neck because my Tourette’s made my neck toss around and it hurt and it quieted down my Coprolalia, because really does anyone need a kid screaming “cocksucker” in the middle of the SAT (Funny thing, people thought I have some internalized homophobia). I had it done when I was 16, but I am 19 now, it worked but it wasn’t for me, because I need to be able to yell when I want to. But either way I say its one own’s choice to do botox or not, it isn’t like it is permanent, but I have to admit it is pretty ugly on some people.
thatguyfromboston
the answer to bullet point 1 – no and no
point 2 – yes
point 3 – yes and no to the 2nd part
point 4 – respect
point 5 – n/a
Coke
I could’ve afforded a tummy tuck a while back, some lipo, but didn’t do it and would’ve felt fake if I had. Earn that sh*t, folks, and not with steroids.
As far as the face, might still take a sander to it someday (read: microdermabrasion). Can’t do it any other way.
It’s no cheesier than getting a tattoo. Same difference. Like buying permanent clothing.
Pragmatist
I’ve no problem with men having cosmetic procedures done (and I may well do it myself, later on). But it does seem to be trickier for men, because on men the results are less likely to look natural. Go with a surgeon who handles a LOT of male clients. (There’s one highly prominent Beverly Hills doc whose clientele is 75% men. I’d probably consult with him!)
Best thing is good maintenance, of course. I’m 30, but thanks to drinking tons of water, eating right, almost never drinking alcohol, exercising, taking antioxidants, wearing SPF 30 every day, exfoliating once a week, and not smoking, I get carded everywhere. I even get stopped just for being on the game floor in Vegas casinos.
In fact, at 23, before I adopted those habits, I looked much more ragged and was never carded!
Pragmatist
@Coke: Avoid a tummy tuck at all costs! The problem is not that you’ll feel “fake” on the inside. The problem is that you’ll be disastrously unhappy with the result!
Abdominoplasty is a deeply flawed procedure, and I believe it gets pushed on patients by unscrupulous surgeons who only care about generating more income. The procedure causes a gigantic and permanent scar, it introduces an odd contour to the flanks, and it doesn’t even really make one’s stomach all that flat!
The surgeons selling these procedures love to talk about the necessity of excising “loose skin.” But the truth is, for a guy, if you can get yourself to 10% body fat, you’ll find that there’s very little laxity. Even quite damaged skin has a ton of elasticity.
Spud
I’m 46 and have had botox twice a year for the past 3 years. My doctor is quite good with it, giving me a natural looking reduction in the forehead creases and crows feet without affecting expressiveness. I also do a once-a-year laser treatment on my face. I grew up in Florida and, with age, have sun spots come up. This takes them right off. That’s all I’ve done and likely all I will do.
I cannot imagine somebody in their 20s needed it, but do feel there is a certain pressure to “look our best” as we age – at least in my world.
I tend to think that if you have the right genes and you really took care of yourself young (as in sun exposure), you “can” age gracefully. For me, though, years in the sun with no concept of protecting my skin didn’t make that likely without a little help.
EdWoody
My 91-year-old grandmother has botox in her bladder to keep her waterworks working.
Just FYI.
ggreen
The things that most ravage a face are Booze, Carbs and Stress. Three things lots folks canââŹâ˘t control for one reason or another. Age on a face looks good booze blossoms and double chins donââŹâ˘t. There is no such thing as ââŹĹgoodââŹÂ cosmetic surgery. After a time it always looks worse than it did before. What always amazes me is how people talk themselves into believing that they look good after a procedure. The reality is puffy wrinkled skin looks like puffy wrinkled skin.
ajax
I don’t recall the source of the epigram (Wilde? Crisp?), but it’s very apt:
At twenty-five a man deserves the face he has. At sixty-five a man has the face he deserves.
If all you have is your face, then by all means preserve it. If you’re able to develop intelligence, charm, and peace within yourself, you already have more than any plastic surgery will ever bring you.
I would sooner erase the memories of my first crush than erase the character from my face.
Jo'
“I’m 30, but thanks to drinking tons of water, eating right, almost never drinking alcohol”
Ummm…I’d rather just look old than to quit drinking.
Johan
[Have you had Botox, or other “light” cosmetic treatments? Are you considering them?] ââŹâ No and no. Why would I consider putting a toxic substance into my skin in order to temporarily make it look better?
[Would you think less of your friends if they got treatments?] ââŹâ Possibly. I feel the compulsion to forever look young is a sign of insecurity in the deeper worth of oneself. I also feel it’s vain, it’s futile, and it’s ultimately dangerous to your health.
[Is there an age that’s too young? An age that all but makes Botox necessary?] ââŹâ Botox is never necessary. It is a purely cosmetic, and temporary, treatment. It is also risky.
[Is “aging gracefully” something to respect, or a punchline?] ââŹâ Neither. Physical appearance is not the total sum of personal worth. Put another way: It’s about not what you’ve got, it’s how you use what you’ve been given.
[If you’ve had treatments done, and you’re will to share, tell us your age, how often you get them done, and whether you’re satisified with the results.] – Definitely not applicable.
Woof
@Jo’: Amen sister.
REBELComx
I’m beginning to worry that I may need Botox injections…but not for anything as frivolous as my looks.
My mother has Spasmodic Dysphonia, a nerve disorder which causes her vocal cords to stay open when she talks, which makes her sound very breathy and gravely…kind of like Marge Simpson. There is another form of the disorder which causes the vocal cords to stay nearly closed. The only treatment for either type is to inject a small amount of Botox through the neck into the muscles around the vocal cords to loosen them up. She has to do this every 4 months or so. Apparently, the disorder may also be hereditary and lately my own larynx feels like it doesn’t quite want to do what it should. I’ve visited the office my mom goes to in order to get her shots, and I’ve seen people as young as 18 sitting there waiting for treatment.
Ray
i get a little defensive on this point because i do really enjoy cosmetic procedures and i can get a lot of flack for it. I am 31 and had Botox at 23 with the intent that it was a preventative measure. whether or not i needed it, i do think it worked and i’ve gotten it once or twice a year since (except for a trial year when i wanted to see what i was like without it). Botox is not one strength. you can get it in any number of strengths so that you have have as much (or as little) movement as you want. bad botox is nicole kidman. good botox you can’t tell because their face moves!
i also have acne, rosacea, sun spots, fine lines & wrinkles, and a number of other small skin things. i’ve used microdermabrasion, laser facials, chemical peels, facials, creams, blah blah blah. i think they are super fun to get and i’m so in love with skin care that i’m now studying to become an aesthetician!
the answer to each of your questions is different for every person. and for me, the only problem i’ve ever had was laser hair removal which just didn’t work because my hair is too thick.
Ray
i also think there is an enormous difference in the results you will see depending on your age and gender. getting a nose job at 16 is much more successful than at 60 when your skin has lost its elastin and can’t hold the new shape. I also don’t think men should get face lifts or eye surgery. but only because i’ve never seen them look good.
ajax
@Ray:
Ray, I really don’t mean this in any other way than concern, but perhaps
“microdermabrasion, laser facials, chemical peels, facials, creams, blah blah blah” and “Botox at 23” are contributing to your “acne, rosacea, sun spots, fine lines & wrinkles, and a number of other small skin things”. Please find yourself a really good, board certified dermatologist. It pains me to think that someone as young as you is putting such time and expense into such scant results. Really. Get it checked, please.
CPT_Doom
Well, I am a gay man who was 37 when I had my first cosmetic surgery, and my straight sister was 8 when she had her first. Of course, in both cases, it was not for frivolous reasons. My sister had ears that stuck out at a nearly 90 degree angle from her head – my parents had them pinned back to save her from being harassed by the other kids.
My surgery was 4 years ago Saturday, after a gay bashing that shattered the left side of my face (got hit with a brick).
mister
DMAE supplement toner, Evening Primrose, an OTC wash and moisturizer seems to work for me. I am 30 and still get carded for 18+ bars.
That’s not to say that I wouldn’t consider something later on but, I figure you got work with what you got for now.
Pragmatist
@Jo’:
Hmm! Really?
I can’t understand what adults find appealing in alcohol. I don’t mean to imply that I’ve been some kind of teetotaler all my life. I haven’t; I was in a fraternity ages ago and I drank like a fish. But drinking for a “buzz” hasn’t really seemed fun since college. And then, it was only fun because it was a forbidden thrill.
These days, the thought of drinking just sounds like “yuck” before I’ve even begun. Why have bad breath, poor judgment, and incoherence, only to wake up dehydrated, grouchy, and with even worse breath? I just don’t get it. But clearly I’m in a teensy-tiny minority!
Pragmatist
@CPT_Doom: So sorry to hear about what happened to you. đ Sometimes I think we (or at least I) get so caught up in the more “progressive” aspects of GLBT rights that we (or at least I) tend to forget that we haven’t even really secured the basic human right of personal safety yet.
If I may ask, what part of the country (or world) do you live in?
michael
@CPT_Doom: So sorry that happened to you, damn the crap we humans sometimes have to endure, bless you.
With Boxtox I think because its temporary one gets to try it out and see how it fits. If you look better, and seek some honest opinions from friends etc. then super! Face lifts seem to always look like face lifts. I think eye surgery is good if you have excessively drooping lids, which are often hereditary or excessive bags, they can make you look really tired and worn out, and you know what they say, eyes are the window to the soul! Ears pinned back, no problem. Lines at the corner of eyes,
personally I find em sexy. Sometimes I think a great business to be in would be to consult with people without being a part of administering the procedures. A lot of people either do not know when to stop or they get surgeons and techs. that just keep pushing things on them. Its a business after all. But most importantly I think instead of trying to look like your perpetually 25 start by saying that I want to look like the hottest man of my now. I would rather appear as a fabulous looking 50 year old than a 50 year old who is desperately trying to look 30.
Nate
I’m 25, which is *way* too young to even be thinking about having anything professionally done to my skin.
I do think when I start to enter my 40s I’ll take advantage of botox every now and again–but definitely nothing extreme.
In the meantime I’ll continue to rarely drink, get 9 hours of sleep and wear SPF 15 (or higher) every day.
ryan
38 and the only thing i really do is get a facial every 6 weeks.
i dont really think i need anything done, i dont really have any wrinkles yet although gravity is starting to take its toll.
im actually quite interested in finding out what im going to look like as i age, i would hate to interfere with that.
at the end of the day, everyone is different and can make choices that they feel are right for them.
Simon
I’m 28 now and have been having Botox done now for 4 years.
I have no problem if you wish to have anything done as long as you dont go too far.
Justin
I think we all need to take a step back from this cosmetic surgery thing and lighten up. I know some moes and straight people alike who have had nothing done and look great for being well past 50. What ever happened to that reverence for accepting age with a sense of grace and wisdom? Think Katherine Hepburn in On Golden Pond.
musicguyla
I’m a 43 year old guy and have *quietly* started getting Botox on my forehead every 4 months. I’ve also had fotofacial and Refirm procedures. The results are subtle but my skin looks great and to me it’s necessary maintenance. You wouldn’t let the paint start peeling off your house and say, “oh, it’s just age!” The big downside is the cost — I’ll have to cut back if the economy continues to slide.
Coke
@Pragmatist: re: alcohol
I’m with you. If you need it to “let go,” then you’re way too constipated to begin with. IMHO.
Jack E. Jett
Has Adrian Brody every had Botox in his Dick?
Ray
@mister: agreed. best to work from the inside out.
Anarchos
I’m 29 and have never had any cosmetic procedure done, nor do I plan to have any done.
I respect people who age gracefully–it’s not a punchline.
While I would probably have a kind of knee-jerk disapproval reaction if a friend had a procedure done, I would not think LESS of them. Just because I don’t want it for myself doesn’t mean I should think less of someone who wants it for themselves. Which leads me to…
Frankly, it’s about what makes someone feel good, and if getting a little Botox makes someone feel good, then go for it. Does it say something about the culture we live in? Maybe. Does every person have some kind of outlet they use to feel better about themselves? Probably, and again that’s a personal thing.
Also, many of you note that drinking ages you. So does SMOKING.
Phoenix (A Real Knock-Out, Honest!)
ââŹÂ˘ Have you had Botox, or other “light” cosmetic treatments? Are you considering them? I had a wicked-witch-of-the-west-type mole removed from my chin? Does that count since it was non-cancerous?
ââŹÂ˘ Would you think less of your friends if they got treatments? No
ââŹÂ˘ Is there an age that’s too young? An age that all but makes Botox necessary? As pointed out it is used for a wide variety of disorders and is considered safe to treat patients of all ages with intractable migraines, cervical dystonia, tourette’s syndrome etc. etc
ââŹÂ˘ Is “aging gracefully” something to respect, or a punchline? There is nothing wrong with trying to look your best, but don’t try and cling to your long-gone youth. That’s just sad.
ââŹÂ˘ If you’ve had treatments done, and you’re will to share, tell us your age, how often you get them done, and whether you’re satisfied with the results. Just the one weird, ugly mole surgery. And “yes” I’m happy to know longer look like an extra from the cast of ‘Wicked’.
alan brickman
the guy getting botox…you show more pics of him..he is hot!!
Michael
[Have you had Botox, or other “light” cosmetic treatments? Are you considering them?] ââŹâ yes – Restylane & Botox
[Would you think less of your friends if they got treatments?] ââŹâ no
[Is there an age that’s too young? An age that all but makes Botox necessary?] ââŹâ anything under 23 is too young
[Is “aging gracefully” something to respect, or a punchline?] ââŹâ Neither.
[If you’ve had treatments done, and you’re will to share, tell us your age, how often you get them done, and whether you’re satisified with the results.] – I’m 24. I started when I was 23. I’ve had it done 3 times, and am getting it done again next month before christmas…and yes, i’m very satisfied
sophia jason
Having wrinkles and fine lines can really make you feel older than you really are. However, just because you’re starting to show a sign of aging doesn’t mean that there isn’t an effective way to turn back the clock. The key is BOTOX treatment. Know more here click here Studies on Botox, Migraines and Drinking
WickedGayBlog.com
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE BOTOX and am totally addicted.
I am 37 years old and look much younger and that makes feel feel great!
dfrw
I say no to cosmetic surgeries and no to botox. Come on people, I lived in Florida and saw many cosmetic surgery victims. You’re beautiful just the way you are.
Also, since we’re on the topic of body alterations: enough with the tattoos….YUCK!
ioni
Wrinkles and fine lines aside, I still consider myslef far from the moment when I would need Botox đ
An besides, aging is not death – it is normal and natural đ I do not want to be send Cher đ
Mike in Taiwan
I have had botox 3 times. At 51 years of age i am showing signs of wear-n-tear, and it really feels good to look at myself in the mirror and see a smoother face! It is just a pity it is so expensive or else i will have it done more often, which by the way, retards the growth of wrinkles.
PJR
First World problems!
Daniel
I’ve had a tummy tuck when I was 18 years old. I went from 265lbs down to 155lbs in a little less than 9 months. I also grew from 6’3″ at 265 to 6’7″ at 155. (I gained a bit back for good measure. 155 was too skinny.)
Anyways, I waited for 3 years. My body fat was measured at 12% consistently, and yet I had the worst loose skin. The scar has faded considerably, and you never see it while clothed. I’m quite happy with the results.
Ahem!
SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS BUT REALLY NEED TO GET ATTENTION FOR SOME ADVICE.ANYBODY HAD THEIR CHIN AUGMENTED? WHAT ABOUT BUTT IMPANTS? HAS ANYONE SEEN SOMEONE WHO HAD THEM DONE? hOW NATURAL DO THEY LOOK, IF AT ALL? I AM CONSIDERING GETTING BOTH DONE. WOULD LIKE SOME INPUT. THANKS, GUYS.
Phoenix (Who's Ears Are Still Ringing!)
@ #44 AHEM!,
A few words of advice Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with 5 or more years experience.
As for the chin or butt augmentation, just go to google images. There are plenty of pictures.
B.J.
Do you know what else is bad for your face? Injecting it with poison.
Jack
AFTER years of working out, drinking lots of water, eating right, running 6 miles a day 5 days a week and STILL having “love handles”, I decided to get lipo to get rid of them. I loved the results and 7 years later still think it was a good decision.
Johnny
I’m 35, started getting botox around 27 for preventative measures. People tell me I look around 28 years old still. Botox is fantastic if you do it right – keep the expression but lose the lines.
I’m all for small tweaks – and I’m guessing that more than 90 percent of the people who have posted here have or will have some cosmetic procedure in their life.
It’s not a black and white issue. Cosmetic surgery doesn’t have to be about vanity or “keeping the face you were born with at age 50” – that’s all well and good, but there’s no shame to be had with maintaining your face – like your house, car, and furniture.
Also, cosmetic surgery is in a really good place. There’s now no need for cutting – you can look teriffic with minimal, invasive procedures. Lasers, skin resurfacing can all keep you looking fit and young. Why not?
froggyola
Work on your soul and your wrinkles won’t matter.