The Botox Blues

By: Erica Ehm (View Profile)


We agreed to meet the next afternoon for a quick injection with only half the amount of botulism serum so I can test it. She assured me nobody would know our secret.

My moral compass was clearly out of whack.

Before my afternoon appointment, I had booked a brunch with a couple of girlfriends, both in their late thirties. While sipping lattes, I announced that I had made an appointment to get injected that afternoon.

“Don’t do it,” said my one friend.

“I just want to try it,” I explained.

“No really don’t do it!” She went on to confess how a year earlier, while getting micro-dermabrasion, her esthetician suggested she try a cosmetic injection. So she did. What followed was months of migraines, lack of energy, and deep depression. She searched online and discovered many other women with the same post-injection symptoms.

The spell was broken. What was I thinking?

I went to the bathroom and took a long look in the mirror. I earned all those smile and worry lines. I’m proud of who I am. I’m loved for who I am. I’m damn yummy. Sticking needles in my face will never make me a better person.

I always tell my four-year-old daughter she’s just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. And so am I. Aren’t you?

8 readers liked this story.
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Comments
posted: 07.18.2008
Benna Michel
Don't mean to be a but-insky, but...The make-up line called "Two Faced," makes great products for fuller lips and lashes. Check out Sephora or Blue Mercury for some other fantabulous products, and explain your cosmetic concerns to a sales person they're helpful and kind and don't endorse Botox.
posted: 06.27.2008
NormaJo Thompson
Erica I agree with you. Old should be respected for all the reasons you mentioned. Is this the only country where being old and not a size 3 is bad? Ever notice how some actors are gorgeous but cannot act? On English TV I notice actors and actresses some old and fat, but they are great actors and portray real life people. Oh yes! the model who won something on TV was a size 10 or 12 and considered a PLUS SIZE. I think better priorities need to be taught to this and the next generation. Great article Erica and welcome to divine caroline.
posted: 06.26.2008
Connie Goldman
This is a good story, Erica! You're very witty; I like the way you call yourself damn yummy! I do wish a cream existed that I could apply to my lips to make them fuller, even if it took a year; I would use it.
posted: 06.25.2008
Benna Michel
Imagine the 45 year old daughter of a beauty queen from 1954, who at the age of 71, has dedicated herself to looking like she is 40 (younger than the daughter). I am no one, but I can share my opinion about this; 71 looks freakish masquerading as 40, needles or no needles, no exaggeration.
posted: 06.19.2008
Honoria Glossop, Ph.D.
How old are you again, Erica? Sadly, getting old is no fun. I have recently run into a letter from my favorite aunt who wrote to me about the pains and helplessness of old age. She was the most cheerful, busy, active, loving and loved, wonderful old lady that you ever meet, and yet the letter that she send me a couple of years before her unexpected death was full of regret for the vigor of youth that she could no longer enjoy. You may have earned your wrinkles, but I somehow suspect that if the erasing them would involve application of over the counter cream or lotion instead of needles, toxin and $600-per-vial treatment you would not mind parting with them. Just a guess.
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