Do you regret getting cosmetic injectables? Six FJ readers weigh in

“You’re pretty dammed if you do and dammed if you don’t.”

Cosmetic injectables are seemingly everywhere these days. In the past decade, treatments like Botox and fillers have rapidly evolved from being reserved for wealthy celebrities to something almost anyone can access. Now, you can pop in for a quick treatment during your lunch break and be on your way (in fact, it’s almost too easy).

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From filler addiction and migration (where filler moves to other areas of your face) to keeping up with the ongoing costs of Botox appointments, it’s easy to lose sight of the reasons behind these procedures.

For some, it’s a way to ‘glow up’ and boost confidence, but for others, the pressure to look a certain way can lead to an unhealthy cycle. Below, six Fashion Journal readers share their experiences with cosmetic injectables.

Courtney, 26, she/her

I’ve had lip filler. I have a very sharp cupid bow and my lips weren’t full. I thought it made my mouth seem very mean and flat. I found filler really softened the overall look of my mouth and helped my features look more proportionate. I’m lucky not to deal with anything like migration or bumps – I’ve had three rounds of 0.5ml top and bottom over five years and they’re holding up great, so I don’t regret it.

I got it to stop worrying about how I look. But if getting filler in one area makes you focus or hone in on more and more areas of your face, then you need to either rethink or commit to be prepared for the costly upkeep.

Luisa, 28, she/her

I got some Botox into my 11s and forehead last year. I told everyone it was for headaches and honestly, it did help that. However, the main reason I got it was because I have a very expressive face and I felt like my skin was making me look older than I am because there were already fine lines on my forehead.

I don’t regret it but I’m mixed enough on it that I’m not sure I’ll ever get it again. It was good, I thought it looked good and I was greatly relieved by how much younger I felt I looked.

I’ve been thinking about getting more done ever since the first lot, but then I get put off by the costs, the risk of drooping or paralysis if too much preventative Botox is sought and the potential side effects. I got the pointy eyebrows last time which did settle but I feel like it would be really obvious if I did it again. It’s a real dilemma because I see my forehead and I know it would benefit from Botox, but then I’m worried about looking even more stupider. I guess I’m also kind of mad that we all feel like we have to do this, but I’m still kind of considering getting it again, if not other injectable treatments for other cosmetic issues.

Amber, 51, she/ her

I’ve had Botox and filler. As I’ve aged my face became really drawn and I got a very small amount of filler in my cheekbones and lower face to ‘pad me out’ a little. With Botox, my aim is always to look slightly fresher, not to completely erase wrinkles.

I have no regrets but I don’t love the tightness at about the 14-day mark and the heavy feeling that lasts up to a couple of weeks post injections. Once it’s settled it’s great though. I think the key is to do your research and find a reputable injector but also to have a really clear idea of the results you’re after and communicate these. Also, follow post-care instructions to a T!

Melissa, 32, they/them

I’ve had under-eye filler as I have had deep-set eyes my whole life. The filler migrated and regularly became inflamed. Every few months it would happen and make it look like I had a black eye. My takeaway? Botox rules, filler sucks!

Sienna, 30, she/her

I’ve had lip fillers. I’ve always been self-conscious of my thin upper lip, so I thought about fillers for ages before I finally took the plunge when I was about 26. I’ve had them done once more since then – two years later when I was 28. I definitely like the result once they settle in, even after a year but I find myself increasingly not liking the look of fillers on other people and I’m not sure I’d get them again. There’s always lip liner if you’re after some shape!

The first time I got them done I regretted it because they looked really lumpy for a few days. My mum, sister and boyfriend even admitted I looked weird and I wished I hadn’t. But once they settled in, I loved them! I feel about 35% hotter with lip fillers. Luckily, I haven’t had any migration because I only get 0.6ml each time.

However, I think there’s more beauty in a natural look, especially these days. It actually makes you stand out more – in a good way – to not have lip fillers.

June, 27, she/her

I started getting Botox fairly young, at around 24. I was always extremely self-conscious about deep lines on my forehead, paired with a lot of overall texture on my face from having very bad skin as a teenager.

I don’t regret it at all. A very small amount completely fixed a large insecurity of mine and I get it topped up every four months or so. I was feeling extra self-conscious during one appointment and ended up getting a lot more than normal on my whole face and I regretted that, but it faded and I now only get my tiny little forehead top-ups and I’ll continue to do it. When I’m older, I’ll likely look at doing more.

It’s a very tough time to be a woman – you’re pretty dammed if you do and dammed if you don’t. I think you should just do whatever you can to feel your best.

For more on aging and cosmetic injectables, try this.