Alright, ladies, let’s get real about something we don’t always talk about—aging. Now, I’m a big believer that aging is a privilege. This stage of my life is hands down the best one yet. I’m more confident, more self-assured, and I’ve completely run out of patience for other people’s opinions. But, just because I’m loving my 50s doesn’t mean I can’t give myself a little help when it comes to looking as fresh as I feel.
Enter: Botox, maybe a little nip here and tuck there, and always great skincare. Yep, I said it. Why? Because it makes me feel good. And let’s be clear, it’s nobody’s damn business but mine.
I’ve always believed in enhancing what I’ve got—not turning myself into someone else. Whether it’s Botox, a bit of filler (which I keep thinking about but haven’t tried yet), or maybe a facelift someday down the line, I’m doing it on my terms, for me. I’m not chasing 16, but I’m all about looking like the best version of my fabulous 52-year-old self—OK, maybe a refreshed 42-year-old—but you get the idea.
My Journey with Plastic Surgery: Confidence at 15 and Beyond
Let’s rewind a bit. The first time I dipped my toes into the world of plastic surgery, I was 15 years old. That’s right—15, and ready for a nose job. My parents tried to throw me off by saying I’d have to raise half the money myself, thinking I wouldn’t actually go through with it. But clearly, they underestimated their little saleswoman! I held garage sales, babysat every kid in the neighborhood, and had my half saved in no time flat. It was $3,000 back in 1987—a hefty price tag, but worth every penny. That nose job made me feel so much more confident, and I haven’t regretted it for a second.
Fast forward to age 39, and I found myself back in the surgeon’s office—this time for a breast reduction. Another decision that made me feel more like myself and, most importantly, more comfortable. For now, I’m all about Botox—just enough to smooth things out while still looking like me but if a facelift or something similar feels like a good idea at some point in my future, you better believe I’ll consider it. Why? Because at the end of the day, I believe in doing what makes you feel your best, and no one else gets a say in that.
Botox: Just a Little Boost, Please
Now, let’s talk Botox. I’ve been getting it in my forehead for about 3 years and recently added the area around my eye (aka crow’s feet0, but here’s the key for me—it’s minimal. I’m not out here trying to look like a wax figure. I go to a dermatologist for my injections, and mine happens to be super conservative when it comes to botox, and I like it that way. He understands that I want to look like me, just a little more refreshed. Botox, when done right, is about enhancing what you already have, not turning you into someone else. I’m all about that well-rested look without losing the expressions that make me me.
Aging is Fabulous—But Let’s Be Honest About the Beauty Industry
Here’s the part where my politics come in. I love getting older. It’s empowering, and I’ve never felt more in tune with who I am. But, let’s be real—our culture and the beauty industry in American don’t exactly celebrate aging. From magazines to commercials, we’re constantly being told that our value diminishes as we age. Anti-aging products and treatments are a multi-billion dollar industry.
I’m a proud advocate for women’s rights—we should all be celebrated at every age. We shouldn’t be sidelined the second we hit 40 or 50 or 70 or 80 for that matter. And we can age as gracefully and naturally as we choose. But that doesn’t mean we can’t choose Botox or plastic surgery if that’s what’s right for us. I don’t feel forced to get these treatments. I choose them becuase I want to. I would say use them sparingly compared to some, but I don’t say that as if it makes me morally superior than those who get more or fewer of these treatments than I do.
I think there is harm in shaming people for aging naturally as our culture is guilty of, but there is also harm in shaming women for choosing aesthetic treatments. It’s the shaming that’s the problem.
Here’s the deal: you can love aging and still love a little Botox. You can fight for women’s rights and still get a facelift if that’s what makes you feel good. These things don’t have to be at odds with each other. Aging is fabulous, but there’s nothing wrong with getting the treatments that feel good to you.
It’s About Feeling Good—Not Looking 16
The way I see it, if we’re lucky enough to have a long life, we get to choose how we age. Whether that means going all-natural or using every tool in the beauty bag, it’s our choice. I’m not here to look like I’m 16 again—trust me, I don’t want to go back to that! But I do want to look like a refreshed, glowing version of myself.
Sunscreen, Retinols, and the Real Work of Taking Care of Your Skin
Now, let’s not forget that good skincare is just as important as those little beauty touch-ups. Sunscreen is non-negotiable. If you’re not protecting your skin from the sun, none of the rest of it will matter. Trust me, sun damage can undo all the work you’ve put in, and it’s not cute.
And if you’re not already using a retinol, now may be the time to start. My dermatologist is a big believer in retinols for my skin, and for good reason—they’re an anti-aging powerhouse. Whether you’re getting Botox or not, good skincare matters. That’s why I’m religious about my annual dermatologist checkup—it’s all about taking care of the skin you’re in, checking your whole body for suspicious spots to make sure everything’s healthy, and keeping your face fresh and fabulous. If you want to get my whole skincare routine, you can find that here.
Balancing Glam and Empowerment
So how do I balance loving a glam look, Botox, and plastic surgery with my belief in women’s rights and empowerment? Simple: I own it. I get to decide what makes me feel beautiful and confident, and so does every woman out there. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. Want to age naturally? Go for it. Want a little Botox or a nip and tuck? Do it. The beauty of getting older is that we finally realize we don’t have to please anyone but ourselves.
Aging is fabulous, and if you want to enhance what you’ve got along the way, more power to you. The key is doing it for yourself, not because the world or someone else thinks you should. Whatever self care and treatments you chose, do it because it makes you feel like the most authentic version of you—and that’s all that matters.
