Beauty has always been a woman’s cross to bear. Society can be unkind if you’re not pretty enough or skinny enough or wear just the right amount of makeup. Is it no wonder why so many women fear ageing?
No one is exempt from this fear, especially not mums, who already face various kinds of discrimination left and right. The pressure to have a youthful, crease-free face has become a major priority for many women.
Whether that’s Botox, fillers and other procedures guaranteed to turn back the clock, more and more Singaporean women are going ‘under the needle’ to restore their youth.
The Straits Times reports more young adults in their late 20s and early 30s are turning to non-surgical procedures, including Botox and fillers.
While the results might look effortless, the decision to go under the needle isn’t one to take lightly, especially if you’re a mum.
The Politics of Beauty
For women, beauty isn’t just physical; it is status, respect and sometimes even survival. It is a source of livelihood for many, even in indirect ways.
With ideas of beauty also being strongly tied to youth and agelessness, many women find themselves struggling to maintain self-esteem as the years tick by.
You see other mums on social media with a full-time job and 3 kids with flawless skin who don’t look their age. Now every time you look in the mirror, your laugh lines seem to be getting deeper and more noticeable.
Thank goodness for the beauty industry, right? The saving grace in a woman’s quest to reverse or even freeze time. Anti-ageing treatments alone are a multibillion-dollar entity that runs purely on a woman’s insecurities.
And they’re becoming more and more accessible than ever before.
Botox Before Brunch?
Gone are the days when Botox was reserved only for celebrities and socialites. Today, it’s available in clinics all over Singapore, often advertised as quick, safe, and low-commitment.
A few jabs during your lunch break, and you’re back to chasing toddlers (minus the frown lines).
It’s easy to see the appeal. Botox and dermal fillers promise smooth skin, lifted brows, and a youthful glow without the downtime of surgery. Some clinics have even been marketed as ‘preventative’, encouraging women to start treatments early so wrinkles never get the chance to settle in.
In fact, Botox and other non- or minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures are starting to become more and more normalised in Singapore (even men get them these days!).
Typical treatments go for anywhere between $600 and $1000 per session.
But while the promise of turning back the clock is tempting, it’s important to remember that these procedures, though non-invasive, are not without risks.
Know the Risks Before You Freeze That Frown
Botox works by temporarily paralysing muscles in your face to iron out wrinkles. Fillers, on the other hand, plump up the skin like a balloon by injecting chemicals like hyaluronic acid.
Both sound straightforward — but both come with potential side effects.
Short-term effects include bruising, swelling, or an uneven appearance. Nothing a little time and patience can’t fix. More serious and long-term risks? Drooping eyelids, muscle weakness, allergic reactions, and in some rare cases, even vascular complications.
Experts also caution that with repeated use, muscles can become weaker over time, leading to a different kind of ageing altogether. You may end up looking worse than when you first started.
Fillers, when overdone, can give a puffy look or what TikTok calls ‘balloon face’. Many clinics also do not care about your well-being or even how you look as a result of obsessive and repeated treatments.
They are more than happy to make you part with your money, even if you end up looking more like Shrek than Cinderella.
And of course, there are the psychological repercussions as well. Some women can get obsessive with treatments, wanting to look perfect and flawless, only to achieve the exact opposite.
Beauty without Pain: Is It Even Possible?
It is a long-standing belief that beauty cannot be attained without some measure of discomfort. But then again, with topical painkillers, is that even applicable anymore?
But beauty can be achieved without even going under the needle. You probably won’t get the same porcelain look, but you may thank yourself years later down the line.
The truth is, the true fountain of youth isn’t found in needles or scalpels. It is found in the everyday little things that slowly make a difference over time and may even confer better long-term benefits than conventional cosmetic procedures.
Sunscreen is your first line of defence against premature ageing and fine lines. With retinoids being your second preventative measure, helping turn back the clock and keeping you more youthful for longer.
Even if you’re pregnant, there are many pregnancy-safe, botanical-based alternatives to retinoids now like bakuchiol and vitamin C.
In terms of lifestyle, weightlifting has been shown to have powerful antiaging effects, helping turn back your biological clock. This ensures your entire body stays youthful, not just your face.
If you want to be extra, you can get facials (but choose the right ones). Electrofacials, the kind that uses microcurrents, are not only a powerful, non-invasive alternative to Botox; they also require no needles.
Moreover, electrofacials actually strengthen your facial muscles instead of weakening them like what Botox does. This means it’s like having a face lift, minus the pain and downtime.
Perfect Imperfections
For some mums, a little Botox is a confidence booster that helps them feel refreshed and empowered. For others, the risks and ongoing maintenance just aren’t worth the hassle.
Either way, what matters most is making an informed decision. If you’re considering any kind of cosmetic procedure, do your homework.
Choose a qualified and licensed practitioner. Ask questions. Understand the side effects. Don’t be swayed by Instagram before-and-afters or limited-time promotions.
And perhaps most importantly, don’t feel pressured to do anything at all. Ageing is a natural part of life. It’s a sign that you’ve laughed, loved, cried, and probably pulled a few all-nighters with a feverish child.
Those lines on your face? They’re a map of everything you’ve ever experienced, and maybe it’s time to show them off proudly (and unapologetically) to the world.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Mamahood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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