Botox - would you?

I’ve seen a few people online on Facebook or twitter extolling the amazing properties of Botox lately. I’m not going to moan on about how it’s made or what’s in it, or the dangers of untrained people administering it, I’m going to assume that’s all taken into account and dealt with.

What I really don’t understand is why. I get that it works, that it paralyses the muscles and so causes less wrinkles. But it paralyses the muscles and makes you less human. A lack of facial muscle contractions takes you one smooth (pun intended) step closer to Barbie doll plastic 'perfection'. The loss of expression seems so close to erasing a personality. The adverts even tell you how you need to start early because you need to stop any lines being created. I've looked at some before and after photos and I'm not sure I want to go from looking mildly grumpy to looking blankly surprised.

I like my lines. They show that I have history, experience, life, behind me. I’m not exactly the old ‘wise woman’ of days of yore, but I do feel comfortable in my ‘lived in ‘skin’. This week I tried some new makeup (I don't 'do' makeup) and I was surprised and mildly freaked out by the weird 'airbrushed' effect it gave me. I wore it for a day but I'm not sure I'd wear it again, maybe when I'm off out for an evening, because..I didn't look like me!

Me

Staying fit and healthy is one thing as you get older, but trying to stay permanently young? I’m not a fan. I’d like to be the sort of person to say “you do what makes you happy! You go girl!” but I fear that it’s not a good thing to want to stay young looking forever, it’s the same old thing that women get told daily by all forms of media, we are only worth our looks. Our looks are what define us. Dress well, dress sexy, wear make up, look good, look young, look sexy…all of which is fine I guess…but not at the expense of “ugh you look old and are therefore ugly..and worthless”. Do men have this pressure too now? Do men get Botox?

What do you think? Would you love a course of Botox injections? Why?