The transparency over injectables such as dermal filler and muscle relaxants such as botulinum toxin (Botox) has continued to increase over recent years. But as much as this transparency has helped to remove a certain stigma from treatments, it has also contributed to a rise in judgement and shame around those who reveal they’ve had something done.

If you have ever experienced judgemental comments or are worried that you may do if you go for the appointment, you may relate to 'filler shame'—we’ve asked EV Experts for their opinion on the subject.

The rise in ‘filler shame’  

While the presence of social and digital media platforms has been positive for so many reasons, it has contributed towards a sense of shame and double standards surrounding injectables, agree the experts.

“There has always been a stigma attached to these types of treatments, and that hasn’t gone away,” reminds Cosmetic Doctor and EV Expert Dr Emmaline Ashley. “Society continues to impose a double standard, celebrating beauty ideals while shaming those who take steps to achieve them. This contradiction places undue pressure on individuals (often women) who opt for aesthetic treatments.”

Dr Ashley says that in terms of treatment transparency online, this has become a double-edged sword. “While initially openly speaking about getting treatments done on public platforms seemed like a way to reduce stigma, I feel that recently it has added to it as well. Social media has created an echo chamber where influencers and even healthcare professionals—often speaking outside their scope of practice—criticise aesthetic treatments or dissect celebrity faces.” She notes that this can lead to negative comments, misinformation spread and fear-mongering for the sake of clicks and/or views.

EV Expert, GP and Aesthetician Dr Ahmed El Muntasar agrees that there is a worrying level of judgement, with many feeling like they just can’t win no matter which choices they make. “You’re expected to look beautiful, rejuvenated and always on top of your game, but you’re not supposed to get any filler done,” he says, adding that an increase in media sources sharing worrying news about the longevity of dermal filler could be contributing.

“I think there’s a movement away from it [getting injectables] because of the whole ‘how long do fillers last’ and ‘how long do they take to break down?’ conversations," he continues. "Fillers do break down with time. Yes, they last longer than we thought, but there’s no real harm here. You’re always able to dissolve them.”

Dr Ashley notes that certain procedures such as dermal filler and botulinum toxin seem to attract more scrutiny. “Treatments like lip filler and cheek augmentation are especially scrutinised, as they are more visible and tied to stereotypes,” she begins. “Botulinum toxin—though when done well can be very subtle—often leads to the perception that people’s faces are emotionless and frozen.”

No matter where this shame and blame game was born, it can affect how those booking treatments (or thinking about it) feel about themselves, says Aesthetic Doctor and EV Expert Dr. Raquel Amado. “Filler shame can make individuals feel self-conscious or embarrassed about their choices. They may hesitate to seek additional treatments or even regret the ones they’ve had,” she notes. “This shame can undermine self-confidence, which is the opposite of what these treatments are meant to achieve.”

How to feel confident in your choices 

We’ve established that shame and judgement around injectables is prevalent, so what can you do to feel confident about your choices, make sure they are made by you and for you, and work through any self-consciousness relating to your decision? After all, “when you feel confident in your choice, outside opinions matter less,” says Dr Amado.

This confidence begins with making empowered choices about the doctors you choose, the procedures you want to go for, and what you’re trying to achieve—all of which comes from research. “Understanding the treatment, its risks, and benefits can instil confidence in your choices,” says Dr Ashley. “If you’re getting your information from social media, be really clear about the credentials of the person who is speaking to you,” she implores.

She recommends ensuring you are opting for the correct medical professional for you, that will have your back. “A skilled and ethical healthcare professional will ensure treatments are tailored to enhance your natural features, creating subtle results.”

Outside of ensuring you trust your practitioner and gain results you are happy with, there is an element of reframing the narrative and working on the way you see injectables, if others’ comments bother you. “Normalise aesthetic treatments as a form of self-care and bodily autonomy,” explains Dr Ashley. “Surround yourself with positive, non-judgmental influences who support your choices, and seek treatments for yourself, not to meet external pressures or trends,” she concludes.

Ultimately, it's your face and body, and no one else’s opinions outside of your aesthetic doctor, should really impact your personal decisions.