If you enjoy watching Spongebob, you’d know the episode,”The Two Faces of Squidward” where Squidward smashes his face and becomes "Handsome Squidward" right after his procedure.
People referred to his face as: someone who got botox or even compared him to the pop singer, The Weeknd. As the episode progresses, Squidward returns back to his normal face, after smashing it against the wall (again). Oh, to live in a cartoon world where their prostaglandins are on steroids…or that doesn’t… Nevermind (if you’re a prostaglandin, your ring structure doesn’t make you a steroid, I’m sorry.)
As discussed in class, botox counteracts hyperhidrosis, spasms, hyperactive bladders, and has shown beneficial medicinal practices. In class, we learned how botox would cleave our SNARE proteins to inhibit contraction by making our muscles relaxed, in order to achieve the “firm” appearance but, with a certain amount of dosages. We know that botox is only temporary because if it was permanent, it would be a bad ending.
The argument of beauty and medicine has been around. I believe that if a patient wants botox and procedures done, this supports the biomedical ethics of autonomy. But as a provider that may know the risks, non-malificence is questioned. Then again, a provider must understand and have experience with botox and discuss the outcomes with the patient. “The ethical and esthetic considerations for medical estheticians also include safeguarding the client when the client desires unrealistic or unethical treatments” (Abelsson & Willman, 2021). After researching any associated deaths with facial botox, not many were reported. But, adversaries such as autoimmune and inflammatory responses by using biomaterials, have been countered (Di Santis et al., 2025). The majority of the use for cosmetic botox is to reduce facial wrinkles, which may boost one’s esteem and give a youthful look.
Should we use toxins to achieve a desired look? Does limiting sun exposure, smoking, dehydration, or other environmental factors reduce our facial wrinkles, if so, why don’t we do so? Would or, did Squidward really get botox? What are your views on botox?
Abelsson, A., & Willman, A. (2021). Ethics and aesthetics in injection treatments with Botox and Filler. Journal of women & aging, 33(6), 583–595. https://doi.org/10.1080/08952841.2020.1730682
Di Santis, É. P., Hirata, S. H., Di Santis, G. M., & Yarak, S. (2025). Adverse effects of the aesthetic use of botulinum toxin and dermal fillers on the face: a narrative review. Anais brasileiros de dermatologia, 100(1), 87–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abd.2024.04.007
Great job on tying pop culture in with science! With estimates of about 3 million injections per year, people have do not consider Botox as a toxin being entered into the body. However, I do think people should get botox only after understanding all risk and effects. The best way to avoid harmful reactions such as the toxin spreading and attacking the CNS is to go to licensed medical professionals. There are other ways to reduce wrinkles such as microdermabrasion, eating a well-balanced diet , and wearing sunscreen daily.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who experiences primary hyperhidrosis passed down from my mother, I've heard that botox is a fantastic way of decreasing sweat production and overall increasing our quality of life. According to Grunfield et al. (Grunfeld, A., Murray, C.A. & Solish, N. Botulinum Toxin for Hyperhidrosis. Am J Clin Dermatol 10, 87–102 (2009). https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200910020-00002), botulinum toxin type A has actually been successful in hindering sweat production upon research in clinical trials, which makes me hopeful that others who suffer with the condition like I do can find relief in a Botox treatment.
ReplyDeleteThis was a super interesting read! I think especially in the time we are living in and having very unrealistic beauty standards, now more than ever is it important for providers to safeguard clients. Regardless of how badly they want the procedure done. My views on Botox are very open, I think that people should have the freedom to feel more beautiful even if it means Botox. However I don't think that risking your life over something superficial is worth it. A couple of years of beauty isn't worth a life (in my opinion).
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI love this! Such a clever way to connect physiology, ethics, and SpongeBob! Regarding botox for cosmetic reasons, something I was thinking about while reading was those who start using botox at young age. I suppose this is the idea prevention, but do we actually know if this approach is more effective than treating wrinkles after the fact? Do you become reliant on monthly injections of this toxin, and are there any complications from such repeated use? I found one article that suggests repeated and long-term injections carry risks of muscle atrophy, denervation, diagnostic confusion, and potentially irreversible structural changes (Punga & Alimohammadi, 2023). While this isn't the case for most, it still raises ethical questions about exposing young, healthy people to neurotoxins for purely cosmetic reasons.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the bigger issue is why we lean toward quick fixes like botox instead of lifestyle prevention such sunscreen, hydration, and not smoking like you mentioned. One explanation might be that instant results feel more rewarding than the slower process of prevention. If so, maybe the real “toxin” here isn’t botox, but our obsession with perfection.
Punga, A. R., Alimohammadi, M., & Liik, M. (2023). Keeping up appearances: Don't frown upon the effects of botulinum toxin injections in facial muscles. Clinical neurophysiology practice, 8, 169–173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnp.2023.05.005
Hi Maggie!
DeleteI agree with you and was thinking the same as I read Rachel's post. At the core of it, beauty standards and social media definitely play a role in our obsession with perfection. Botox, as Rachel explained, is not permanent; it is a neurotoxin that is gradually metabolized by the body. Nerve signals eventually return and, in succession, cause muscle movement. In this line of thinking is offering Botox to younger people ethical? Given that it is metabolism-dependent and potentially a costly cosmetic endeavor.
Emerging trends and cultural shifts, as noted by some, play a visible role in the increase or decrease in particular demands for Botox. What if one comes to regret it? Will the same excitement around receiving the treatment be met with the same grace of dissolving it? Are there psychological tools available to counsel the patient pre- and post- any decision throughout this process? I am unable to find much in the literature to support therapy for potential body image issues as a standard of care before receiving Botox treatment. One should not have to outwardly present with body dysmorphic disorder before suggesting therapy for cosmetic injections. This way, we would be focusing on preventative care, not just treating the patient after they have a negative experience with Botox and no support.
References:
Marinelli, G., Inchingolo, A. D., Trilli, I., Pezzolla, C., Sardano, R., Inchingolo, F., Palermo, A., Maspero, C. M. N., Dipalma, G., & Inchingolo, A. M. (2025). Proactive Aesthetic Strategies: Evaluating the Preventive Role of Botulinum Toxin in Facial Aging. Muscles (Basel, Switzerland), 4(3), 31. https://doi.org/10.3390/muscles4030031
This was very interesting; it was clever how you combined SpongeBob with the ethics surrounding medical/cosmetic procedures. Although I can understand the desire for individuals pushing for youthfulness and face rejuvenation, people must know that there are serious side effects that can occur, even as the methods of injecting botulinum are deemed safe. Some of the more adverse effects include redness, bruising, droopy eyelid or brow, and mild pain (Sethi et al., 2020). People need to be informed and understand the effects before undergoing the procedure. I don't believe that Botox is always required, and taking on the risk of possibly suffering from post-procedure side effects is something that should be carefully considered.
ReplyDeleteReferences:
Sethi, N., Singh, S., DeBoulle, K., & Rahman, E. (2020). A review of complications due to the use of botulinum toxin a for cosmetic indications. Aesthetic plastic surgery. 45(3), 1210-1220. 10.1007/s00266-020-01983-w
Spongebob was definitely my favorite cartoon of all time, so this post strikes of great interest to me. This was a beautifully written article, Rachel. Pun intended. I think it is noteworthy to highlight a popular tv show dramatizing the effects of using botox and how that can change physiological components of an individual's life just as much as it can the sociological factors. As someone who did not initial know about the range of botox in its use for medicine, I think a conversation must be had about its clinical use. I am definitely on your side about giving the patient the autonomy to choose whether botox is right for them. However, I think it must be highlighted with the rise of botox for commercial and cosmetic use, that there has to be some sort of protocol to illustrate the dangers associated with the procedure. This should especially be true for people who are utilizing it multiple times over into their later years. We have been subject to some life altering health changes that have occurred due to rampant botox use. Botox is not just something to give the illusion of less aging, it is a neurotoxin, that if used incorrectly without careful clinical consultation it can actually harm a person for the rest of their lives. We should also be telling women who are pregnant or desire to be to not use them, as this could later lead to complications.
ReplyDeleteReferences
Brin, M. F., Kirby, R. S., Slavotinek, A., Adams, A. M., Parker, L., Ukah, A., Radulian, L., Elmore, M. R. P., Yedigarova, L., & Yushmanova, I. (2023). Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients Exposed to OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment: A Cumulative 29-Year Safety Update. Neurology, 101(2), e103–e113. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000207375