Pathologizing Aging: Risks and Concerns with Botox in Youth

Abstract

The growth in preventative Botox for younger demographics as a treatment for wrinkles reflects a cultural shift where aging is no longer seen as a natural life process, but a medicalized condition that requires interventions. This paper argues that there are some serious concerns with this trend regarding safety, ethics, and autonomy which are important to tackle. Using medical and sociological perspectives, this paper highlights how there is a need for better regulations of off-label procedures in informal settings, more research in how Botox affects younger populations, and a cultural shift away from how aging is automatically connected with wellness