Should You Tell Your BFF If They're Going Overboard With The Fillers & Surgery?
Although plastic surgery procedures, like facelifts, were around long before the FDA approved Botox for wrinkles in 2002, this breakthrough was the first step toward easier, less invasive ways for people to achieve a look that time had taken from them (via Botox Cosmetic). Since then, Botox, as well as other brands that do the same thing, and fillers have become the norm. Although once something that people over 40 turned to, folks in their 20s and 30s are getting these treatments for preventative measures as a way to stave off possible wrinkles in the future. Most recently, baby Botox has become popular because unlike other forms of injections that tend to freeze your entire face, this treatment contains lower doses of Botulinum toxin that still allow for actual facial expressions.
But while what one chooses to do to their body is their decision, there can come a time when someone close to you starts to overdo it with the Botox or filler, and they've maybe even jumped into reconstructive procedures (where you literally go under the knife). Sometimes, it can get to a point where you don't recognize your friend anymore or, at the very least, they could be angry, happy, or sad, and you have no idea because their face just isn't moving. When this happens, you might begin to wonder if you should say anything to your friend or if you should keep your lips sealed.
Ask yourself how you think your BFF will respond
Because people get these procedures for different reasons — insecurities, vanity, fear of growing old — telling your BFF they've taken their love for Botox and fillers too far is harsh. You need to evaluate exactly why they have started getting these procedures in the first place. For example, if you've known forever that your BFF never liked their lips or has had insecurities about a deep furrow between their brows, take this into consideration before you say anything. The last thing you want to do is lecture them on something that has affected their self-esteem so much that it prompted them to get work done, because you'll just heighten what insecurities they already have.
A good jumping off point is when your BFF tells you they've had work done and asks if it's noticeable. Then you can cater your response to what you know about your best friend and how they respond to things. You may have to sugarcoat what you say with something like, "Oh, now that you've mentioned it, I can see it." Then reassure them that they've always looked good — don't say anything along the lines of "you looked better before" or they didn't need the Botox. Just compliment them and move on.
If you think your friend can handle total honesty, then just come out and say it. But choose your words wisely. Your friend may have thick skin, but no one likes to be told they've done too much of anything.
Then ask yourself if it's worth saying anything
If you're bummed because your BFF doesn't look the way they did before, but they're truly happy, then that's something you need to accept. But if you think they might have an addiction to plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures, that's a different story. Plastic surgery addiction is a legitimate issue that stems from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), which affects 2.4% of U.S. adults (via Cleveland Clinic).
A 2017 study published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found that more than 15% of plastic surgery patients have BDD. This can lead to mental and physical health problems, as well as financial ruin. If this may be the case for your BFF, then absolutely bring it up, but do so kindly and gently. Tell them you're fearful for their health and, while their financial situation isn't any of your business, you're also scared they might be running their money well dry, too.
Ultimately, if your friend's procedures aren't hurting them in any way and they like the way they look, then it may not be your place to say anything. Your BFF will always be your BFF. No matter how they look on the outside, they're still the delightful weirdo they always were inside.
If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.