Needles & News Edition 1

I always hesitate when someone asks me, “So, what do you do for work?”

Not because I’m not proud of what I do. I am. In fact, I love my job. I help people feel more confident, more empowered, beautiful and I see so many return for follow ups with a spring in their step.

But the moment I say, “I’m an aesthetics Nurse. I do injectables like fillers and Botox,” I can almost feel the judgement. The raised eyebrows. The subtle smirk. The awkward pause followed by, “Oh… interesting.”

Interesting...*mind boggles*

That word can mean so much and yet say so little.

The truth is, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve either been met with disbelief, made to feel like I need to justify my business and career or asked 'do you miss being a Nurse?'. As if the only reason someone would get a cosmetic treatment is vanity, and prescribing and performing treatments with various medicines isn't medicine.

I don’t lie about what I do, but I won’t pretend it hasn’t crossed my mind, just to avoid the look.

Why the Stigma?

There’s this weird contradiction in our society. We’re constantly told to look young, fresh, and flawless. Heaven forbid we actually do something to maintain it.

You’re supposed to age naturally, but also never look like you’re ageing. You’re praised for being “low maintenance,” but criticised if you actually let yourself go.

And when someone does make the choice to invest in their appearance? Suddenly it’s “fake,” or “trying too hard,” or worse, a sign of insecurity or limited intelligence.

Why? Why is caring about your appearance still seen as a weakness? Why is there shame in doing something that makes you feel good?

When did taking care of ourselves become something to whisper about?

In a world that constantly bombards us with filtered perfection, there's still a surprising amount of shame and judgment surrounding those who choose to seek aesthetic treatments, whether it’s Botox, filler, skin resurfacing, or any other procedure that helps someone feel more confident in their own skin. Frankly, I’m tired of the stigma.

The Double Standard

We live in a culture that praises “natural beauty” while also holding women (and increasingly men too) to incredibly unrealistic standards. If you age “gracefully,” you’re celebrated, until the signs of aging start to show. Then, the compliments dry up. But heaven forbid you take steps to maintain your appearance, because suddenly it’s “vain,” “fake,” or “too much.”

Let’s be honest: there's a double standard at play. People are expected to look polished, youthful, and effortlessly put together, but if they admit to getting a little help along the way, they're ridiculed. The truth is, you can’t win. Whether you do something or don’t, someone will always have something to say.

It’s a Personal Choice, Not a Moral One

The decision to have an aesthetic treatment is deeply personal. It doesn’t mean someone is insecure, shallow, or obsessed with appearances. It doesn’t make them less intelligent, less authentic, or less real. In fact, for many people, it’s empowering.

We treat getting braces for crooked teeth or wearing makeup as completely normal, and rightly so. So why is smoothing out a wrinkle or enhancing your features seen as taboo?

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel more confident when you look in the mirror. Confidence isn’t superficial, t’s a vital part of how we navigate the world. Lacking confidence, can hold people back. Stop them chasing their dreams and aspirations through fear of ridicule or not believing in themselves.

The Stigma Hurts Everyone

The negative connotations around aesthetic treatments can prevent people from doing what genuinely makes them feel good. The shame, the side-eyes, the assumptions, it all contributes to a culture where we’re told we need to look a certain way but never admit how we got there.

This stigma also discourages open conversations. People end up suffering in silence, navigating procedures alone, sometimes without proper guidance, just to avoid being judged. We should be creating a culture of informed choices, support, and transparency, not secrecy and shame. More often than not, I suspect people making judgements lack the insight into what certain treatments involve and firmly believe the risks include looking over-filled, frozen or worse. Aesthetic treatments are an art form, and the best results are undetectable to anyone but the patient.

Let’s Normalize Doing What Makes You Feel Good

It’s time to move past the outdated idea that wanting to improve your appearance is something to be embarrassed about. Whether you choose to age naturally, embrace grey hair, get injectables, or have cosmetic surgery, it should all be your choice, without fear of judgement.

There is power in owning your decisions, and there is freedom in letting others own theirs.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to stay silent about your treatments, or felt like you had to justify them, I see you. You’re not doing anything wrong. You’re simply taking care of yourself in the way that feels right for you and that deserves nothing but support.