I work in an environment where looks are very important. Plus, we live in a society that also places a huge emphasis on appearance, so it’s no wonder I know more and more people who opt for cosmetic surgery. I find the idea of cosmetic surgery interesting. I admit, I want to look my best and am annoyed to find more wrinkles and grey hairs than I had 5 years ago, but I don’t know if I’d go as far as to have anything drastic done about them. Coloring my hair and using any anti-aging product I can afford is about as far as I’m willing to go. But what if I had the money, time and desire to have surgery? What would I do?
For starters, I’d have my double chin removed. Regardless of my weight, I’ve always hated my profile and wanted a sharper chin. Then, I’d have a mini face-lift just to tighten things up and finally Lasik. That’s it. But the truth is that all of that is expensive and painful and I’m just not willing to go there. And would it really make me happier than I already am? I think that’s the most important question of all.
Back in the early 80s I worked with a girl who claimed she’d have breast augmentation as soon as she could afford it. She hated her small breasts and always wanted something a bit larger. Fast forward 20 years and she never had it done. Now, knowing what she knows about the dangers of surgery, she’d never consider it. So what are these 20 year-olds going to look like in 20 years after they’ve been injecting Botox into their bodies for so long? I wonder.
Please understand, I’m not criticizing anyone who has opted for cosmetic surgery. Some of my best friends have had work done and I don’t judge them for it. It was their choice and I respect that. I just don’t think it’s for me. Besides, almost everyone I meet thinks I look 7-10 years younger than I am so who am I to mess with great genes?!
Pretty Pretty Bang Bang 
I would only do it if I was in some sort of disfiguring accident. Perhaps, like that lady that just had her face chewed off by that chimp! I know several people that have had things done and that’s OK…for them. For me, I feel it’s so important to appreciate what you were given and know that changing your face (or otherwise) won’t necessarily change what’s making you unhappy in the first place.
I compare glasses to a hearing aid — if you wore a hearing aid and knew you could have a quick/painless outpatient procedure to rid you of the appliance, wouldn’t you do it? Why would glasses be any different from a hearing aid – just an appliance to aid one of the failing or damaged senses. Never equated it to cosmetic surgery, and do not regret my LASIK at all.
You cold and heartless wretch. Do you know how hard it is to go through life as only a B cup when you see yourself as a DD? Or your nose is too big? Or – like you – your chin is flawed? (Fix it ASAP, by the way – you’re creeping us out with that freak show on your face.)
How dare you judge me. How. Dare. You.
Bitch.
OK, OK – per your insistence, I’ll be nice.
In Houston, I lived – for the first time – amongst people who truly did this stuff. I got an invitation to a Botox party; I knew several who had had boob jobs. It was very strange – while I have my own share of vanity, it’s just hard to imagine spending money on such things as a priority – it’s a matter of values, I suppose.
And yet, it’s also a matter of balance; I’m not sure I equate Lasik with breast implants.
And I wouldn’t necessarily rule it all out; never say never, you know. Check with me in five years and see if I’ve submitted myself to Botox. Or something worse.
I guess whatever makes one happy. But two words of warning on how much is too much:
Joan Rivers.
Need I say more?
I never meant to imply LASIK was the same as cosmetic surgery. My sister had it, I know several people who have had it and I considered it. The bottom line is that few elective surgeries are done for health reasons. I’m not ruling anything out in the future. Check with me in 10 years and maybe I will have changed my mind but, for right now, I think I’ll just age as gracefully as possible on my own.
And Joan Rivers is a shining example of going overboard with the procedures. Everything in moderation.