Would you pay to change your appearance?

Penny Tration · 14-02-2015 9:27am

I'd like surgery to fix a break in my nose. I was offered to be put on a list to fix it because I can only breathe properly through one nostril, but because it looked fine and thankfully didn't look 'broken,' I said no. Only problem is that I've had chronic sinusitis since the break so I'd probably get a nose job now to correct that.

Wanted a breast reduction for years, but decided I'm perfectly happy with how I look, and working on my core in the gym helped with the back pain, so it's not worth the scarring, for me.

efb · 14-02-2015 3:36pm

No

Wow far more in favour today

Birneybau · 14-02-2015 3:41pm

TheBeardedLady wrote: »

Hoping to get my nose and teeth extended next year.

You finally decided to become a fully fledged horse? Well done.

Boring username · 14-02-2015 3:43pm

Last year I spent 4k out of my life savings to get an appendix transplant. I feel like a new person.

Birneybau · 14-02-2015 3:44pm

eternal wrote: »

Go with it. I'd like breast reduction and will get it done when I can afford it. Can't see why there's anything to even question really.

Nooooooo!

TerrorFirmer · 14-02-2015 3:52pm

Most people that have cosmetic surgery aren't people who look in the mirror and say 'I'm gorgeous, but I could be just a little bit more gorgeous'. They're people whose confidence suffers quite badly from perceived flaws. I think for those people, if it gives them peace of mind, then why not?

Eugene Norman · 14-02-2015 3:57pm

No

The problem with anti-ageing surgery and Botox is it doesn't work all that well. If I could take a pill and max out at looking 35 for life I'd do that.

Eugene Norman · 14-02-2015 3:59pm

No

efb wrote: »

I've had brain surgery, so that part doesn't scare me. Just the philosophy of altering my body permanently for aesthetic reasons. I appreciate all the genuine feedback.

Am I overthinking it?

changing your squint even if you can see fine is no more or less vain than fixing teeth, which we do on the public dime. That's entirely cosmetic because people with crooked teeth can eat.

Captain Chaos · 14-02-2015 4:12pm

No

I'd pay to get all the baby fat sucked out of my face/cheeks. Can't get rid of it. Nearly 30 and get told I look like a 23 year old tops. It's not as great as it sounds with ladies generally going for the older man and I get 19/20 year olds hitting on me and then they become mortified when they find out my age. Then when I go chatting to women in their late 20s early 30s they think I'm a kid and get the condescending "ah sure you're only a baby why are you talking to us" lark.

Vain yes, but it make day to day life that bit easier and in my job as I'm getting promoted regularly and the younger guys under me look older and more experienced.

Links234 · 14-02-2015 4:17pm

No

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

Most people that have cosmetic surgery aren't people who look in the mirror and say 'I'm gorgeous, but I could be just a little bit more gorgeous'. They're people whose confidence suffers quite badly from perceived flaws. I think for those people, if it gives them peace of mind, then why not?

On the flip-side a lot of the negative views of cosmetic surgery are aimed more at celebrities and the like who seem to have more money than sense and go about ruining the good looks they've had in the first place with excessive surgeries.

efb · 26-02-2015 2:14pm

No

Going ahead with it Fri week

Sleepy · 26-02-2015 2:21pm

No

My parents paid for braces for me as a teenager.
I pay a monthly gym fee and tbh, while I know exercise is good for me, my primary motivation is to look better.

I couldn't see myself ever paying for lipo, hair implants etc. but as others have said, you're getting "corrective" rather than "cosmetic" surgery imo and I'd probably do the same.

Daith · 26-02-2015 2:48pm

I was quoted €2000 to get work done on teeth. It's not essential but I think it could be worth it so I'd smile more.

26-02-2015 3:11pm

I was going to get braces a couple of years back because I have a gap in my front teeth which I would have liked closed up. I had been thinking about it for quite some time before I actually started saying it out loud. Once I started telling people I was thinking about it, they were all shocked. I never realised that people loved my tooth gap so much. Was weird. Never did get braces in the end.

I would get "work" done if I had the balls to undergo major surgery and money was no object. I'd get liposuction.

I wouldn't touch my face though, only because I'd be afraid of it going horribly wrong and not being able to cover it.

daheff · 26-02-2015 3:14pm

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime wrote: »

I'll be paying about 7 euro or so to get a haircut soon.

Jesus I pay more than that to get the dogs haircut!! :eek: Trainee barber??

eternal · 26-02-2015 3:15pm

No

I spent a fortune on my teeth because it was something I wanted to do for myself. The hassle and money was a nightmare but it was worth it. Now everyone says I have a lovely smile even though it was never about other people. I would like breast surgery and liposuction and lip enhancement and maybe botox.

osarusan · 26-02-2015 3:18pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Once I started telling people I was thinking about it, they were all shocked. I never realised that people loved my tooth gap so much.

Here's why:

http://csis.pace.edu/grendel/projf983a/charac.htm

[FONT=verdana, arial, helvetica]Chaucer discusses his words to describe the Wife quite distinctly. His descriptions of her facial and bodily features are sexually suggestive. The features that Chaucer pays attention to describing Alison should be noticed. In the “General Prologue,” Chaucer's description involves her physical appearance describing her clothes, legs, feet, hips, and most importantly her gap-tooth, which during that time (according to The Wife), symbolized sensuality and lust. [/FONT]

AlmightyCushion · 26-02-2015 3:27pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I wouldn't touch my face though, only because I'd be afraid of it going horribly wrong and not being able to cover it.

A paper bag would do the job surely.

Irish Guitarist · 26-02-2015 3:35pm

If I ever go bald and I had the money I would consider getting a hair transplant. I shaved my hair about eighteen years ago and discovered I had these weird ridges in my head. Apart from the fact that this is a black man my head looked almost exactly like this.

I haven't had my hair that short since but I know my head is still the same shape. The time I shaved my hair I was so embarrassed I wore a hat for a couple of months. I dread the idea of looking like that for life.

Hoop66 · 26-02-2015 4:10pm

I honestly don't think it can get any bigger.

Maximus Alexander · 26-02-2015 4:14pm

I said no because I took it that the spirit of the question meant undertaking surgery for no reason other than vanity, but the true answer would be more nuanced and the poll options don't allow for that.

Zippie84 · 26-02-2015 5:17pm

No

Don't most people pay to change their appearance?

Haircuts / hair styling / dying etc.

Getting their eyebrows done.

False eyelashes.

Make-up.

Manicures / getting their nails done

Slimming pants.

Etc.

26-02-2015 5:23pm

osarusan wrote: »

Here's why:

http://csis.pace.edu/grendel/projf983a/charac.htm

Sure isn't that mad altogether. Big lustful head on me.

AlmightyCushion wrote: »

A paper bag would do the job surely.

I keep cutting the eye holes out in the wrong place

Maximus Alexander · 26-02-2015 5:40pm

Deleted User wrote: »

I keep cutting the eye holes out in the wrong place

You only need one hole really, for the mouth.

(For eating!)

strobe · 26-02-2015 6:01pm

No

Sure I would. Why not. Shave me face rather than 'being comfortable in my natural self' and growing a Jesus beard. Razors ain't free. Do it and always have because other people find it more attractive primarily. Is that vanity? Don't give a sh1t. Have always kept myself reasonably fit and trim. Health was always a secondary motivation. Just wanted to look good naked. Thankfully that one comes free but I'd pay for it if I had to.

If there was something physical about me I felt was holding me back in the handsomeness stakes and cosmetic surgery was all that could sort it out and I had the cash to splash I'd be straight in. It's nice to be handsome, lots of people want to have sex with you, you feel good about yourself, it's nice (so I hear in anyway). Money well spent I'd consider it.

Good luck with the surgery Efb.

metaoblivia · 26-02-2015 6:01pm

I've had cosmetic surgery. I had LASIK done on my eyes to correct my vision and apparently, that is classified as cosmetic surgery by insurance companies so that it's entirely out of pocket. It was worth it though.

I don't feel a pressing need to change anything about my body for aesthetic reasons at the moment, but I can understand the appeal of face lifts and botox as you age. I'm not sure I'd go for it, but I understand why people do. If something about your appearance is really affecting your confidence and you can have it altered, I don't see the harm.

Funny enough, the one surgery I'd consider is a new one that uses lasers to change brown eyes blue. Ever since I was a kid, I've wanted light eyes and since I've already had laser surgery on my eyes, I'm not afraid of the procedure. But I'm in my mid 30s now, and kind of like, eh I've had my brown eyes this long and they haven't held me back. So I'm not sure I'll think it a worthy use of money once it comes around. If I was 10 years younger though, I'd be all over it.

bodice ripper · 26-02-2015 6:04pm

No

It's the only thing I really spend money on for myself. My right arm so far has cost 3500.

OldNotWIse · 26-02-2015 6:04pm

Depends. I clicked "no" automatically because I like how I look but then I remembered I paid for braces to straighten my teeth, I buy contact lenses so I don't have to always wear glasses etc. :rolleyes:

strobe · 26-02-2015 6:06pm

No

bodice ripper wrote: »

It's the only thing I really spend money on for myself. My right arm so far has cost 3500.

Tats?

Or we talking extra boobs on your arms?

sky88 · 26-02-2015 6:06pm

No

hair transplant in a heartbeat if i had the money for it

bodice ripper · 26-02-2015 6:07pm

No

strobe wrote: »

Tats?

Or we talking extra boobs on your arms?

Boobs. Sure I'd be mad not to.

(Tattoos)

26-02-2015 6:14pm

metaoblivia wrote: »

I've wanted light eyes and since I've already had laser surgery on my eyes, I'm not afraid of the procedure. But I'm in my mid 30s now, and kind of like, eh I've had my brown eyes this long and they haven't held me back. So I'm not sure I'll think it a worthy use of money once it comes around. If I was 10 years younger though, I'd be all over it.

Can you actually change your eye colour??

BetterThanThou · 26-02-2015 6:26pm

I can't say there's anything about my appearance that bothers me really, at the risk of sounding egotistical, I find myself quite attractive. Only thing I'd really want to do to improve myself is improve my body, and even then, I'd just like to cut a small bit of fat and gain a bit of muscle so I'd have more definition. Although, I have had a small bit of cosmetic dentistry for a slightly chipped tooth, I suppose that would count. Though, I have no problem with cosmetic surgery, provided someone isn't going to overdo it and look like a barbie doll.

Menas · 26-02-2015 7:17pm

If money was no subject I would probably get the laser eye treatment and get a few moles removed. Probably get the back of the neck lasered too... But nothing else - I dont think....definitely not...maybe...perhaps....

metaoblivia · 26-02-2015 7:22pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Can you actually change your eye colour??

There's a laser surgery being pioneered that would specifically change brown eyes to blue eyes. From what I know, that's as far as they've gotten. They can't turn blue eyes green or green eyes brown - just brown to blue.

http://www.techly.com.au/2014/12/03/want-change-eye-colour-brown-blue-possible-via-laser/

Teyla Emmagan · 26-02-2015 7:31pm

I'm actually all for plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons if that's what will make you happy. Huge snozz? Ears like the McCarthy cup? Just get them fixed. Who cares what anyone else thinks. It's your money so spend it how you want.

If you're in the body dysmorphia category cosmetic surgery won't help but if your boobs can be tucked into your waistband and you want them done then go for it.

I'm not a believer in putting up with things that make you unhappy just because you're worried about what other people will think/say.

eternal · 26-02-2015 7:45pm

No

Trigger Happy wrote: »

If money was no subject I would probably get the laser eye treatment and get a few moles removed. Probably get the back of the neck lasered too... But nothing else - I dont think....definitely not...maybe...perhaps....

What's wrong with the back of your neck?

eternal · 26-02-2015 7:46pm

No

metaoblivia wrote: »

There's a laser surgery being pioneered that would specifically change brown eyes to blue eyes. From what I know, that's as far as they've gotten. They can't turn blue eyes green or green eyes brown - just brown to blue.

http://www.techly.com.au/2014/12/03/want-change-eye-colour-brown-blue-possible-via-laser/

Just get coloured lenses like. Going this far is ridiculous.

Menas · 26-02-2015 7:49pm

eternal wrote: »

What's wrong with the back of your neck?

Fluff just below the hair line.

One eyed Jack · 26-02-2015 7:51pm

It depends really on what I'd be prepared to live with. If something bothered me enough to want to get something done about it then of course I'd pay whatever amount of money would be necessary to correct the issue, be it a medical or cosmetic procedure.

A mate of mine pays about €3k a year for his glass eye and I used think it was crazy money until he showed me the eye socket without the glass eye... yep, definitely looked better with the glass eye in!

eternal · 26-02-2015 7:52pm

No

Trigger Happy wrote: »

Fluff just below the hair line.

Oh for God's sake! Shave it off or wax or something.

Menas · 26-02-2015 7:55pm

eternal wrote: »

Oh for God's sake! Shave it off or wax or something.

Wax?! God no...that sounds way too sore. The neck is sensitive dont you know.

maudgonner · 26-02-2015 7:56pm

The Th!ng wrote: »

I'd like to have a spare head that I could keep in the fridge so that when I come home pissed I could swap the drunk head on my shoulders for the sober hangover-free head in the fridge.

Good news for you!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/11436319/Frankenstein-style-human-head-transplant-could-happen-in-two-years.html

strobe · 26-02-2015 8:04pm

No

eternal wrote: »

Oh for God's sake! Shave it off or wax or something.

I'm sure people used the say the same about waxing. "Omg, just shave it every day!" Waxing suits some people better, lasts longer and all that. Lazering hair can be a permanent solution, once off thing and then you've to never worry about it again, or a longer term thing, knew a girl that had to get it done every six months or so she said, but that was it, twice a year and she was set till the next time, although apparently doesn't work for everyone.

eternal · 26-02-2015 8:05pm

No

Trigger Happy wrote: »

Wax?! God no...that sounds way too sore. The neck is sensitive dont you know.

Not as sensitive as a vagina. But we all have things we would like to change. I'm up with the laser eye as well too, I forgot that on my long list. Definitely heard positive things about it and costs less in the long run considering all my glasses are designer and contacts are expensive too.

metaoblivia · 26-02-2015 8:23pm

eternal wrote: »

Just get coloured lenses like. Going this far is ridiculous.

I've worn colored lenses and they're fun. But I got LASIK so I wouldn't have to wear contacts anymore. And not everyone can wear contacts. I'm more curious to see what the actual results of this surgery are. Like I said, I think I've kind of aged out of it, but I'd be curious to see before and after photos.

eternal · 26-02-2015 8:25pm

No

metaoblivia wrote: »

I've worn colored lenses and they're fun. But I got LASIK so I wouldn't have to wear contacts anymore. And not everyone can wear contacts. I'm more curious to see what the actual results of this surgery are. Like I said, I think I've kind of aged out of it, but I'd be curious to see before and after photos.

I asked my optician for tinted lenses and she said I was crazy, that people love brown eyes. Never did get my blue lenses.

Nucular Arms · 27-02-2015 10:08am

I would definitely pay to change your appearance.

The Mulk · 27-02-2015 10:12am

One eyed Jack wrote: »

It depends really on what I'd be prepared to live with. If something bothered me enough to want to get something done about it then of course I'd pay whatever amount of money would be necessary to correct the issue, be it a medical or cosmetic procedure.

A mate of mine pays about €3k a year for his glass eye and I used think it was crazy money until he showed me the eye socket without the glass eye... yep, definitely looked better with the glass eye in!

A mate......sure.......One eyed Jack

One eyed Jack · 27-02-2015 10:48am

The Mulk wrote: »

A mate......sure.......One eyed Jack

Ohh yeah, I didn't think of myself, lol, no I still have both eyes, just the vision is gone in one, you don't wanna go googling uveitis at this hour of the morning, but I only need to pay €7 for an eye patch because it looks nasty when it flares up

I forked out €8k for a hip operation at 22 (ganz osteotomy to fix a 'click hip' that wasn't detected at birth) before I had medical insurance because I walked like daffy duck. The operation wasn't quite as successful as it was intended to be so now I'm having to go for a full hip replacement, which doctors are reluctant to do as they still say I'm too young at 38, but at least this time I have medical insurance.

They don't really bother me as I'm used to the pain by now, but the slips, trips and falls are the worst bit (my balance is terrible!

), and depth perception, but I'm used to judging that by now :rolleyes:

My mate is well used to it since he tripped as a child and stabbed himself in the eye with a stick, but he drives for a living, never once been in an accident!

Would you pay to change your appearance?

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