Cosmetic Procedures, Yay or Nay?

Fluorescence

Hello ladies!

Something I've been thinking a lot about lately: cosmetic surgery. I've noticed people tend to feel very strongly about it, whether for it or against it. Rarely does it seem that someone is on the fence or apathetic to the subject. Anyway, I thought I'd ask ye all: what do you think about it? Would you (or indeed, have you) ever had any procedures? Is there some stuff you would consider and then a line beyond which you would never go?

Personally, I have mixed feelings about it. If a simple procedure could change your life, and you have the means, why not? Reconstructive surgery after other life-saving operations due to cancer or tumors would be totally understandable to most people, I'd imagine, but where do we draw the line? Boob jobs? Nose jobs? Botox? In a few generations' time will we end up with a world full of plastic, fake looking people? What's a "normal" amount of work to want done?

Something I've been considering more and more over the last few months is a boob job - not to alter the size, but to fix the discrepancy between them. For many years it's bothered me that my boobs are so uneven; one is slightly smaller than the other, but sags a lot so that the nipples make my chest look severely cross-eyed :P. I'm sick of trying to find bras that don't fit because my boobs aren't the same, and that I'm too afraid to wear swimsuits because then the whole world will be able to see my mis-matched breasts. I'm thinking at the moment that I will ask for money from everyone instead of gifts for my 21st next summer, and use it to pay for surgery. If I do this, it will be for me and me alone.

So, what are your thoughts and/or experiences with cosmetic procedures? Do you find it a turn-off to discover someone has had something done? Do you care about it at all? Where do you draw the line?

Ickle Magoo

As long as they aren't tipping into the realms of mama stallone eeeeek! :eek: then it doesn't bother me. We dye our hair, we wear make up, we get braces on our teeth and push up bras - if there is an aspect of our bodies that would make us feel better by being nipped or tweaked in a manner that the majority of people would think enhances our appearance, then I don't see an issue.

I think it's just important to know it's being done for the right reasons and have a scrupulous and moral surgeon that will know and say what is going to benefit and what is going to look ridiculous but pay handsomely.

viota

Reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy i agree with but any other cosmetic procedures i do not.I think we should accept our bodies the way they are and be happy with them.

People can do what they want but I don't want it, ever




p.s. it's "yea or nay"

Fluorescence

viota wrote: »

Reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy i agree with but any other cosmetic procedures i do not.I think we should accept our bodies the way they are and be happy with them.

Could you ever date someone who had cosmetic surgery?

bluewolf wrote:

p.s. it's "yea or nay":o

No, I meant it as "YAY, SURGERY!!" I swear... :P

Asphyxia

I would never be able to do it! There has been some beautiful people out in the world that have ruined themselves due to it. I'd be afraid of that and the risks!!

viota

fluorescence wrote: »

Could you ever date someone who had cosmetic surgery?



No, I meant it as "YAY, SURGERY!!" I swear... :P

Yes i would date someone if they had it i just don't believe in it.

cordub

GOD yes yes yes , if i hd the money the problem would be to decide where to start haha. from the top down . eyelid lift . face lift , lipo everywhere , tummy tuck thigh reduction if there is any such thing, I hate my body sooooooooooooo much get so fed up with myself because of it !!! Let me win the lotto please: ITS A YAY

Up-n-atom!

Personally I think it's scary and largely unnecessary, but I think if it's done well then it's hard to notice (by people who don't know you, obviously). When it's done badly everyone notices and not in a good way - that's when you start going into MJ/Joan Rivers territory...

cordub

i would be going for the natural look joan rivers yuck lol

Fluorescence

Well if we have a completely natural person (ie someone who has had no procedures of any kind, has never dyed their hair or worn braces or anything like that) at one end of the scale and Joan Rivers and Michael Jackson at the other, where is the "acceptable" point on the scale? At what point can you say, "Right here. Go past this and you're into that sort of territory."

I also can't help but think that in some cases cosmetic surgery is used to fix the symptoms of a deeper problem. The trouble is, how can we judge what is acceptable and what is not.

viota

I think it's when a person chooses to modify their body surgically is the point it becomes unacceptable in my books.

rainbow kirby

Personal decision. Everyone has their own reasons as to why they would or wouldn't get cosmetic surgery, and who am I to make any judgements with respect to those reasons? I know it wouldn't be my thing though.

LilMsss

viota wrote: »

I think it's when a person chooses to modify their body surgically is the point it becomes unacceptable in my books.

You may find it 'unacceptable' but it's something that you can choose to avoid if you do not agree with it. Most of us agree that some people who have cosmetic surgery take things too far and have what appear to our eyes as being completely unneccessary procedures, but it's a very personal decision.

I lost 6.5 stone and am left with loose skin and pockets of fat that I just can't get rid of, despite my best efforts with diet and exercise. There is no amount of exercise I can do to correct this. I won't lose any more weight, as it would leave me skinnier than I want to be, and my problems with loose skin even worse. I am booked in for surgery in July, to have my loose skin removed. It's major surgery, and I don't go into it lightly.

Some people might just tell me to live with it, and just wear clothes to cover the areas I don't like, but it goes much deeper than that. I've been planning and researching this surgery for over three years, and for me, I see it as being reconstructive surgery - no matter how hard I work, I'll never have the body of someone who was never overweight.

People can have whatever opinion they want on it, but it won't affect my decision. At the end of the day, it's my body and my choice. The majority of people who have a strong opinion against any kind of cosmetic surgery will most likely never put themselves in a position where they have to elect to have any.

Yes, in many cases, these procedures are elective, and carry risks, as with any surgery, so I understand the apprehension some people may have, and why they don't get why someone would put themselves through surgery when it's not to correct a life-threatening condition. In saying that, I would have major concerns with the ease at which plastic surgery is promoted as being an aesthetic addition to your life, in the same way as a designer handbag, teeth whitening or colouring your hair.

It's about having balance, both in what you are happy to live with, and how, if at all, a procedure might change or improve your life. I'm not 100 % happy with my face, but it's part of me - in fact my most identifying and unique features, so I would never even consider getting any work done on that. I might not be perfect, but I'm fine with that. My body however, is a different story, and like I said, I see it as being reconstructive, and I'm unwilling to continue being unhappy with parts of my body that despite my best efforts, I am unable to do anything about, aside from surgery.

dark crystal

Facial surgery - no!

You can always tell when someon'e had botox and they look totally unnatural and weird. Look at Jackie Lavin....Jesus, the woman looks as if she's been embalmed! Cortney Cox is another one - look at her at the beginning of Friends and then towards the end. She looked completely different (and actually much older than she should have). I won't even get started on Ma Stallone and Joan Rivers.....

Then again, if someone has a real issue about something like a big nose, or sticky-out ears, I can see why they might benefit from plastic surgery, simply from a self esteem point of view. Anti-ageing surgery is just too obvious and rarely looks good.

Now boobs - hmmmmm. I have big boobs myself and would love a reduction, but don't think I'd ever do it.
So many women seem to think having bigger boobs will look better. They rarely do, tbh. If you have a small frame, they can make you look top heavy and uneven. If you're curvy, they can make you look much bigger. I envy women who can pop into a high street store and get beautiful, inexpensive bras for peanuts. I have to spend a small fortune on bras if I don't want to end up looking like someone out of the National Geographic! Also, you have to choose tops very carefully, lest you end up looking tarty.

I do think women should think very carefully before opting to go under the knife, though. Once it's done, it can be very tricky, if not impossible to undo....

dark crystal

LilMsss wrote: »

I lost 6.5 stone and am left with loose skin and pockets of fat that I just can't get rid of, despite my best efforts with diet and exercise. There is no amount of exercise I can do to correct this. I won't lose any more weight, as it would leave me skinnier than I want to be, and my problems with loose skin even worse. I am booked in for surgery in July, to have my loose skin removed. It's major surgery, and I don't go into it lightly.

I can understand you wanting that done completely. I lost a lot of weight myself a few years back and have loose skin I could never tone up, no matter how hard I exercised. Having 4 children certainly didn't help, either!

If I had the money, I would certainly consider it myself.

viota

when i said modify i meant breast implants and nose jobs and liposuction.The surgery you are going to have is acceptable as you can't exercise away loose skin.It's all about self esteem in the end and you are doing it to both make it look better and feel good about yourself which im defiantly not condemning.I just think breast augmentation is wrong.I'm not happy about myself but i would not consider surgery as i don't feel its the solution for my problems.

LilMsss

viota wrote: »

It's all about self esteem in the end and you are doing it to both make it look better and feel good about yourself which im defiantly not condemning.

I think you're definitely right about self-esteem. My surgery is about increasing my self-esteem and making my body look and feel better. I have had so many body issues in the past and have come through them on the other side, but it's very hard to move on from those issues when I have a lasting reminder every time I look in the mirror.

One of the procedures I am getting is a breast lift with implants, to restore volume that I lost when I lost weight, and also remove loose skin from that area. Believe me, I would have been the last person anyone would think would get breast implants, mainly, as I was always large chested and never thought I would be in a position where I would want/feel I needed them. But I think the same principle applies when it comes to self-esteem and confidence, regardless (within reason) of the procedure being carried out.

Chuchoter

I had a fairly small surgery recently and it was really not nice at all. I can't imagine voluntarily going in for something bigger! I mean I was only in for 2 days but it really hurt, I could barely walk for a week and it was really invasive in terms of just general personal space. I think its kind of bizarre people getting boob jobs (ie major surgery) as a present. A lot of people don't seem to realize how dangerous these cosmetic surgeries are and that you can die or be left with very serious health problems, not just botched results.

However thats just me, I realize some peoples bodies really bother them and they're not happy at all, and if you're up for it then go for it. I still would prefer really small breasts on a girl than fake ones, but I guess different strokes.

Novella

I can't say I'd never consider or have cosmetic surgery. I don't believe in the whole, "We should be happy with what we have" thing. Why should we? If a bodily feature is making a person miserable, I think saying to them, "Oh, you just have to learn to love it" is completely insensitive.

At the moment, I'm okay with my body but if there ever comes a time when I'm not and if there's nothing I can do myself to make it better, then yeah, perhaps I'll go down the surgical route.

cordub

LilMsss wrote: »

You may find it 'unacceptable' but it's something that you can choose to avoid if you do not agree with it. Most of us agree that some people who have cosmetic surgery take things too far and have what appear to our eyes as being completely unneccessary procedures, but it's a very personal decision.

I lost 6.5 stone and am left with loose skin and pockets of fat that I just can't get rid of, despite my best efforts with diet and exercise. There is no amount of exercise I can do to correct this. I won't lose any more weight, as it would leave me skinnier than I want to be, and my problems with loose skin even worse. I am booked in for surgery in July, to have my loose skin removed. It's major surgery, and I don't go into it lightly.

Some people might just tell me to live with it, and just wear clothes to cover the areas I don't like, but it goes much deeper than that. I've been planning and researching this surgery for over three years, and for me, I see it as being reconstructive surgery - no matter how hard I work, I'll never have the body of someone who was never overweight.

People can have whatever opinion they want on it, but it won't affect my decision. At the end of the day, it's my body and my choice. The majority of people who have a strong opinion against any kind of cosmetic surgery will most likely never put themselves in a position where they have to elect to have any.

Yes, in many cases, these procedures are elective, and carry risks, as with any surgery, so I understand the apprehension some people may have, and why they don't get why someone would put themselves through surgery when it's not to correct a life-threatening condition. In saying that, I would have major concerns with the ease at which plastic surgery is promoted as being an aesthetic addition to your life, in the same way as a designer handbag, teeth whitening or colouring your hair.

It's about having balance, both in what you are happy to live with, and how, if at all, a procedure might change or improve your life. I'm not 100 % happy with my face, but it's part of me - in fact my most identifying and unique features, so I would never even consider getting any work done on that. I might not be perfect, but I'm fine with that. My body however, is a different story, and like I said, I see it as being reconstructive, and I'm unwilling to continue being unhappy with parts of my body that despite my best efforts, I am unable to do anything about, aside from surgery.
WEL DONE you , you go girl . wish i was able to loose that much weight, I totally agree with your decision to get this surgery, it was hard work to loose all that weight you deserve to have the surgery and look as good as im sure you feel . you must be so happy and say you are counting down the time to the op , well done again:D:D

LilMsss

Thanks cordub. Yeah, I'm counting down the weeks now.

Also, I don't imagine that I'm going to be a different person at the end of it, or that it's going to drastically change my life, just that it's going to change one aspect of my life/appearance that I'm currently unhappy with.

cordub

LilMsss wrote: »

Thanks cordub. Yeah, I'm counting down the weeks now.

Also, I don't imagine that I'm going to be a different person at the end of it, or that it's going to drastically change my life, just that it's going to change one aspect of my life/appearance that I'm currently unhappy with.[/QUOTE
If its a good change then im betting it will make a difference , i have always felt like a different person when i lost weight . sad but true !! how did you do it BTW ????

LilMsss

I did it over a couple of years - very slowly to begin with. Mainly exercise - lots of power walking (at least an hour a day), gym, crosstrainer, weights/strength work, and then obviously food; portion control, cutting back on sugar etc.

cordub

WELL DONE AGAIN

twirlagig

dark crystal wrote: »

If I had the money, I would certainly consider it myself.

Defo!

Lia_lia

rainbow kirby wrote: »

Personal decision. Everyone has their own reasons as to why they would or wouldn't get cosmetic surgery, and who am I to make any judgements with respect to those reasons? I know it wouldn't be my thing though.

Yeah, sums up my view really. I couldn't care less if someone got cosmetic surgery. A few people I know have it done. I seriously doubt I would ever get it done though. But each to their own!

lauren12

fluorescence wrote: »

Hello ladies!

Something I've been thinking a lot about lately: cosmetic surgery. I've noticed people tend to feel very strongly about it, whether for it or against it. Rarely does it seem that someone is on the fence or apathetic to the subject. Anyway, I thought I'd ask ye all: what do you think about it? Would you (or indeed, have you) ever had any procedures? Is there some stuff you would consider and then a line beyond which you would never go?

Personally, I have mixed feelings about it. If a simple procedure could change your life, and you have the means, why not? Reconstructive surgery after other life-saving operations due to cancer or tumors would be totally understandable to most people, I'd imagine, but where do we draw the line? Boob jobs? Nose jobs? Botox? In a few generations' time will we end up with a world full of plastic, fake looking people? What's a "normal" amount of work to want done?

Something I've been considering more and more over the last few months is a boob job - not to alter the size, but to fix the discrepancy between them. For many years it's bothered me that my boobs are so uneven; one is slightly smaller than the other, but sags a lot so that the nipples make my chest look severely cross-eyed :P. I'm sick of trying to find bras that don't fit because my boobs aren't the same, and that I'm too afraid to wear swimsuits because then the whole world will be able to see my mis-matched breasts. I'm thinking at the moment that I will ask for money from everyone instead of gifts for my 21st next summer, and use it to pay for surgery. If I do this, it will be for me and me alone.

So, what are your thoughts and/or experiences with cosmetic procedures? Do you find it a turn-off to discover someone has had something done? Do you care about it at all? Where do you draw the line?

Wow, you are so young to be considering this. I totally understand where you are coming from if it is really upsetting you, but it is something you should really think about. Generally with breast operations it's not just one you get in a life time, you would have to get another in a few years.

I would say do all the research possible. If you decide to go ahead with the procedure, go to a doctor that specialises in breast surgery, but just general cosmetic surgery, so you know you are getting someone who knows what they are doing. Ask them for recommendations from previous clients, or to see photos from previous clients. Ask them to discuss the risks. if they won't discuss the risks, walk away. And make sure you are getting a good after care service. I have to say the more popular cosmetic surgery is becoming, the more "gangsters" are on the market and it's your body they are messing with.

Seriously hun, this type of thing does take a lot of consideration and research, so I hope you take care when deciding.

xx

panda100

LilMsss wrote: »

I think you're definitely right about self-esteem. My surgery is about increasing my self-esteem and making my body look and feel better. I have had so many body issues in the past and have come through them on the other side, but it's very hard to move on from those issues when I have a lasting reminder every time I look in the mirror.

Hmm I am always very dubious of getting invasive surgery to boost self esteem. I can only see this long term being a quick fix for a mental health issue that will never go away. If your self belief in yourself and self confidence is so closely linked to how you look, how on earth will you cope as you start to grow older and your skin starts to sag,wrinkles appear etc etc. Are you just going to keep getting invasive surgery so you can feel good about yourself? What happens if in five years time you don't have the money to 'deal with another body image issue you have, how will you cope?

From what I've seen getting plastic surgery never ends in positive self worth and positive body confidence. Its starts a slippery slope of body neurosis and fixations on your outward appearance. There is copious media examples of this from Heidi Montag to Katie Price, all beautiful women who have ended up with severe lack of confidence and body image disorders.

My sister gets botox every three months. She is a gorgeous 33 year old women and she is obsessed with getting older and having lines on her face. I cannot see how this is at all a positive in our society, that we are spending money 'fixing ' things which don't need to be fixed.

I can completely understand how those with small or oddly shaped breasts would feel insecure about how they look and feel the soloution is getting plastic surgery. But I don't think cosmetic procedures is the soloution for body hang ups as there are serious life-threatening risks to having such surgery. The soloution is to really to encourage women with low self esteem in their bodies to question mainstream sexist ideas on beauty rather than comply with them, and to challenge the culture that imposes on us from a young age that having a volouptous pair of bosoms is directly proportional to feminity

Eve_Dublin

I wouldn't consider getting any type of plastic surgery myself but that's just me. What I'd be afraid of is it becoming the norm. That having a few lines on your face would be seen as letting yourself go, like not getting your hair trimmed regularly or shaving your legs or armpits etc. That it will become so common place that anyone who chooses not to will be seen as not looking after themselves and comments such as, "Did you see those lines around her eyes?" among women will be muttered and men will posting photos of women on Boards with creases and wrinkles on their faces as an example of ugliness (for example). I know it'll take a few years yet if it ever gets that bad but I see a lot of younger women (late teens, early twenties) considering surgery and it's not something I ever considered at that age. It just wasn't the norm at all back in the late 90s, early naughties and it's worrying.

I'll be honest and I'm aware I'll get slated for this: I see women who go for these types of surgeries as putting more pressue on other women and it's kind of letting the side down a bit. I think it shows a lack of solidarity to some degree. I understand some circumstances there's probably a need (one poster got an example of removing pieces of excess skin after losing weight) but when it's really not necessary and it's just the normal aging process or something that can be fixed or improved through a change in lifestyle, then I'm not an advocate at all. I've a friend who wants to get botox because of wrinkles and I suggested she quit smoking instead. I know that sounds very sanctimonious of me but it's procedures that only people with money can afford (or those willing to put themselves in a lot of debt) and I think it'll create divisions among women in the future and we don't need anymore of that than what we already have.

This is only MY opinion and how I feel about it...you don't have to agree with it

panda100

Eve_Dublin wrote: »

I'll be honest and I'm aware I'll get slated for this: I see women who go for these types of surgeries as putting more pressue on other women and it's kind of letting the side down a bit. I think it shows a lack of solidarity to some degree. I understand some circumstances there's probably a need (one poster got an example of removing pieces of excess skin after losing weight) but when it's really not necessary and it's just the normal aging process or something that can be fixed or improved through a change in lifestyle, then I'm not an advocate at all.

I think you raise quite an interesting point here. Those who get surgery are in a way putting pressure on other women to get surgery. Take my sister for example, who is 33 and having botox regularly. You wouldn't know she was having botox, she wouldn't tell anyone she is having it and looks very youthful for her age. I see a lot of people both in the media and in everyday life who look far younger than their age, and while they will never admit to it they most certainly must be getting a helping hand from chemicals or the surgeons knife.

When I get to 33 I am going to have lines and wrinkles because I can see lines around my eyes appearing already at 28, despite a pretty healthy lifestyle. Compared to everyone else who will be botoxed up I will look very old for my age at 33, depsite ageing naturally. If we all embraced just ageing naturally, then it wouldn't be seen as such an a bad thing for women to grow old and still be beautiful?!

Those who annoy me the most are people like Kylie Mingoue, who say they are 100% natural, yet a normal person hasn't the hopes of every looking like that at the age of 40. I wish people would start being open about their cosmetic procedures so we could begin to appreciate how rampant is really is.

Eve_Dublin

panda100 wrote: »

I think you raise quite an interesting point here. Those who get surgery are in a way putting pressure on other women to get surgery. Take my sister for example, who is 33 and having botox regularly. You wouldn't know she was having botox, she wouldn't tell anyone she is having it and looks very youthful for her age. I see a lot of people both in the media and in everyday life who look far younger than their age, and while they will never admit to it they most certainly must be getting a helping hand from chemicals or the surgeons knife.

When I get to 33 I am going to have lines and wrinkles because I can see lines around my eyes appearing already at 28, despite a pretty healthy lifestyle. Compared to everyone else who will be botoxed up I will look very old for my age at 33, depsite ageing naturally. If we all embraced just ageing naturally, then it wouldn't be seen as such an a bad thing for women to grow old and still be beautiful?!

Those who annoy me the most are people like Kylie Mingoue, who say they are 100% natural, yet a normal person hasn't the hopes of every looking like that at the age of 40. I wish people would start being open about their cosmetic procedures so we could begin to appreciate how rampant is really is.

This is exactly my point. It's probably unfair to feel this way but it's how I personally feel. I think a lot of other women feel the same way succumb to the knife but I feel it'll get more difficult down the line to resist.

I can see it someday being taken as a feminist stance not to have surgery...I'll be going against the grain like women who choose to keep their armpits hairy. I don't particularly want that...I just want to be myself.

rannerap

I agree that other women getting things done does put a bit of pressure on you. I had a massive complex about my teeth for years because of how they looked in comparison to everyone elses. In the end I ended up getting loads done to my teeth,braces and my teeth whitened. Now that they are done im starting to look at what else I dont like. I dot think I would ever go as far as surgery however. I had to have a gum transplant in order to get braces and it was horrific. My orthondontist also keeps trying to pressure me into getting my jaw broken to correct my overbite. I dont think I want to go through with it. But the pressure is always there

miec

Some really good points in this thread, Eve_Dublin you raise a really important issue about women who choose not to have botox / a face lift and that in time they may get slagged for looking naturally their age. At the moment Channel 4 are doing an excellent documentary on this issue, whereby a beauty obsessive lives with a person with a facial disfigurement for a week and try to understand each other's point of view, it is a brilliant programme and it highlights the increasing tyranny for cosmetic surgery. Also it shows how utterly miserable some of the very beautiful women are, their live is a slave to beauty. So for me I don't think cosmetic surgery does boost self esteem, it can make a person even more critical. Personally I cannot bear pain so won't be opting for it myself.

However, I can understand if a person has very mismatched boobs, or an inverted nipple, excessive skin from weight loss or something like that, in those instances I believe cosmetic surgery can really help.

lauren12

If you're checking out documenaries, defo check out the ugly face of beauty on channel4.com...really is an eye opener.

beks101

I'm sort of indifferent to it all. Live and let live.

I personally don't know anyone who has taken it too far, Hollywood-style, to the point where you can't look at them without thinking 'PLASTIC!', but I've known people who get botox, some who have had boob and nose jobs and a handful who have had facelifts. If you have the money and you're not doing it in a compulsive sort of bid to mask a deeper self esteem issue, I don't think it's harming anyone so don't see a problem with it. Though IME I think it's nowhere near becoming a social norm and these people you do always sort of think as 'that girl who gets botox' etc!

Personally, I value self-care the old fashioned way a lot more than any of these procedures. No amount of botox or facelifts is going to make me look or feel anywhere near as good as a healthy diet, adequate sleep and rigorous skincare regime will and wouldn't dream of something like lipo when exercise and a good diet/discipline is available to me and will make me feel like I've claimed some ownership over my body instead of somewhat 'cheating' the process.

LilMsss

panda100 wrote: »

Hmm I am always very dubious of getting invasive surgery to boost self esteem. I can only see this long term being a quick fix for a mental health issue that will never go away. If your self belief in yourself and self confidence is so closely linked to how you look, how on earth will you cope as you start to grow older and your skin starts to sag,wrinkles appear etc etc.

Panda100, I am having this surgery to help with one aspect of my self-esteem in an area I am currently unhappy with. I do not expect you to understand my reasons for doing this, nor do I need your approval. I am extremely confident and a high achiever in almost every other aspect of my life - this is not a quick fix for me - I assumed I had been clear in this in my previous posts!

panda100 wrote: »

Are you just going to keep getting invasive surgery so you can feel good about yourself? What happens if in five years time you don't have the money to 'deal with another body image issue you have, how will you cope?

I am actually quite offended that you would dismiss my reasons for doing this as being part of some emotional deficit that you deem me to have.

If you had read my posts properly, you would know that I have outlined my reasons for this particular surgery, and the reasons why I would be against wholesale cosmetic surgery as a 'quick-fix' solution for issues that run far deeper than what you see in the mirror.

I actually conduct workshops on self-esteem and body image with teenage girls, of which I am more than qualified to do based on the particular area I have studied, and also the fact that I have dealt with, and come through the on other side of many issues myself.

I am not so vacuous, emotionally damaged or guillable that I would simply call up my surgeon every time I need something tweaked or have had a bad hair day. It's very easy for you to judge and criticise from all the way up there on your high horse!!!

I am a grown woman and am competent to make my own decisions. Either way, I have put this out there to give people on here an insight into what I intend on doing, and my reasons for doing it. While you have every right to your opinion, however skewed it may seem to me, it doesn't mean it will have any bearing on the decisions I make in my life.

LilMsss

lauren12 wrote: »

If you're checking out documenaries, defo check out the ugly face of beauty on channel4.com...really is an eye opener.

This is an excellent documentary, and definitely sheds light on some of the shadier practices carried out by some clinics. It also shows the damage that can be done, and also how influenced teenagers and young people can be when it comes to cosmetic surgery.

Fluorescence

lauren12 wrote: »

Wow, you are so young to be considering this. I totally understand where you are coming from if it is really upsetting you, but it is something you should really think about. Generally with breast operations it's not just one you get in a life time, you would have to get another in a few years.

I would say do all the research possible. If you decide to go ahead with the procedure, go to a doctor that specialises in breast surgery, but just general cosmetic surgery, so you know you are getting someone who knows what they are doing. Ask them for recommendations from previous clients, or to see photos from previous clients. Ask them to discuss the risks. if they won't discuss the risks, walk away. And make sure you are getting a good after care service. I have to say the more popular cosmetic surgery is becoming, the more "gangsters" are on the market and it's your body they are messing with.

Seriously hun, this type of thing does take a lot of consideration and research, so I hope you take care when deciding.

xx

I don't even buy a mobile phone without weeks and months of research and user reviews, so trust me when I say that it would not be a procedure entered into lightly.

Still, thanks for your concern.

Neyite

In my twenties, I was massively insecure about my boobs - I was a 32a, and a size 6-8, so though they were small, they were proportinate to my overall build, but had I the cash at the time, or the ability to get a loan for it, I probably would not have hesitated. But in hindsight, it would have been a mistake. My insecurity was eventually addressed by me in my late twenties, and I love the person that emerged from that process. I am now a 10, 32b, and feel that the surgery that I would have sold my soul for 10 years ago is not for me anymore.

My sister and I were comparing our wrinkles yesterday - I have a few eye wrinkles, that foundation only makes worse, so i now wear tinted moisturiser. Now, thats easy for me to say, I do look young for my age so I still would pass for 5-10 years younger. But I kind of like the way it gives my face character.

I would not judge anyone for getting plastic surgery - if I had a tummy that wouldnt shift despite exercise after children, then I would consider it no problem. If it was purely to try to beat the ageing process, then no.

nix84

I wouldn't touch my face. I'm not gorgeous but it's me and it will do! If I won the Lotto however I would have lipo, tummy tuck, breast lift and perhaps a slight downsize (to the dismay of my bf no doubt! lol). Oh and laser eye surgery but I don't think that counts.

LilMsss

Neyite wrote: »

In my twenties, I was massively insecure about my boobs - I was a 32a, and a size 6-8, so though they were small, they were proportinate to my overall build, but had I the cash at the time, or the ability to get a loan for it, I probably would not have hesitated. But in hindsight, it would have been a mistake. My insecurity was eventually addressed by me in my late twenties, and I love the person that emerged from that process. I am now a 10, 32b, and feel that the surgery that I would have sold my soul for 10 years ago is not for me anymore.

My sister and I were comparing our wrinkles yesterday - I have a few eye wrinkles, that foundation only makes worse, so i now wear tinted moisturiser. Now, thats easy for me to say, I do look young for my age so I still would pass for 5-10 years younger. But I kind of like the way it gives my face character.

I would not judge anyone for getting plastic surgery - if I had a tummy that wouldnt shift despite exercise after children, then I would consider it no problem. If it was purely to try to beat the ageing process, then no.

I think it's very brave for you to admit that you were once at the stage where you would gladly have gone under the knife, had that been an option at the time.

You seem to have a very balanced view of surgery and body image, and what would be appropriate for you and your life. So many people are terrified of aging, and those that do engage in surgery, as in many female celebrities tend to look strange and overdone when they try to halt the aging process.

Like you, I would never consider surgical intervention for aging, or to change any aspect of my face. In saying that, I am very lucky, because even though I'm 30, I pass for much younger, and so do all of the women in my family.

flowerchild

Like a lot of things in life, they can do great good or great harm. Reconstructive surgery after cancer canbe very healing. Fixing up teeth can help people eat and engage with the world again. But getting larger breasts in order to feel more confident may not be dealing with the real issue. Would I feel differently about a person? No, except to be aware that they might lack confidence at a core level and might need gentle handling/support.

OakeyDokey

I wouldn't mind having my teeth straightened and laser eye surgery but I wouldn't really call that cosmetic surgery.

starlit

Nay, I'd rather grow old with wrinkles gracefully.

Azureus

Im in the process of getting my teeth fixed, but that was as much for pratical reasons as it is for cosmetic purposes.

I have always said that if I have the means I would probably get Botox if I really needed it. Im all about self preservation if its not invasive, which I dont think Botox is but I know there are multiple views on the subject.

That said, I do not really agree with lipo and tummy tucks etc etc, its nothing that cant be achieved naturally so I think people should work harder to achieve a healthier lifestyle and achieve these goals without surgery. Life is full of quick fixes these days.

I wouldnt have a boob job or a nose job despite thinking that if I could make myself missus potato head I would definately put on a smaller nozzle! Its not worth the pain or the risks involved imo;plus its vanity at its height and I would do my best to distance myself from ever being that kind of person.

I completely agree with any reconstructive surgery eg after a masectomy or bad burns etc. To me that is in a whole different debate to other cosmetic sugeries. Each to their own at the end of the day but I do think its said how invasive surgeries have become so accepted and so normal.

Boxerdog

I am deeply uncomfortable with the thought of pure cosmetic (as opposed to reconstructive-type) surgery for a number of reasons. Like another poster said, it indirectly puts pressure on everyone else to look "perfect" and what particularly bothers me is that it seems to be a really unethical way to use scarce healthcare resources. I know in Ireland that cosmetic surgery is not directly paid for by the taxpayer but in reality the doctors were trained at public expense, as were the nurses and all ancillary healthcare personnel. I feel appalled that someone could be using these resources to make a perfectly adequate appearance somehow better or enhanced, while our healtcare resources in so many areas are so strained.

And I say all this as someone with a fairly unsightly birthmark (not on my face but on a usually visible part of my body) that I would only get removed if there was some medical reason for it. Sure I'd look better without it but it's part of me in a way and I don't see the need to undergo pain and all the risks of cosmetic surgery and consume resources just cause I'd be prettier without my unsightly dark birthmark.

flowerchild

If I had breasts of different sizes, would I have plastic surgery? No, in the same way I don't do that for feet of different sizes. As any staff member in a shoe store or any expereinced bra fitter will tell you, it is normal to have slight variation in the size of components of your body. You just get fitted for the larger size and make adjustments with straps or socks (for your shoes lol).

I had a neighbour who had breast surgery. She maintained it was for health reasons. Her argument was that her breasts were very large compared with her frame and the weight hurt her shoulders. The size looked normal to me, but people have different perceptions. She had the surgery, which was expensive, took a long time to recover from, and was painful.

But when I looked at her after the recovery, her breasts were perky like a woman in her early 20s and the rest of her body was a woman in her 40s. In a way that was subtle and yet real the whole thing didn't 'fit' together. Our brains take in a lot of info unconsciously and her new body just didn;t compute, despite the quality of her chosen surgeon and surgery.

Did her choice put pressure on me to do the same? No, I would always rather go my own way. Anything else is not taking responsibility for your own choices.

tan11ie

Yay all the way - feck growing old gracefully

cailinrua2011

has anybody here actually had cosmetic surgery and if so with who. looking foir advice:)

Stench Blossoms

I had a rhinoplasty about 2 years ago. I broke my nose when I was young and there was always a 'hump' there but there is also a family tradition of a big nose.

A lot of people didn't even notice, but some noticed that there was something different about me but that they couldn't put their finger on what it was.

I'm glad I got it done. My nose was something that always bothered me.

I might throw up some before and after pictures.