Cosmetic procedures

With you - Dont ask me -- if I had the money -- I'd have the lot done.

I have always sworn that I wouldn't have any procedure that involved a general anaesthetic unless it was a matter of life or death or relieving a very painful and immobilising condition; and that certainly rules out cosmetic procedures.

Visited a friend last night who has just had laser treatment around her eyes. At the moment it looks dreadful as the skin is burnt but I will be interested to see what the final effect is and then I might be tempted myself.

I'd be terrified of having an unnecessary procedure - just in case it went wrong. I don't mind ageing - it's part of life and I begrudge unnecessarily filling the pockets of cosmetic surgeons unless of course there is a proper medical reason for so doing. A new hairdo is what makes me feel good - and that's a lot cheaper and safer than a cosmetic procedure. Also in the longer term necks and hands are a giveaway re ageing. I couldn't go through with the pain just to make me look 'better' for a few months for no good reason. That said if it's what someone really wants to do it's up to them!

I just love Dontaskme's positivity.

Dontaskme, it’s an entirely personal choice, isn’t it, and if you feel better for having it done and have researched it well, then go ahead. It’s not for everyone, but what a dull old world it would be if we were all the same! Good luck and be happy ? .

I'm quite fair, fair skin, don't tan, a few freckles over my nose, blue eyes brown hair (dyed reddish brown nowadays but my eyebrows have always been blonde...almost invisible.
I'm toying with the idea of microblading and having a jaw tightening procedure but it may well stay as just a thought. My OH laughed when I mentioned it and said he wouldn't recognise me. I suppose that I'm just being super critical of myself and others don't view me in the same way.

I would not do any of these things myself - but it is down to everyone to decide for themselves. BUT I have read in a psychology book, written by an academic with a Phd, and based on research , that there is a real down side to botox. It works by paralyzing tiny muscles and smoothing out wrinkles as it does so - the result is that you do look younger. However, it has an effect on how your face shows and reflects the feelings of others: when we are with someone who is either happy or sad, empathy enables us to connect with them and this is reflected in our facial expression. We 'mirror' their face and feelings - this is not consciously done, but is natural and signals to the other person our entering into their experience and feelings. It also affects us directly - that unconscious change in our faces informs our brains about the feelings of the person we are with, so we respond appropriately and feel empathetic. As they say, our unconscious is like the main part of the ice berg which is under water - our conscious mind is the smaller part of the iceberg which is above water. This research helps our conscious mind understand consequences we would not otherwise have even thought of.

Personally, I would never have anything done to my face or any other part of my body. I have had far too many serious things happen in my life to be interested in improving my face or boobs or whatever (although they could do with it). Good luck to those who do though. If this doesn't make me a hypocrite, I have had a hair system fitted as all my hair fell out. To my mind, there is a difference between not wanting to be bald and having lines etc removed, maybe some won't agree.

Good for you, I would have a face lift if I could afford it. No different from having teeth or hair done in my book.

I don't mind looking older and wiser. I work with a lady to whom the phrase 'mutton dressed as lamb' seems to apply. One of the best compliments i've received from my grand daughter is that I look like a real grandma, that will do for me!

Anyone who says they don't want to look good is a fibber! If you want to have work done to look good, its not hurting anyone else, you can afford it, and it makes you feel good, blooming well do it! Life is too short! I have to have botox, but for my migraines, not because of how I look. If I could afford it I would have several nips n tucks here and there, just around me tummy, be lovely to see me feet again without that fatty apron my kids lovingly left me with after four c-sections lol! ;-) Live well, be careful, always go with someone that you can read the reviews on, and be aware of the dangers before you have any kind of procedure, and have a wonderful life! x

I have not had fillers or botox but I spent a fortune having my teeth capped and some implants when it was either dentures or missing teeth. What is the difference? I didn't want to look 'old' in the way we remember our parents or grandparents.
On previous posts we have recommended to each other the best moisturisers or make up and I don't remember many posts saying it was all a waste of time and money.

Dontaskme

Are you referring to Jan '18 or Jan '17 when you say you had the fillers?

Dontaskme A friend of mine aged about 73, has been having fillers and botox for several years now and she doesn't look any different except has a very fresh face and looks natural. I looked into having botox many year's ago, even made the appointment, but decided to cancel. I am very sensitive to all sorts of things and although they "test" I am worried I may have a reaction.

The problems come if you try to turn back time. Some people we see on television get away with it, but then they are using the top cosmetic surgeons. However, I often wonder what these would look like in person, as on tv they use filters and heavy tv make up hides a multitude of sins.

I always say do whatever makes you feel better, as long as you're not hurting anyone else - what does it matter?

Each to their own and we all need to find what works for us and makes us happy with the way we look. When people tell me I don't look my age, it makes me feel good even if they are just being polite!
I do think when someone asks a question then it does not mean people can weigh in with nasty comments. If you don't agree then you can say why without being nasty - some comments, if said in person would even be bordering on bullying but I suspect those people would be the first to condemn bullying. Not sure these procedures are for me but stay happy Don'taskme and you are hurting no one so do what works for you.

Perhaps I should add my second husband is 6 years younger than me and is very young looking - I saw my cousin who I hadn’t seen for 10 years and he asked if HB was my elder son!!

I had my marionette lines (mouth to chin droopy bits)filled almost three years ago and the results were marvellous, but no one would have said that I’d had ‘work’ done. It’s only now that they are coming back. Mine are worse on one side as I lost a couple of teeth next to each in my lower jaw in my late teens before fancy implants etc so it’s worse that side as I don’t have teeth there to support the skin. I’m lucky that my facial skin is very good with virtually no wrinkles but my neck gives my age away! Fillers in the right hands were brilliant for me

Beauty secrets are just that keep them to yourself, there will always be some who will take the joy out of how you are feeling, when you feel so good and you want to share.

I just think it’s a shame that we can’t accept the way our faces and bodies change as we grow older. Like Grandma70s I wonder why it’s so important to look younger. What’s wrong with looking good as we are (and I don’t mean ‘good for our age’ which makes me want to scream). The idea of surgery, or medical procedures in pursuit of lost youth makes me uncomfortable and quite sad.

I would probably look younger if I had my nose-to-mouth lines done. I have the frown lines, too, but I have never bothered about those. I wouldn’t have anything done.

What I DON’T understand is why people want to look younger. Are they ashamed of being old? If so, why?

dontaskme I agree with oldMeg, it’s a very personal thing and the psychological benefit of feeling you look the best version of yourself shouldn’t be underestimated.
I’ve not had anything done to my face as I’m happy with it as it is, but I have my hair coloured and I’ve had my teeth whitened. No essential difference in my view.

What I don’t like is the way that young women in their 20’s and 30’s are persuaded that they should have Botox/fillers as a preventive measure to stop wrinkles developing. That does cross a line for me. It’s one thing using moisturiser to prevent UV damage to your skin, but cosmetic procedures in a preventive way does seem to be exploiting women’s insecurities about their appearance.

Yes OldMeg, thank you. MOnica - you colour your hair, dress the same as your GD, jump about on trains yet people know you are elderly. Have some botox and fillers to go with the hair and clothes then no-one will know!
I did actually ask if anyone else had had anything done - still no-one is joining in although most of the clients who go to my cosmetic Doctor are over 50 so I'd be surprised if, apart from Esspee, not one of you have tried things. I just wondered what others had been up to is all. Next time I'll ask how the varicose veins are or if anyone has a recipe for lardy cake. Most of the other threads are soooo interesting, exciting and different after all. Just saying.

dontaskme I'm glad you raised it. I have been toying for ages with having botox into the frown lines on my brow '11s' and recently had an appointment which I cancelled. I think you have given me the courage to at least have the consultation.

PS Monica could you be in danger of virtue signalling?