Cosmetic surgery - worth the risk?

Mmmn...i wish I felt comfortable in my skin! I never have, even when I was slim and (relatively) pretty. I appreciate that some have an innate sense of confidence gained from, perhaps, loving, mutually-appreciative relationships, or a sense of confidence gained from a long and high-achieving career.
Others of us don't have that luxury, sadly. Some of us have been put aside in favour of a younger, tauter model; others of us are still trying to make our way in an increasingly competitive and youth-obsessed world of work.

Im in the second category, and I'll consider anything that gives me a bit if an edge, or simply keeps me in the running. bitter, moi?

I'm with Anya and Luckygirl on this one. I have had so much emergency life-saving surgery that I would never decide to have anything cosmetic. I'm also at ease in my own skin – which is now close to 66 years old – so it would be a no for me. However, if that's what you want, it isn't for anyone else to tell you no.

PS NanKate I don't think tooth/teeth implants are a waste of money. Let us know how it goes.

Luckygirl I don't think it's all about aging. If I lose a lot of the extra weight I'm carrying, I don't think my face will shrink very well and I could be left with slack skin. I've never had a good jaw line and would love to not look like I still have a double chin. That's an example of 'better'. A few years ago I bought a Groupon offer to have some thread veins on my face removed. I hate them and am very conscious of them, so I was thrilled at the results. I would have more of that done if needs be.

gettingonabit I think we're talking about the same thing. Didn't know how much it costs though. Nice to hear the consultant say you don't need it done, very honest of them! When I had my thread veins done the doctor was upfront with me about what veins could be done, so I had a good idea of what to expect. I would go to her again for that reason.

I had my teeth whitened, just a few shades, and am thrilled with the results. I can top this up once a year which is excellent.

Having a tooth implant next month. One friend thinks I am wasting my money, but I often get compliments on my teeth.

So go for your face enhancer if that is what will please you.

I don't like lip fillers one bit, they never look natural.

wilma I've looked into getting a thread lift. It's called the "lunchtime facelift" I think. At the appointment the consultant told me I didn't need it donewhich I thought was quite sweet of her (I DO need it done, imho).

I'm not sure whether to go for the thread lift (at about £1500) or a "proper" facelift (considerably more)..

Go for it, OP.

I am a no but only through fear of something going wrong and financial constraints . I don`t feel too bad yet but I am only 64 and have just lost some weight which has improved my own self perception . Make up helps enormously and wearing fashionable clothes within reason .

Go for it if it is what you want x

Define better - it usually comes down to wanting to eliminate signs of aging.

I always said I would never have anything done except have my boob's reduced. I still want to do that, but I want to lose a fair bit of weight first - and I don't have the money.

I have been looking at videos on YouTube of non-surgical facelift done with threads under the skin. The results are not permanent, but they last a while and fade naturally. I'm fascinated by it, but not sure if I would have it done.

Fillers and botox are not for me, but I would consider having something done to firm up my jaw line - if I had the money.

It's not about looking younger, more about looking better.

That's my view as well Luckygirl but you put it better than I could. I really wouldn't want to give my DD this message and hope she will feel able to grow old gracefully and naturally.

I suppose that what offends me is that having cosmetic surgery is buying in to the idea that the signs of aging are unacceptable - that the only good look is youthful. I don't agree.

Not only find a good surgeon, check out where he/she works because some private clinics/hospitals are run like a factory and not everybody, including medical staff is qualified. The old saying, buyer beware applies here.

I am in the "out" camp.

Definitely not for me.

I would do it. I am saving up for a neck lift LOL when I've paid for my dental work !

I wouldn't myself, but if that's what you want then go for it. Sounds like Nannylovesshopping certainly has no regrets

Just check out reviews for any surgeon you are thinking of using.

Good luck

I had a lot of loose skin on my eye lids and when having an annual eye test, the optician said she would refer me to the eye clinic to have the skin removed ( a blepharoplasty). The consultant decided to do a brow lift at the same time. The operation was painless, but the bruising took weeks to disappear. I am really pleased with the results. Go for it.

I'm in the "yes" camp. I haven't had any serious "work" done, yet but I've had Botox and fillers. I wouldn't hesitate if I could afford it. Go for it!

Make sure you do your homework (I'm sure that goes without saying).

Hi I had eye lid excess skin removed and also bags removed about 10 years ago, best thing I could have done for me, I had twilight procedure, as thought less risk than a general, didnt feel a thing, once swelling had gone down (pretty horrific) in 3 weeks looked amazing for me, I looked so much less tired and haggard, I am not particularly vain, dont mind wrinkles, laughter lines,etc, rarely put my face on, so have no desire to go down the botox or facelift route, but this was so the right procedure for my well-being if you decide to go ahead, do your research, ask to see professional qualifications, before and after pics, and in this case, you do get what you pay for, dont go for the cheapest option. good luck

I wouldn't put myself at risk by having unnecessary surgery its enough of a risk when its for health reasons. Lots of people do and it goes without a hitch so I guess its down to your own perception of the pros and cons. Sorry but I'm in the NO camp.