Youth Is Wasted On The Young

Posted Thursday, September 6, 2007 to PROCEDURES > Anti-Aging

Posted by The Original Anti-Aging & Cosmetic Surgery Magazine

Cosmetic surgery is increasingly viewed as an option for maintaining self-esteem as we age, explains Michelle Kearney.

As we get older time seems to be speeding up. Years fly past and suddenly when we look in the mirror we hardly recognize the person staring back at us.We still feel the same, think the same, and more often than not - act the same. What happened?

The average life expectancy in Western Society has increased to mid-70s for men and early 80s for women. With common retirement around age 65, suddenly many are faced with 20 or so years stretching ahead. Most of us want to look as good as we feel, but there is still that niggling voice saying "don't be so vain" or "just age gracefully". Why?

I say they'll have to drag me there kicking and screaming! I want to look in the mirror and see me as the best I can be. I don't want to be "perfect", or look like someone else, or even look like I'm 20 years younger. I just want to look as happy and relaxed as I feel. It's true society is becoming more and more youth oriented, but I don't advocate cosmetic surgery just to look "young". I feel it can be a valuable method for maintaining confidence and self-esteem.

Unfortunately, the aging face is not just wrinkles and saggy skin. Its total appearance can make us look unhappy or cranky or tired. This can be in complete contrast to how we actually feel. Don't feel guilty for wanting to improve your looks, or just to look how you actually feel inside. It is a perfectly normal part of human behavior.

While cosmetic surgery is not for everyone, it should not be dismissed as vain or frivolous. A recent study at Griffith University examined the emotional impact of cosmetic surgery on patients and their families. It found the emotional experience of cosmetic surgery was, largely, a beneficial one in which many patients indicated they would elect to undergo the same procedure again if necessary. They enjoyed significant positive psychological outcomes and growth of self-esteem and confidence.

Cosmetic surgery is now an accepted part of life and is no longer associated with extended convalescence or unbearable pain. Advances in technology have revolutionized the field of cosmetic surgery and made it part of mainstream medicine. It is not just for the rich and famous, but is now available to everyone. New techniques have made many operations into day surgery procedures. In many cases, depending on the procedure, a general anesthetic is not necessary and twilight sedation is increasingly an alternative. It is important to always remember that cosmetic surgery is real surgery and should still be investigated thoroughly before being undertaken.

The field of cosmetic surgery is wider than many people realize and encompasses procedures such as laser resurfacing of wrinkles and sun-damage, removal of unwanted facial hair, fading of brown pigment or "age spots", removal of tattoos or birthmarks, hair transplants, LASIK vision correction and cosmetic dentistry. Well known cosmetic surgery procedures include facelift, brow lift, liposuction (removal of fatty deposits), blepharoplasty (for "bags" and "hoods" around the eyes), rhinoplasty (nose surgery) and breast reshaping. There are also less-invasive options available such as facial peels, Restylane, collagen replacement therapy and creams containing alpha-hydroxy acids or essential fatty acids or enzyme treatments. The list is endless. Sometimes it is surprising how a small change to our appearance can give a large boost to our self-esteem.

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