Time for a Nipntuck?
“Am I ready for cosmetic surgery?” or “Is it time for me to have this surgery?” Fortunately, the answer is very simple, “Yes and no!”
As we age, most everyone can find improvements to be made in their physical appearance. For that reason you might be “ready” for cosmetic surgery. However, another way to look at it is that a patient can always be sold cosmetic surgery. Wrinkles that could be smoothed, droopy skin tightened, or fat collections removed. But, unless these things bother you, be wary of a surgeon who tries to sell you surgery that you do not ask about.
I always recommend that patients consider cosmetic surgery only when something bothers them. If nothing bothers you, there is no need to correct it. People often accept their appearance for many years until one day it simply becomes bothersome to them. This is a personal awareness and there is no specific age connected to it.
My mother’s situation is a good example. She grew up in a simple rural home during the depression. My youth was simple and uncomplicated, as this is what my parents were accustomed. Personal extravagances were just not on the radar. Five years after my father’s death, my mother approached me about facial rejuvenation surgery. This was completely unexpected by me. I actually put her off for a couple of years, until she put her foot down and insisted on the surgery, preferring that I do it.
In retrospect, it makes complete sense now. She was content and secure with herself before she was widowed. She came to the new realization that she felt self-conscious about her appearance, once she had finished grieving. She was finally ready to resume a social life, but did not like what she saw in the mirror. At 78 years old, I chose to do a series of single surgeries, safely rejuvenating her face one step at a time. Afterwards, I think she was ready and eager to pursue social activities and shortly thereafter met someone special.
So my message is: If something about your outward appearance bothers you, consider fixing it. It might make all the difference in the world about how you feel on the inside. Certainly my mom would agree!
