Vibrancy in the Workplace
May 6th, 2009
Workplace vitality is important in all business. This is appreciated not only through energy and productivity but also in physical appearance. Appropriate make up, hair style and clothing for the business setting may go a long way toward meeting the physical appearance criteria. A healthy body appearance is also an asset. However, an aged face may negate many of the positive factors.
Women and men often turn to facial rejuvenation surgery to maintain their perceived look of youthful vitality for continued success in the business arena. A recent survey by the American Society for Aesthetic Surgery confirms this.
Patients usually present in my office when they hear comments like, “You look tired. Did you rest well last night?” They also might hear, “You look angry or Are you mad at me?” Most of the time these comments are in response to the aging appearance of eyelids and forehead. Frown lines, sagging eyebrows and lower eyelid bags all contribute to this unflattering perception.
Injections may be a quick fix and often buy time until more permanent solutions are considered. Botox(Trademark) reduces muscle activity which creates prominent frown lines and crow’s feet. Filler materials mask the bags of the lower eyelids. Both of these are inexpensive and have require very little recovery. Unfortunately, they are all temporary.
Surgery gives a longer term and sometimes permanent solution. Forehead lift raises drooping eyebrows and reduces drown lines. Lower eyelid surgery reduces lower eyelid bags, while upper eyelid surgery elimiates extra upper eyelid skin and fat. These procedures may be combined to yield dramatic improvements in that “tired or angry” look.
Sometimes business executives choose a facelift, as well. This procedure is very effective in rejuvenating the neck, jowls and cheeks, yielding a rested and more youthful appearance. These treatments might be just what the doctor ordered to maintain that edge you have always had in business!
Psst, did you hear?
May 4th, 2009
“What should I tell my family and friends?” or “I am afraid of what they might think or say.” These are important considerations when contemplating cosmetic surgery. Many cultural, personal, and family factors come to play.
Some patients fear the comment, “You should accept yourself just the way you are.” Unfortunately, life changes including aging, injury, pregnancy or weight loss contribute to the way you are “now,” which may be different from the way you “were.” Both Melissa and Jennifer relate changes which occurred as a result of multiple pregnancies. They wanted to go back to the way they were. It is their prior body image which has persisted in their minds eye, different from the image in the mirror now.
Others hear, “You shouldn’t spend this money for selfish reasons, your family should come first.” They imply that the surgery denies the the family of something. Obviously in Melissa’s case this is not true, as her husband got the flat screen TV before she even considered breast surgery. Arguably, according to Jennifer, her improved feelings of self-confidence and self-esteem helped to improve her interactions with her husband and children.
I always advise patients to be honest with family and friends. Most of the time, supportive comments outweigh negative feedback. Invariably, patients are often surprised by the support regarding their decision to have cosmetic surgery. Jennifer states her husband’s view was, “Whatever makes you happy,” while Melissa’s friends approach her with comments of support and questions to get more information. After all, aren’t the best relationships based on honesty?
On rare occasions, there are family and friends which can be very vocal in their opposition to a patient’s decision. This is unfortunate. Try to understand that they may have the same feelings as you do about themselves (misery loves company). Ironically, friends and family who protest the most, are frequently the first referrals to arrive in my office for similar surgery!
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