by Mariana T.
Member since:
May 10, 2006

Plastic Surgery - Would You?

November 23, 2007 09:51 PM UTC
views: 0 | comments: 43

A friend of mine recently had plastic surgery.  We've been friends since we were freshman in high school and have suffered through each other's insecurities.  Her job is dealing with the public.  Maybe this is why she feels she has to look as good as she can.  Before the surgery, I thought she looked beautiful.  I always saw her as a kind and thoughtful friend. 

I told her that I don't look too closely at a person's physical appearance.  She says she does and she thinks others do too.  Well, at 58, skin starts to sag.  It depends on genetics and of course how well you've taken care of yourself.  The first thing I notice about a person is usually their attitude.   What you think about yourself and the world is what shows on your face.  Cheerful thought is the fountain of youth and makes the face glow. 

My friend went through plastic surgery.  She had the good old face lift, her eyes de-fatted and something added to her chin.  I believe they also lifted her neck.  When we talked she told me that it was extremely painful.  She had also fallen and broken a suture.  She was miserable and her new husband of six months had left her.

Do you think it's worth it to go through plastic surgery for vanity?  Thank you.  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  Salud.

Comments: 43

Janet B. Nov 23, 2007, 9:57pm UTC
I'd never have any kind of plastic surgery. Take me as I am.
Debbie G. Nov 23, 2007, 10:11pm UTC
I can't see myself ever doing it.
Amanda P. Nov 23, 2007, 10:13pm UTC
I would never do it. I can't stand needles.
Lynn D. Nov 23, 2007, 10:34pm UTC
Personally, I have had plastic surgery for medical reasons, and YES I am all for it, for vanity No way. Since each one of us is different, if it helps our self-esteem in the long run then go for it. Do research and have all your questions answered. Make sure you go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
Vicky Duggins Nov 23, 2007, 10:34pm UTC
No, I'd never do it. People like Joan Rivers, Cher and Priscilla Presley aren't fooling anyone and look like exhibits in a wax museum. I think plastic surgery is a wonderful thing for people whose face had been disfigured in an accident or fire, or someone with a medical reason, but it's not for me. I just wish we could use the Soft Focus filter on Photoshop on our real faces. Now that would work.
Bernadette H. Nov 23, 2007, 10:35pm UTC
I would. There are some things I would do but I think the face in reflection of the life and the soul.
♥kyra D. Nov 23, 2007, 10:36pm UTC
I'd love to get a tummy tuck one day. I use to have such a nice tummy but having kids... and age (I guess) has changed that. I'd love to be able to put a swim suit on and feel attractive. I also think it would help with back pain.

I don't think physical appearance is that important when I look at others, but I hate the way I look right now and if given the opportunity... I would fix this. Not that I want to but I don't think I'm brave enough to mess with my face. I've seen too many bad face lifts. At least if the doc messed my tummy up.... I could hide it... you can't very well hide your face.
. .. Nov 23, 2007, 10:38pm UTC
Nah. It's not worth it just to LOOK good. I know it's necessary in a lot of cases, but elective? Why go through that? Plus, I've heard that once you do it, you gotta keep having more and more to stay on top of it, or else you'll end up looking worse than you did before.
Sue * Nov 23, 2007, 10:40pm UTC
I'm such a chicken, that I would only have surgery if I had to! Yes, I notice that my neck isn't what it was at 25, and I know that things are only going to get worse...but, at least I look like me! I want to be able to move my face (no botox) and I don't want puffy lips (I think it looks stupid) and I wouldn't risk my life for vanity.
donna c. Nov 23, 2007, 10:46pm UTC
nope... I think God breaks the mold with each individual and you shouldn't mess with his work
♥kyra D. Nov 23, 2007, 10:48pm UTC
BTW~I think true beauty comes from within and Mariana.... you are one of the most lovely ladies I know.
Janine D. Nov 23, 2007, 10:49pm UTC
No, I don't think so. In fact I had to have surgery on my nose to correct a breathing problem. The surgeon asked if I wanted to have my nose reshaped at the same time. I declined and still have the slight bump on the bridge of my nose that I inherited from my mom.
Cecile V. Nov 23, 2007, 11:27pm UTC
When I worked at the YMCA one of the beautiful mom's in the aerobics class got a boob job, then three or 4 others decided they had to do the same thing. As I listened to them talk about their beautiful bodies, and all of the material things they owned... I realized that I was at complete peace with my sagging hour glass figure and the well earned wrinkles on my face, and I had more wealth than any of them and it couldn't be bought.
Mariana T. Nov 23, 2007, 11:31pm UTC
Miz Cecile - I couldn't have said it better - You go girl, you're beautiful and you do have a great shape!

Ruth - I agree on that - thanks

Rebecca - thank you.

Janine - I know many folks who have deviated septums corrected and some go ahead and get the whole thing done.

more later. Salud.
Laurun M. Nov 23, 2007, 11:43pm UTC
Part of me says yes and the sensible part of me says no. What if something went wrong? I would always think "It serves me right for being so vain." True beauty is from within.
Mariana T. Nov 24, 2007, 1:15am UTC
Thank you Jennifer - I know what you mean.
Laurun - until we are there, we don't know - but my friend did say that now she feels less tired looking - not necessarily younger but the surgery will only last 5 years...
Vicky - you are so funny - Couldn't wait to see what you had to say!
Bernadette - so very true~ more later. SAlud.
Tonia, who hugs trees G. Nov 24, 2007, 1:47am UTC
I would only do it if it was medically necessary for some reason. Personally, I've always loved all the stories that a well-lived in face tells.
Lisa E. Nov 24, 2007, 8:28am UTC
I would never do it. The idea of going through all that just for vanity's sake doesn't seem necessary, or smart. There are all these horror stories of people who go through plastic surgery, like your friend, it just doesn't seem worth it. I agree with Tonia, the only way I would do it is if it was medically necessary.

~~~~

(Please check out my story, The Friend Behind the Mask--First Chapter, I've entered it in the Court TV Search for the Next Great Crime Writer Contest, and would appreciate your votes, thanks!)
jJack Midknight Nov 24, 2007, 9:45am UTC
I really don't care if others find the need, but personally, I'm too pretty the way it is *chuckle*
Trish A. Nov 24, 2007, 9:52am UTC
I know the risks of any surgery and have no desire to take that risk unless medically needed.

I celebrate each wrinkle and line and hope I can remember the lesson that goes with each.
Ina ♥ ♥ Nov 24, 2007, 10:43am UTC
Not for vanity, no. I'm really quite vain but I wouldn't go to those lengths.

A woman I work with is about 58 and newly single (again). Her insecurities are showing, as for the past year she's been having one lift after another. The face, the eyes, the neck. Sure, she looks younger from the neck up, but what can we do about our aging hands? I think it's just too obvious.
Dalal A. Nov 24, 2007, 10:55am UTC
It is very personal. I think I wouldn't go under the knife to please someone else. But if it affects one psychologically maybe. However it could get addictive. Beauty in the inside is a necessity to complement everything no doubt.
No way, for me. I love my wrinkles... I love my laugh lines and they add character, not to mention that they prove that I do smile a lot. I look at pictures of myself from my twenties and thirties and say "she had potential to be beautiful." My body isn't perfect but really, whose is? I make the most of what the Lord gave me, and I'm happy with who I am.
Linda K. Nov 24, 2007, 1:24pm UTC
One of my good friends went to Southern California and had a face lift as well as laser treatment. She looks good but it was very painful. I got the ok from the insurance for breast reduction but I backed out. I have neck pain and back pain but I just can't imagine going through the risks untill it becomes absolutely necessary. Of course, my husband thought it would be fun to have them pointing up instead of down :-) I don't think I would ever have my face done.
William M. Nov 24, 2007, 1:35pm UTC
Short and sweet. No way.
Mariana T. Nov 24, 2007, 1:39pm UTC
Yall are wonderful - I'm loving the comments and am now going to visit each of you at your sights & will comment here again later. One thing I do have to say:
We are as Young right now as we'll ever be - Smile . Salud.
Connie C. Nov 24, 2007, 2:50pm UTC
Plastic surgery is not for me. I look at the personality of a person not the outward appearance.
Raymond Mardo Nov 24, 2007, 3:14pm UTC
It all depends on the individual and the reason. Some women have breast reductions because they want to avoid major back problems. That is cosmetic and will change their appearance, but it will also increase their level of comfort by eliminating pain.
Help me get a publishing deal with a 10 rating and a comment. I comment back.
Marie J. R. Nov 24, 2007, 4:33pm UTC
If I were to mess with what the good Lord gave me,,,I would be in big trouble,,, only because,,, I'm almost 75 and He has taken good care of me that I'm still here,,,
If someone feels fine with it then it's up to them,,,
Mariana T. Nov 25, 2007, 1:12am UTC
Thank yall so much for coming to comment on this article. Miz Marie - you certainly are well-preserved for your age! I agree Lyla - I couldn't go through the pain anyway!
Raymond - good luck on your story - and you're right but that's a necessity not a vanity
Connie - I do as well. Later, Salud.
lynn a. Nov 25, 2007, 3:14am UTC
No. I'd just rather live with myself the way I am. However, I am not opposed to it totally. My mother-in-law had some pretty horrible scars -- to her-- not to anyone else from a car accident she was in as a child. Finally in her 40's she had plastic surgery, and it made her feel so much better. Sometimes I think it is worth it. At present there is a scar running across my nose from an injury at work as well as one above my lip. At times I admit it is difficult for me to accept them, but most of the time it doesn't bother me. If I were 20 I might feel differently.
Miz Lynn aka/BooBoo Nov 25, 2007, 9:37am UTC
For reasons of deformity yes, vanity no. I plan to grow old gracefully with lots of Oil of Olay.
Elsie Duggan Nov 25, 2007, 4:06pm UTC
Lol Lynn, me and you with the Oil of Olay, I love it, Mariana, I hate what age has done to my neck, that is the only place I can see my real age, and mostly that is because I lost 42 lbs, during the year from 80 to 81. I like not having the weight, but never had a neck problem before, nice and filled out from fat. Now my doctor says be healthy and stay the way you are, and forget about the neck, buy some scarves if it really bothers you, so guess I will shop for one or two if I am going to go somewhere that I care what other's think. My kids don't seem to notice it, at least that is what they say, don't you think we all are our worst critics, I do, but I am fortunate to have held on to what I have at this age, No surgery for me, have had enough that was necessity on other parts of my body.
Mariana T. Nov 25, 2007, 4:24pm UTC
Elsie - you have the face of someone 20 years younger and who is going to bother to look at your neck anyway - if they do, tell them to keep on trucking - your whole face is a beam of light and your hair is a halo - in other words, you're a beautiful lady - mama used oil of olay and she had pretty skin too - maybe I should start using it - hi Lynn - I don't blame you - me too - lol...
Lynn, I have a scar from a dog bite on my face and it's causing a few wrinkles to appear so who knows - any suggestions are appreciate. Salud.
Tina Coruth Nov 25, 2007, 7:02pm UTC
Despite being 57 years old, I don't need plastic surgery. Hardly a line in sight. Here is my secret: I take off my glasses before I look in the mirror! LOL
Debbie H. Nov 25, 2007, 7:22pm UTC
Never would!!! I have seen so many people do this too!!! Sometimes it works...sometimes it doesn't!!!
Curt L. Nov 25, 2007, 7:38pm UTC
I am kind of afraid of this surgery, Mariana. A 10!
Krista P. Nov 29, 2007, 7:46pm UTC
Each to her (or his) own but not for this girl. I earned my age day by day and if I end up as a brain on a stick...so be it!
Cristina S. Nov 30, 2007, 6:04am UTC
For vanity - never!

But Mariana, having a scar in your face from having been bitten - and letting a really EXCELLENT surgeon take care of it, is not vanity in my book. It is simply removing a disfigurement, same as scars from an automobile accident or maybe from a fire. And in the case of a dog bite, having that removed, if it is possible, may help resolve a trauma. I have worked with a little boy who was bitten and had a scar in his face. Making the decision to have the scar removed was a very big step in his being able to look back on what happened and actually say: it wasn't the dog's fault. His owner trained him to attack people...
Mariana T. Nov 30, 2007, 11:47am UTC
Hi Cristina - thanks so much for this comment - I wasn't aware scars could be removed like that...well, it's not actually disfiguring - to some it may look like a deep wrinkle and well, this dog is one I've had since it was a baby down on the streets of Louisiana...I picked him and his brother up - little babies full of mange...so they're my kids and they are now 12 - long story but I so appreciate your comment and will check into it - I have medical insurance and live in a vane place so there's probably an excellent surgeon here...if I should go that route...thanks

Miz Krista - a brain on a stick - omg - mine might be half a brain and boy on a stick would suit me fine!!! You're wonderful and I'm loving all your comments...

Curt!! I know what you mean

Debbie - oh girl, good to see you and you're beautiful inside and out so you don't need anything!!!

Tina - great to see your wonderful sense of humor!!
Thank everyone who came to visit me! Salud.

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