Tell us what you think about women using botox and other cosmetic procedures?
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11 Responses to “Tell us what you think about women using botox and other cosmetic procedures?”
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Vivian Diller, Ph.D. & Jill Sukenick, Ph.D.
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May 4th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
I wish women were less competitive with each other and more supportive. Maybe then we could all age gracefully together instead of trying to look prettier (i.e., younger) than others in your age group.
May 5th, 2010 at 1:02 am
Tina,
There are a lot of women who feel the way you do. We all have to speak up and actively support one another in order to change the way women feel compelled to deal with their aging looks. It’s one of the reasons we started this blog. Thanks for your comment and spread the word. Dr. Vivian
May 6th, 2010 at 4:04 am
About Botox-as a medical professional, I have serious concerns about using such an incredibly dangerous toxin for cosmetic use. Now, to paralyze muscles for people who have tremors that won’t stop, that’s a different story. There HAS to be a better way to beauty than using a “poison”!
As for surgical and non-surgical options for improving your looks-I feel that if you are coming at this from a well rounded, well thought out viewpoint-go for it. I truely approve of places that require Psych. counseling, just to make sure that this isn’t an unhealthy behavior!
I’m looking at lyposuction of my chin in the next few years. Excercise and nutrition have only fixed it so far, so, the next option is surgery. I’m doing this completely for me, not my husband, nor anyone else. I’m excited to have saved up enough to get this procedure done, and ENJOY looking in the mirror and view photographs of myself!
May 6th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
Marty,
Your comments show the kind of thoughtful approach we encourage in our book Face It. You seem to be asking yourself the right questions; 1) when is a cosmetic procedure safe, 2) for whom are you doing it, 3) can you afford their upkeep and 4) do you have realistic expectations? We find that these are the four questions women need to ask themselves in order to be satisfied with the results. We owe ourselves this kind of thoughtfulness as we choose from the many options available to helping us enjoy our looks as we age.
By the way, Botox concerns me less than some of the other non-invasive cosmetic procedure, since it has been used for many decades for medicinal purposes with no obvious side effects. I’m not yet convinced that long term use of Restylin, Juvederm and others like these filler will not have some long terms impact on the elasticity of a woman’s skin, especially if begun at the age of 30 or 40? Dr. Vivian
May 7th, 2010 at 11:32 am
I like Marty’s approach to cosmetic procedures. I would prefer to do small touch ups as people go down this road. It pains me to see people who have obvious “work” done and you know that has happened. They start not to look like themselves anymore…..
May 7th, 2010 at 11:44 am
Did you all see the piece in Sunday’s NY Times “A Little Too Ready For Her Close-Up?” The writer pointed out how Hollywood is beginning to change it’s attitude toward cosmetically enhanced actresses and actors. They say they are now looking now for real women, discouraging “clients from having surgery, especially older celebrities who….are losing jobs because their skin is either too taut or wollen with filler.” It’s about time! Maybe we are all ready for change. Dr. Vivian
May 9th, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Dr. Drs.
As a 57 y.o.professional I find it necessary to look my very best. Looks matter in a competitive work force. I have had a total dental cosmetic make over and my “gaggle” lifted. I look fresher and more vibrant. My eyes still show my age. Luckily I have good genes and my skin remains fairly smooth and translucent. I use various facial products with sun screen. I use variety of top of the line cosmetics, and go easy on make-up. I have hair extensions and keep my hair a deep chestnut brown, recently a few bangs have added a more youthful look. I will not have anymore plastic surgery.
I will however continue to be vain. As I age “lovely” is my look, elegance and inner confidence always keep them looking. As women being invisible is NEVER acceptable.
I am going into retirement from patient care next year and relocating to a large city to begin a new career in health care reform. I need to be and look healthy.
I love your book and re-read it often. It has been given as a gift to friends and patients as well.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Laurie
May 10th, 2010 at 2:32 am
Laurie,
What kind of doctor are you?
It interesting to me that some women are able to look after their appearance without becoming too obsessed. You sound like you have found a good balance between taking care of your looks, and understanding that looks change. We encourage women to take advantage of cosmetic options that make sense to them, but to make sure they are thinking carefully about their choices. And, to know when to stop. “Lovely” and “elegant” are great words. I also like the word, “vital” and “vibrant.” So glad you loved Face It. Please spread the word. We need more women like you sharing your thoughts and experience with others.
Dr. Vivian
May 24th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
It is unfortunate that those commnting all equate aging as less than beautiful or healthy for they have all missed the mark. Aging is natural and should not be considered less than attractive or unhealthy. I am in my 50’s do not color my silvering hair, have always looked after my weight with whole organic foods, moderate exercise and a positive outlook while embracing the exciting changes nature guides me through at every stage of life. As I have gotten older the best part is I have noticed a certain level of respect and appreciation for my gifts of experience, wisdom, and understaning. Beauty is afterall not just superficial. Please ladies stop chasing the past and embrace who you are now in mind, body and soul. Spending endless hours in chasing anything else is futile at best.
May 25th, 2010 at 3:47 am
Remaining fully engaged in life and connected to others makes women beautiful at any age. Dr. Vivian
July 10th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
I’m 53. In a heartbeat, with the right surgeon, I’d have a face lift. When I look in the mirror I don’t look particularly “old.” BUT, when I gently lift the saggy skin on my face with my fingers, I look years younger! Make sense? My eyes look brighter, I look less tired, more energetic and just younger. I like the look.