European attitudes towards cosmetic surgery

don't do it as long as you have even the slightest doubt or fear. you can always do it another time. :-) personally, i'm scared to death of the thought of botox paralyzing my face and giving me that frozen expressionless look!


i work in the film industry and just look at the older caucasian actresses who are still working: susan sarandon, diane keaton, glenn close, stockard channing, meryl streep, julianne moore...you can tell they have NOT had any work done, and thus they can still move their faces and show emotion - the very craft of their art! (i won't mention older asian actresses for now- no fair! they don't seem to age as quickly...OR they have superior surgeons ;-) )


if you just want to look more rested or refreshed, you might also want to do some research on non-surgical procedures. i'm 39 and am anticipating the day when i might need some "freshening up". i found this procedure called "thermage" which is non-invasive. (there's a ton of info out there, you just need to sort the wheat from the chaff - i first saw it featured on oprah a couple of years ago). it's now widely available throughout asia (thailand and philippines for sure)...and i am just waiting for one of my 40s girlfriends to try it. ;-) it seems to give a more natural result than plastic surgery, because it supposedly works with the collagen you already have in your face...so theoretically you can't look different from yourself - just younger.

thanks for the thermage feedback, PDQ - it sounds a lot more complicated and risky than practitioners would have you believe. waiting is definitely the wisest course, don't want to be riding on a fad.


re fear of surgery, i guess i've been frightened by watching too many episodes of "nip/tuck"! also there are so many scary documentaries on the dangers of plastic surgery out there. on the other hand, i must admit that some reality shows and other documentaries have made me weep out of sheer happiness for the subjects, after their transformation.

I think that at 40 you are far too young to start getting surgery. It's said that the earlier you start having surgical procedures, the more often you'll need to get 'touch ups'. So if you do want a lift or tuck, wait at least another 10 years or it'll end up being a false economy.


If you're set on your bargain, ask if he can do any non-surgical stuff for you instead, like a chemical peel.

I agree with pumpkin regarding about a good plastic surgeon won’t sell you something you don’t need. I don’t know if I would try Botox. I don’t believe anything is permanent, and that sounds good to me. As far as Thermage goes, I have read many positives things about it lately. You should talk to a certified doctor about it. Thermage sure does sound better then eventually turning out like Joan Rivers.

I believe in natural things. Any alien stuffs in your body are not good. And consider the possible side effects.


Smiling and happy look are all what one need to be attractive until one dies!

What freaks me out is that BOTOX is one of the most poisonous, naturally occuring substances in the world (albeit in a bigger dose than you would be given to erase those frown lines) but knowing that i wonder why people would go ahead and have it injected into them Just a thought and not demaning anyone, if it makes you happy do it.