Archived Post

Would you consider a cosmetic procedure?


Would you consider a cosmetic procedure? Like Botox, fillers, lasers, etc.

I’d definitely consider them, though I don’t think I’d consider things like Botox/fillers at this particular moment in time. I think whether it’s something for me will just matter where I am and what I’m doing in life. I think it’s important to do it safely and carefully, of course, so that it looks natural.

Thanks to Val for today’s question!

Do you have a question idea? Submit yours here.

66 Comments

Comments that do not adhere to our comment policy may be removed. Discussion and debate are highly encouraged but we expect community members to participate respectfully. Please keep discussion on-topic, and if you have general feedback, a product review request, an off-topic question, or need technical support, please contact us!

Please help us streamline the comments' section and be more efficient: double-check the post above for more basic information like pricing, availability, and so on to make sure your question wasn't answered already. Comments alerting us to typos or small errors in the post are appreciated (!) but will typically be removed after errors are fixed (unless a response is needed).

We appreciate enthusiasm for new releases but ask readers to please hold questions regarding if/when a review will be posted as we can't commit to or guarantee product reviews. We don't want to set expectations and then disappoint readers as even products that are swatched don't always end up being reviewed due to time constraints and changes in priorities! Thank you for understanding!

Comments on this post are closed.
J Avatar

Yep, thought about getting breast implants.  Im really bad pear shaped to the point where I cant wear dresses or one piece swimsuits, cause my boobs are one size and my hips are always a size bigger.

Amanda Avatar

I have issues with one pieces because I’m hourglass shaped with big boobs and tiny ribs. I generally wear a size 6-8 (US 2-4) but my bikini top is a size 14 (US 10) and it’s just big enough. And I have to get ties. Clasps are way too big around the back.

John 3D Avatar

I have already considered procedures! And I will do them in the future, but yeah like Christine, I’d of course want it to look natural. I’m not against plastic surgery. 🙂

xamyx Avatar

I don’t think I’d ever consider any cosmetic procedure. With any procedure, there is always a risk of something going wrong. Unless it is medically necessary, I would never put myself at risk. Luckily, I have good genes, and I have always taken preventive measures since I was very young. Besides, I’m not a big fan of pain.

Alison Cole Avatar

 @xamyx This! Implants, and any surgical procedure has its risks – often these procedures are more high maintenance than people realise. Having experienced chronic illness for half a decade I know there’s nothing more important than your health! I would never go under the knife, unless it was medically necessary. 
 

ToxicAngel Avatar

 @Alison Cole I think a lot of people take it for granted that they’ll be ok after cosmetic surgery because it’s so commonplace these days. As a surgical nurse I have seen some horrific results after cosmetic surgery. People who have had to have 2, 3 or more operations to fix things that have gone wrong during the original surgery. I would never do anything or have any surgery unless it was necessary. You might be fine but there is always a chance that you will one of the unlucky ones. Your health is far too important to throw away on looking the way society deems you should.
 

Veronica Avatar

I have mixed feelings about cosmetic surgery, since I don’t believe in telling any person what to do with their body, but on the other hand, I think there’s a great deal of murky ethical issues tied up in the way surgery is advertised to the public.  Personally, the only procedure I could see myself going for it laser removal for vericose veins.  They majorly squick me out (not to mention that they’re incredibly painful), so I’d be all for getting rid of them.

Pemily Avatar

I’ve already had one… And would look for more if need be. I see it as if the individual has made an informed decision and it makes them happier within themselves why not?

coldvault Avatar

I already have considered them! Not that I can afford them–plus, I’m only 18. I wish I had money so I could get a few choice procedures and finally be happy with my body.

blueraccoon Avatar

I’ve…sort of had one? I’m trying Botox therapy for migraines, and it’s not quite the same but has had the side effect of mostly freezing my eyebrows, so when I frown nothing moves between my eyebrows. It’s very odd. I don’t think I’d do this as a cosmetic procedure, though, and I’m dubious about trying it again for medical reasons. But I never thought I’d be reading makeup/beauty blogs and obsessing over launches either, so it’s entirely possible in ten years I’ll be signing up for whatever the options are at that point! 🙂

Makaegan Avatar

Absolutely not. I prefer to take care of myself now and let nature take its due course in the future. I draw the line at makeup (I don’t even wear false eyelashes, hair extensions, etc).

LJ777 Avatar

If I had the money, I’d walk in and get a fair amount done today. My eyebrows droop over my eyelids, so I think that’s a brow lift, or at least some way of taking the fat out of my brow bones. Then I’d get some kind of microdermabrasion. And botox on my upper lip because I sweat an absolutely ridiculous amount on my upper lip. Oh and teeth whitening too, I’d really want veneers, but they are just so unrealistically expensive.
I’m also 100% getting rhinoplasty, just need to finish university first so I can save up.
 
I grew up, from aged about 11, hating the way I look, and nothing can change those deep-rooted feelings when I look in the mirror, 10 years on. It’s sad, but if the option to improve my self-esteem and my entire life is there, I’m going to take it.

the1pony Avatar

If I could afford it, yes. I would have something done to reduce the bags under my eyes. I’ve always had them, no matter how healthy or well rested I am, there they are. Now that I’m entering middle age, they’re getting even more pronounced. It drives me crazy.

nicoleg Avatar

I am having LASIK surgery in 2 weeks, which is considered cosmetic, the reasons being to improve my quality of life and to save money on contacts/glasses in the long run.  As for procedures to enhance my appearance without good medical reason (e.g. reconstructive surgery due to some illness/injury), I doubt I would consider them.  I want to take care of myself and look my best by wearing tasteful makeup, exercising, and eating healthy, but I don’t see myself going beyond that in the name of “beauty,” since there is a lot more to beauty than surface appearance.  I don’t have any problem with those who do elect to have these procedures, it’s just not for me personally.

wwendalynne Avatar

I’m getting so very close to the big 5-0 and I’m extremely lucky to have really really good skin and most people peg me in my mid to late 30’s.  I’ve watched many friends succumb to the temptation and although I have contemplated it countless times, I just don’t think it’s for me.  I see people coming off fillers (at the end of their duration) and they look more haggard than they did before they started in my opinion.  I almost believe that fillers compound the problem and you just end up chasing the look until you end up looking like a bit of a frozen characterless freak.  People typically do not consider the maintenance with any of cosmetic procedure and the cost and the toll all of these things have on your body.  A really good example is breast implants.  Once you have them, you are on maintenance to have them replaced every 10 to 15 years.  So if you are at the age of 20 getting new boobs..  I guess my thought is, it always ends up looking fake and it could cost you your health in the end so why even go there?
 
As far as the more extreme procedures involving cutting and messing with my face, I think far too much of what the downside could be and I am thankful for what I have and I look pretty damn good all things considered.  Who knows down the line.  Never say never.  But for the time being, I just say no. 
 
 

MIRIANV Avatar

I was considering breast reduction 🙁 they’re huge. I’m not super skinny, i’m average and 32DDD-G is killing my back. exercise hurts even more.
 
Maybe in the future get the lines fixed under my eyes. Of course I would consult with several doctors and get different opinions before taking the plunge.

Veronica Avatar

I’m considering getting my eyes done. Never thought I would do it, but at 43 I look permanently tired with puffy undereye circles. So I want to get rid of those bags.
 
And I actually did go to a surgeon for a consult on a tummy tuck… After he described the procedure and seeing the scars the afters were left with, I decided to change my lifestyle instead. Chicken!

Haethre Avatar

Just in response to the comments that say “I’d want to make it look natural”.  . .what is meant is “What looks natural for someone not my age.”  What IS natural is looking how you are at the age you are.  I of course would make exceptions for people who ruin their bodies with sun damage or obvious needs like breast reduction (something that causes harm or pain), but where does this pursuit to look “natural” stop?  It’s called plastic for a reason, precisely because it’s un-natural.  Let’s not kid ourselves that we should look 25 when we are 30.  Everyone gets old and I know old women with loads of wrinkles and under-eye baggage who are totally beautiful.  I notice their smile, or the sparkle in their eyes.  These are the things that count.

Kafka Avatar

 @Haethre  I agree with you on the natural issue and its logical fallacy. We shouldn’t kid ourselves that any of this is actually “natural” or what nature intended. However, I don’t think there is anything wrong with doing things in moderation if it helps a person feel better about themselves. It’s another tool in the armor of appearances, much like make-up itself. Technically and theoretically, make-up too is not truly natural. A thousand years ago or even 150, Illamasqua like colours were not the norm.  What *really* is the theoretical difference between yellow nail varnish, teal eyeshadow and bright magenta lips (or even deodorant!) and some fillers?  It’s just a question of degree or extremeness.  That said, imo, Helen Mirren with wrinkles is a thousand times more beautiful than Meg Ryan with her duck lips. 
 

Haethre Avatar

 @Kafka True—-everybody has to draw the line somewhere!  I guess I draw the line for “natural” at things that can be easily taken off—but if I wore magenta eyeshadow everyday that would beg the question.  If people get cosmetic procedures to make themselves look younger, that is their business, but yes, the logical fallacy that it looks “natural” should be avoided.  It also breaks my heart to hear people on here say that they want to do X procedure because it will make them feel okay with themselves.  I understand true problems like deviated septums (getting surgery on mine this summer because it causes breathing problems), breast reductions, etc.  But you know if people don’t like their nose’s shape and want the cute Hollywood button nose that everyone has, it may make them feel more confident for a bit, but they will also start to look like everyone else. We think our flaws should be corrected, but often they are the endearing parts that make us stand out from other people.  I just wish more of these ladies could see themselves as beautiful without anything cosmetic (even makeup).

Kafka Avatar

 @Haethre  You speak with such kindness and compassion. 🙂 And I agree with you in theory that we should see ourselves as beautiful without anything cosmetic, though I draw the line at ruling out make-up. 😉  LOL. I also agree that no cosmetic procedure *or* makeup is going to make someone love themselves if they don’t.  But I think there is a difference between doing something that makes you feel better about yourself *because* it makes you feel pretty or prettier -vs.- because you hate yourself or your image. I dye my hair every few months because I hate my grey hairs and I feel happier/prettier with my usual jet black hair, not because I hate myself. I got laser hair removal for the same reason I love purple as an eyeshadow colour — I feel prettier. Don’t we all want to feel prettier? Isn’t that at the root of feeling more confident in the same way that losing some weight or getting a sexy bra would? Reading the responses here, none of them struck me as being motivated by self-hatred. If they were, I would agree with you whole-heartedly. 🙂 

mpca66 Avatar

Hell yes! I had a crevasse between my eye brows that made me look 100 (I’m 45)! So off to the board certified dermatologist for some restylane. The restylane filled the line and it hasn’t returned. I also did botox and I do like the results (lifed eyes), but I don’t like the feeling that I’m wearing a hat that’s too tight which is how botox makes me feel.

I tried juviderm under my eyes for the eye hollows, but it didn’t hold – sort of ‘washed ‘ away under my skin and was a waste of money. I’ve also tried restylane under my eyes, but it’s not very pliable (looked lumpy) and didn’t really help the situation. So now, I’m not doing anything, but would if that line between my eyebrows comes back or they create a better fill for under my eyes

I also would only have injections done at a dermatologist office and not some general practitioner that took a few classes to get a license for injectables.

Monica.

Ana Avatar

I don’t consider this cosmetic… But this last december I’ve got a nose job because of a horrible deviated septum, they did minor “esthetic” fixes to my nose, other than that, I have never used botox or something like that, I’m 22 I don’t need it even when I get older, I don’t think I will use these procedures

paneradfisk Avatar

I realize that no girl is the same, so I cannot judge anyone. I feel that if you are unhappy with yourself in any way, you need to work on your confidence as much as you can before you even consider cosmetic surgery – it always has to do with how you feel about yourself, and you can never do surgery on your confidence. 

queen_frostine Avatar

 @paneradfisk While I would agree that cosmetic surgery isn’t going to make an insecure person miraculously confident, I wouldn’t discount the ability of a procedure to be able to be a confidence booster in itself.  I’ve known breast cancer survivors who have got breast implants to regain the shape they had before their mastectomy and it was very much like doing a surgery on their confidence.  

Kafka Avatar

Absolutely. For almost all of it.  I’ve had laser hair removal done and, technically, that’s considered a cosmetic procedure. (I actually want to do many more parts!) I would love to have LASIKs but I’ve got astigmatism and have heard enough about the night vision issues to hesitate until they work out the kinks. I’m 42 and reaching that age where the image in the mirror doesn’t quite accord with the 20 year old in my head. LOL. I wouldn’t hesitate to have a miminal shot of Botox around the eyes and some sort of lift to my bosom later on when gravity sends them to my knees, though probably not implants.  I tried Juvederm about 4 years ago for the “11” lines between the brows and for the lines around my mouth, and it was great. I’d definitely do it again when I had the money, along with some minimal amount of filler for my slightly thinning top lip.  IMO, so long as you get a specialist who knows what they’re doing, I see nothing wrong with doing procedures that make you feel better about yourself. But doing them in MODERATION!  Because, heaven knows, you do *not* want to end up looking like The Bride of Wildenstein aka The Cat Woman: http://plasticsurgerybeforeandafter.blogspot.com/2010/05/cat-woman-plastic-surgery.html  (Warning: you may lose your appetite upon viewing the photos…..)

Aevita Avatar

hell yeah!
LASIK operation “saved my life”, as I had terrible vision and contacts or glasses couldn’t correct it properly! I’m a walking ad for the LASIK, I think a good dozen of my friends had LASIK after I told them how great it it 🙂
Next thing I love botox, not really a botox, DISPORT, for correction of my laughter lines aka crowfeet, makes you look well rested, as if just from a vacation! Every time I refresh my DISPORT I get so many compliments on how fresh I look:) in fact disport is my only HG 🙂 love love love the effect!
would recommend both!
 

Quinctia Avatar

The only procedure I’d personally be down with would be laser hair removal.  If money were no option, I’d get it practically everywhere, haha!  I hate shaving.

Devi Avatar

I always believed that no one is perfect and that we shouldn’t strive for physical perfection (one of the reasons that I don’t wear foundation/concealer/highlighter– I’d rather show imperfections than try to hide it). I had horrible self-esteem like many others with regards to my appearance, but when I came to college, I just looked in the mirror and realized that while I’m by no means drop dead gorgeous, I have nothing to be so down on myself for. I cannot speak for anyone else because everyone sees things differently, but I have never considered surgery. I’m not putting down those who consider it, but my personal opinion is that you should accept yourself and that most of the time, the things you are insecure about are not even that noticeable. And if someone rags on you about it, then they just have a nasty personality and you shouldn’t even take their words into consideration.

AS1929 Avatar

I did.  Last year my parents’ dog attacked me and bit off part of my ear.  I went to the emergency room and fortunately there was an immensely gifted cosmetic surgeon who had her surgery day right then and an opening in her schedule.  She removed all of the skin from the ear, cleaned it extensively (otherwise I would have had cauliflower ear from infection), trimmed off the ragged cartilage, reshaped it to reconstruct the then-missing helix (rim), then sewed it up again.  I was home again less than 12 hours after the attack.  Most people can never tell I had a severe trauma to the ear unless I tell them.  I feel so lucky for my circumstances and every day I get to wear the incredible skill and craftsmanship of the surgeon on my head, for the rest of my life!  I could get another slight revision to smooth out a slight bump, but we’ll see.  I guess the original surgery was really necessary, but not all “plastic” surgery has to do with superficial things.  I could have lost the entire ear or died from infection without the plastic surgeon’s help.  As it was, I still got very, very sick from infection, but did not get extensive scarring.  

Devi Avatar

 @AS1929 I congratulate you for your fortune of being able to find a good surgeon. That definitely could have turned out a lot worse! 🙁 I was glad to read that you were able to get surgery on the same day. 🙂

Kafka Avatar

 @AS1929 How utterly ghastly! And terrifying. Utterly terrifying. 🙁 You poor thing. I can’t even begin to imagine the fear, panic and horror after the attack. (God, I hope it wasn’t a German Shepherd that did that!) I’m so glad you had a skilled surgeon who could take care of it right away and I’m so glad you’re okay now. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. *hugs*
 

AS1929 Avatar

 @Kafka Thanks for your kind words.  I wasn’t scared at all, just a bit shocked and very disappointed (and kind of grossed out!).  The dog was an adopted former-stray doberman who was food aggressive and thought I was a threat to getting to lick out a yogurt container. My parents have had dobermans for over 40 years and I grew up with them and nothing like this.  They still have the dog.  Dogs are individuals like people are, but I am far more cautious around them now.  Dealing with my employer (4 days off due to surgery) and the city relating to the attack was far worse than the injury itself.  I am just so fascinated by the skill and creativity that goes into a plastic surgeon’s work!

CourtneyK Avatar

I’m all for cosmetic medical procedures, but it should be up to the individual to decide what’s right for them.  I’ve wanted rhinoplasty since I was 18 (I’m 32 now).  I have a very crooked, oddly shaped nose and it’s something I’ve wanted to change for a very long time.  The only reason I haven’t yet was because I couldn’t afford it.  I’m trying to plan it now, but I really wish it had tried to save up for it 10 years ago to get more out of it.

GlowMyWay Avatar

I’ve had laser hair removal, which I guess counts as a cosmetic procedure. So happy with not having to shave every single day!
 
I’ve never been too concerned about wrinkles – then again, I don’t really have any yet, so who knows. But one thing I’ve already decided is: if my eyelids get hooded and droopy to the point of making me look tired or ill when I’m not, I’m definitely looking into surgery. A lot of people with droopy, hooded lids don’t have that problem – they still look great. But I’ve known people who looked perpetually sad or tired, and that caused people to treat them like they were sad or tired, which made them sad or tired! Why go through that if you have a safe option you can afford?

Shauna Connelly Avatar

No. I don’t care that much what others think. I also don’t believe that beauty fades. If that were true we would all be born beautiful and lose it all as the years go on. Beauty changes but never fades. My Grandmother was in her 80s when she passed away and still beautiful.

Em Avatar

I would definately opt for lasers for hair removal and also closing up some blood vessels on my facial skin, those that you can see through the skin and make the skin reddish. Would do it anyday anytime if I had the money. I’m sure in time I would also be more than happy to do something about the growing bags under my eyes and perhaps even wrinkles. I wouldn’t mind cheek implants made out of my own fat, which look more natural than actual implants. I definately wouldn’t want to overdo any of this! Oh darn, I’m already so bad at getting older and I’m only 25….

JEN Avatar

The only way I would do cosmetic surgery is if it was medically necessary.  I wouldn’t do it because of aging.  I love women who embrace their age and age with what they have.  I think women should embrace the way they look at all ages.  That’s what makes people, people.  Plus, I don’t think it ever looks natural.  You can always tell through pictures and know that you changed something about your body. 

Eleanor2 Avatar

I would probably do it if my eye lids get so floppy that I can’t open my eyes. That had happened to a couple of women in my family, and they just got the extra skin removed. Also, since I had bariatric surgery and am losing a major amount of weight, I would have the extra belly skin removed since it becomes a medical (no longer cosmetic) issue. But, that wouldn’t be until I have finished losing all of my weight and I am stabilized.

dyanb Avatar

I get botox, juvaderm, and sculptra regularly.  i’ve been doing it for almost 3 years now and i love how i look.  i also get chemical peels to help even out my skin tone and occasional acne.  i still wanted to look like me, only a little fresher.  the work i’ve had done is subtle enough to not be obvious, but i definitely don’t look my age. i’m 39.

We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!