Decisions

I looked in the mirror the other day and thought, “I look okay”. It was a nice feeling. I felt confident and I felt pretty. I stepped back and looked harder. It has been a few months since I visited Dr. Solish’s office and spontaneously decided to allow him to inject my face with fillers to gently soften the effects of aging. I had liked what he did immediately and I am still enjoying the benefits of that decision today. I can’t remember a time in my life when so many people have complimented my appearance. I am dressing the same, I have even put on a little weight, but still it seems people are inclined to comment on my looks. Positively! This is new. And it is wonderful.

It is funny how some choices in life seem so much more difficult then others. The choices we make for ourselves, from which we deem the most benefit, are the ones that give us the most trouble. It is hard to put ourselves, our own interests first. And of those choices, it is the ones that are most visible to those around us that haunt us even more, especially when it comes to cosmetic enhancement. For some reason, over the years, we have been conditioned to think that cosmetic procedures, whether surgical or not, are a reflection of vanity and self absorption. That if someone takes the time and spends the money (often an exaggerated amount) on themselves they are insecure, self centered and shallow.

With these accusations, we also hear how dangerous injectable cosmetics can be and of course that they are addictive. How could you possibly not get pulled into the cycle of refills once you have started the process, no matter how bad it looks? There always seems to be the assumption that the whole procedure will be a disaster. The media is not a friend of cosmetic enhancement for it is rare that you will see a positive article on someone’s experience; rather, they seem to take great pleasure in presenting the “disaster” scenarios. Headlines scream about facelifts gone wrong or breasts that are too large, very seldom does the media complement good work. Of the literally millions of women in America alone who have had some sort of cosmetic enhancement, we hear only of the few who have had issues or results that were unsatisfactory or somehow “flawed”. When will we see a story that reflects the experiences of 99 percent of those who have chosen to assist in their personal “graceful aging?” The positive stories.

My experience was terrific, from the start. The choice was mine and though I suffered from some fairly significant bruising initially, it disappeared quickly and the results were wonderful. Going into the experience with Define Yourself, I had no idea what to expect. I really did not think I would partake in ANY of the services available. I approached the project as a learning experience for myself. An education on what was out there, what procedures were available, should I ever, in my later years, decide it was an avenue of interest to me. I believe that education on any topic provides understanding and that understanding takes away at least some fear and allows one to make a more balanced decision. My decision startled even myself but it came from the heart. I wanted to see what it would be like, to soften my lines and to feel less drawn. I wanted a peak at the possibilities, and that’s what I got. I haven’t been disappointed. I am my own worst critic yet I have actually found myself thinking (on occasion), “I look pretty”, and yes, “I look younger”. It is a really neat feeling. I also feel pride in the fact that I was able to make the decision and that I am not embarrassed to tell people about it.

Cosmetic enhancement may not be for everyone but before making a decision either way, I suggest that any person even remotely interested should educate themselves and trust their instinct. Each person has a different comfort zone; each individual has a different goal. Only you will know what feels best for you, but giving yourself the chance to understand what is available, what is out there is a gift you should give yourself. What you decide, may surprise you.