Yes I had an Eye Lift
Five years ago I decided to have an eye lift (medically suggested). Since then and consequently I have received various responses to this decision varying from:
* “Why would you do that to yourself????
* “Natural is better???
* “Anyone who has plastic surgery is vain???
* “Good for you, how much did it cost????
* “It looks fabulous???
Attitude and Judgement
None of the above comments both positive or negative would have swayed the decision to have the eye lift (blepharoplasty) procedure. Based on the experience, I wanted to share some information about the attitudes of other people and your own approach to cosmetic procedures.
We all know that middle age brings about significant change, both physically, mentally and emotionally. The glow of youth fades and is replaced with new lines and wrinkles making themselves at home on the face. For some women (and men) this can be very upsetting.
The Ageing Process
Collagen is lost particularly during the menopause and the skin may begin to sag in certain places. Jowls may appear around your lower face and your jaw line may not be as defined as in your 20s. Eye lids start to sag and droop and you may start to think about an eye lift.
All of the above are a normal part of the ageing process. How you choose to approach these changes is a matter of personal choice.
There are those who are perfectly happy in their own skin and embrace each year as a life lived well. And there those who struggle with the reflection in the mirror.
Is it really necessary to judge women (and men) who decide to have cosmetic surgery to preserve their beauty as much as possible?
In the many years I spent living in Dubai, a very affluent country where cosmetic surgery procedures are common. The cosmetic surgery clinics are full of eager women (and men) undergoing various procedures ranging from botox, fillers, implants, Thermage, eye lifts, eyebrow lifts and more. Some look absolutely fantastic, whereas others look clearly overdone.
There are some celebrities who have undergone multiple facelifts (Sharon Osbourne) and some who have the occasional nip and tuck here and there. There are those who like to “fix??? any areas they are not happy with. A famous quote by Dolly Parton on this subject “If I see something sagging, bagging or dragging, I’m gonna have it nipped, tucked, and sucked???.
Even when money has not been a barrier to cosmetic surgery there are still celebrities who get it very wrong.
Statistics
According to the British Association of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) 51,000 Britons opted for cosmetic surgery in 2015. Women account for 91% of these numbers and the number of men undergoing procedures has doubled, most noteworthy indeed.
In my case my eye lift was carried out for medical reasons at an eye hospital with the added benefit of it looking cosmetically great. To say that I was thrilled with the procedure would be an understatement. Therefore, it has been one of the best things decisions I have made. This is something that I have heard from most people who have also undergone this procedure.
Questions
Was it painful? no
Was there bruising? yes for a few days
Did it make a difference? yes it certainly did and I would do it again
The bottom line is that the decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure is purely personal.
It is important that you consider carefully what you are about to do. There is a possibility that you may not have the expected outcome you are looking for, particularly if you have unrealistic expectations.
Bear in mind that cosmetic surgery is still a medical procedure and will always have an element of risk, particularly if you are having a general anaesthetic. Many procedures can be carried out these days with “twilight??? sedation which was the case with my own operation.
Do it for you not for someone else
Make sure you are making this decision to please yourself, not to please another. I have worked with many women who have undergone breast augmentation to please their partner, only to find they did not like their new breasts.
Having a new pair of breasts, or a butt implant is not going to give you long term happiness if you don’t know how to create happiness within yourself first.
Research fully
Research your surgeon and the procedure fully. Ensure that he/she has carried out your required procedure several times and ask to see photographs or speak to previous patients if possible. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions that you need to. The more information you have the more informed you will be as to what to expect.
Your cosmetic surgeon should reassure you and allay any fears you may have. Ensure you have all your questions to hand and as result you are far more likely to have the outcome and experience you want.
There are lotions and potions, and there are cosmetic procedures, do your due diligence if you choose to go down the cosmetic surgery route and exercise caution to make sure you are doing it for the “right??? reasons, not for the wrong ones.
I hope you have enjoyed this blog, please feel free to peruse the other blogs on the site.
Have a great day.
Isobel McArthur – Founder of Flourish Beyond 40
