The Scoop From a Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

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My eyelid surgery was combined with a brow lift. No ear to ear incision, it was done endoscopically. Just two small incisions in the scalp. This meant it was possible to cut the corrugator muscles (those pesky things between your eyes that give the "11" lines).
I am thrilled by my results and only regret is that I didn't get an entire face lift--the lower part looks older than the upper--but I'm planning on having the lower part done later this year.

Jane 2 of WA 3:44PM August 22, 2008

Looks are everything. All people care about is what is on the outside. We live in a shallow, superficial culture. I've been made fun of my entire life because of my nose and I still want to get it fixed. I can't afford it yet... That's all people see about me even though I look good otherwise.

Anne G of FL 2:05PM July 27, 2008

During filming a commercial for the hospital that employed me the Director "asked" me off the set and brought in a model. So, I have been deemed unattractive by a professional.
I am very good at fixing back pain, getting you out of bed with a total joint replacement, making your reconstructed joint work as it should, and adding many pounds to your bench press without benching(among other things).
Being attractive might make it easier for some of my patients but perhaps for good results everyone should just look the other way....

omitted to protect the guilty of IN 10:50PM July 25, 2008

Your book (Face Value) sounds great, Kathleen, and I'll definitely check it out. As far as this interview with Ms. Thomas... I'm not a doctor, but I've written Web site copy for more than 30 plastic surgeons in over 16 states. Additionally, I created the site The Guy's Guide to Plastic Surgery for Men (http://www.guysguidetoplasticsurgery.com). In all of my research over the course of the past couple of years, I have to say that I've never heard mention of a Cosmetic Surgery Consultant. Well, I have, but traditionally, I think most have referred to them as, "doctors." Now, I'm not opposed to there being Cosmetic Surgery Consultants, and I think she's pointed out a lot of good reasons why people have plastic surgery. What I didn't like was the line, "But I can guarantee you that the minute the woman has her face-lift, she becomes bouncier, happier—just happy with herself." Seriously, there are no guarantees when it comes to surgery, and one should never guarantee another's happiness. With that said, I completely agree with Ms. Thomas' follow-up line: "She does it for herself; she's not doing it for anyone else." Yes! If you're considering cosmetic surgery, please do so for no one but yourself. It's your look. It's your life.

Mike Roe of CA 1:41PM June 04, 2008

Your book (Face Value) sounds great, Kathleen, and I'll definitely check it out. As far as this interview with Ms. Thomas... I'm not a doctor, but I've written Web site copy for more than 30 plastic surgeons in over 16 states. Additionally, I created the site The Guy's Guide to Plastic Surgery for Men (http://www.guysguidetoplasticsurgery). In all of my research over the course of the past couple of years, I have to say that I've never heard mention of a Cosmetic Surgery Consultant. Well, I have, but traditionally, I think most have referred to them as, "doctors." Now, I'm not opposed to there being Cosmetic Surgery Consultants, and I think she's pointed out a lot of good reasons why people have plastic surgery. What I didn't like was the line, "But I can guarantee you that the minute the woman has her face-lift, she becomes bouncier, happier—just happy with herself." Seriously, there are no guarantees when it comes to surgery, and one should never guarantee another's happiness. With that said, I completely agree with Ms. Thomas' follow-up line: "She does it for herself; she's not doing it for anyone else." Yes! If you're considering cosmetic surgery, please do so for no one but yourself. It's your look. It's your life.

Mike Roe of CA 1:40PM June 04, 2008

Wow! What a well written article on a hush-hush subject. It certainly does pay to have an expert to consult with (besides the Dr.) when you are contemplating cosmetic surgery. I never knew there were so many options. It is definitely more of a step in life than going to your hair stylist and saying cut it short and I want to be a Dirty Blonde. Especially interesting were the major blunders that so many people make. That is why I mentioned an expert consultation because in most cases I'm sure the Surgeon will do whatever you ask him or her to. They have to make car payments just like we do. If we are fortunate we are paying off our Lexus. The Dr. is paying off their Bentley.

Jeff Smith of NJ 7:22PM May 31, 2008

My first novel, Face Value, is all about this very subject - plastic surgery and whether or not it's something we have to accept as a part of our daily reality. (3rd June, published by Berkley). You might be interested to know also that having plastic surgery to help us continue longer in the workplace is not just a contemporary issue - one of the very first female plastic surgeons used to give women face-lifts in the early 20th century for that very same reason. She was also a suffragette, campaigning for the right to vote for women. She came from Paris, and her name was Madame Noel.

kathleen baird-murray of NY 7:40AM May 31, 2008