Many women and increasing numbers of men would rather run the risks of cosmetic surgery and other anti-ageing procedures than wear the marks of their age upon their faces. It is a sad paradox that at a time when the possibility of living to a greater age with reasonable health, people resist the natural signs of ageing with a vengeance.
Youthful Illusion
In the past, anti-ageing procedures such as facelifts, tummy tucks, collagen added to lips, and fat injected into cheeks would have been inaccessible to the average person, and seen as something for movie stars or other rich and famous people.
Nowadays, for some people who are not in the movies, they believe their careers still require them to remain youthful looking, and for others their self confidence is linked to youth. In broad terms, for some, reality has lost its value and the only thing that matters is the illusion of youthful appearance. We subscribe to an artificial set of values that encourages us to feel unhappy about the natural ageing process.
Before agreeing to any anti-ageing procedure, consider the following:
Risks of Facelifts
Apart from the risk associated with any surgery, Dr S Younai, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, warns of additional risks of facelifts such as fluid build up beneath the skin which may require draining in subsequent surgery, nerve injury, skin discolouration and scarring, and areas of fatty tissue that die, (necrosis) causing asymmetry in the face.
Non-surgical Anti-ageing Procedures
Botox
Botulinum toxin, more commonly known under its brand name Botox, is not only the most requested cosmetic treatment in Britain, but 430 million dollars were spent worldwide on the procedure in 2002. Although practitioners say the risks are few, this is one of the most poisonous substances known to man, surely made more risky by the possibility of an allergic reaction.
Used in large areas, Botox can result in an expressionless mask which would certainly be far less attractive than the normal laughter line wrinkles and an animated face. A further not uncommon problem is droopy eyelids which can occur if Botox is injected to close to the upper eye area.
Although doctors and practitioners say Botox is safe, why then is it not recommended for pregnant women? If it is not safe for the unborn child then how do we know that it is safe for the adult.
5 years ago, Dr Peter Misra, of the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London warned of unknown possible long term dangers to the brain and nervous system. Yet people continue to take the risks, every 3 to 6 months, for the sake of smoothing their naturally formed facial lines.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing for wrinkles and age spots works by burning and evaporating the top layers of skin. The procedure causes pain, inflammation and peeling. For people prone to scarring, this could end up causing more problems.
Lost Values
We do not hold our silver-haired elders with respect but with dismay. They represent that which people most wish to avoid. Grey hair is something to be coloured, tummies must be tucked, wrinkles must be filled in and age spots must be bleached out.
However, ageing is our birthright rather than the enemy that needs to be obliterated. Living in harmony with the mind and body as it ages is for those who recognise the value of living authentically.
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