Topic : I Want Plastic Surgery Because...

I believe that I may have lost my elasticity in the skin in my abdomen.  However, by being african-american, I have keloid skin, and that will leave a nasty scar and the cost is not worth it to me.  But if I could be promised that the scar will not be that bad, then I would have it, but I don't know what to do in order to get rid of it.  I will be on the line to get rid of 50lbs.

I'm with you there.  I had a mastectomy and had plastic surgery for breast reconstruction, with implants.  I would otherwise never have considered plastic surgery or breast implants.  That's not to say that I have the perfect body, but I just saw no reason to change anything.  I earned every wrinkle that I have (I'm only 46, so not too many yet, but I'll be proud to wear every one.)

Anybody who is considering plastic surgery for non-medical reasons, please think long and hard...why not just accept yourself for who you are...plastic surgery will not change your life.

The only cosmetic work that should be considered is dental work...but if a person has crooked teeth, beauty isn't the only reason to have them fixed.  A nice smile goes a long way.  Crooked teeth can be a big factor in developing gum disease and bone loss in the mouth...go see a dentist, not a plastic surgeon.

That's my take on the issue...Becky

I don't understand why dentures are considered "cosmetic".  Your ability to chew your food affects your  whole body health.  And missing teeth can cause more problems to develop in the remaining teeth.   I take it that it is front teeth that are missing, since you are having to hide it.

I would suggest calling around to more dentists.  Many have payment options through a credit union or other finance company. 

There is a less expensive appliance called a "flipper", which is a temporary partial denture.  Although, some people get them when they can't afford bridge work or the standard partial denture.  (A partial denture hooks onto your remaining teeth and "replaces" the missing teeth without the need for further teeth being removed.)  If your back teeth are bad too, having them pulled and getting full dentures might be an option.  Then, it can't be considered strictly cosmetic.

With missing teeth, your mouth is at higher risk for gum disease, which causes bad breath...it could be the combination of missing teeth and bad breath (no insult intended) that kept you from that promotion.  It is a shame that looks count for so much, but we live in a society where looks really do count.

Do you have dental insurance?  If you do, most companies only pay 50% of bridges and dentures, with an annual limit on how much they pay.  I used to work in a dental office a long time ago, but I don't know the current costs of dentures...probably a lot.

I hope this info is helpful...you might also check with your bank about a credit card or personal loan...or get a second mortgage on your house...that is, if you can afford the payments...any long-term credit should be carefully considered...the personal loan would have the shortest terms and would cost you the least amount out of all of the above options.  Going into debt for your teeth might be the only way to further your career.

Good Luck...Becky

My story,

I am 21 years old Male.....suffered with depression due to my looks and, i still am .

at 16 i weighted 270....I quit school because i was so ashamed of how i looked and felt like everyone was teasing me,        now i weight 183. I wanted to lose weight because i had large male breats (man boobs) .....now i stand at 183 lbs, i realize its not fat, its Gynomastasia.  So  i still have same boobs i have before.....just great, flabby belly , flabby boobs....but tight shoulders / back muscles....I look horrible....

i'm more depressed than ever before, Im on the waiting list for surgery but its taking so long...im currently taking GED and trying to concentrate, it just bothers me. I can't sleep well at night....its killing me honestly.

Any reputable plastic surgeon will not do nose jobs, etc. on a depressed person.  Getting your nose changed will not change your life.  Your "friend" was not a friend at all...he is a creep.

Keep going to the psychiatrist, and get on a good antidepressant...from somebody who has been severely depressed, I know how depression skews your thinking...once you are not depressed, I doubt you will obsess about your looks so much, and you will be able to focus on life, rather than so much on yourself.

Don't worry about fine lines...get a good facial moisturizer...Good Luck...Becky

I weighed 202 pounds at one time and have lost down to 174 pounds.  I plan/hope to lose around 40 - 50 more.  But, I would like to get more info about  having excess fat cut off my stomach, because I think I won't be able to tighten all of my stomach back, due to 2 C-sections.  I plan to work hard in doing what I can and then some.  But I just dont see my completely getting rid of my pouch that I truly hate and makes me fell twice my age (80).

I want this because Im tired of hiding it, and want to feel good about myself.  I always get looks and comments that are whispered ofcourse.  And my soon to be ex says things to.  I feel like he really means them, but get told that its just joking.  But when I look in the mirror I do not see anything funny.

I have been told how pretty I am, but cant believe it.

Anyone know about how much and where to go in Ohio, plus someone who wont do a wack job.?

I am 46, and I have had 3 kids...no c-section, but I had a hysterectomy 2 years ago.  I, too weighed 200 pounds...got down to 147, but thyroid problems have brought me back up to 178.  I carry all of my weight up front, and I have been asked when I am due!!  I have some tummy sag, and when I (hopefully) lose the weight again, I will probably have more sag.  I try to wear clothes that conceal the figure flaws...lots of jackets and shirt-jackets, and nothing clingy.  I am not currently happy with my fat tummy, but I'm OK with myself...I don't plan on having a tummy tuck...I've had enough of surgery in the last couple of years...mastectomy with breast reconstruction, gallbladder removal, hysterectomy...and now upcoming thyroid removal, which will leave a neck scar...might have to get some pretty scarves to wear until the scar fades.

Ignore your ex...he's a jerk!!

Ask your general doctor for some names of reputable plastic surgeons.  Make sure that they have the accreditation and licensing to be doing the procedure.  Most doctors have their diplomas hanging on the wall somewhere in the office.  Ask to see pictures of other tummy tuck surgeries that he has done.  Have a consultation with several plastic surgeons, and don't be afraid to ask about their qualifications and experience...the wrong surgeon could result in disaster.

Good Luck...Becky

Congratulations on going for your GED, and for the weight loss.

I can understand your depression...are you on meds for that??  You need to get some self-esteem that is not connected to your looks...I'm sure that you are a very nice person...I hope people can see beyond your physical "flaws"...good luck on the surgery...do your research to make sure that you get a good doctor...I hope that you can get the depression under control.

Good Luck...Becky