Cosmetic Medicine

November 21, 2019

Cosmetic Medicine


This post is part of the Gorgeous 50’s series inspired by a book given to me by one of my sisters on my 50th birthday – ‘Grown up and Gorgeous in your 50’s’ by Pamela Robson.  I will be sharing some of Pamela’s words and my own thoughts along the way.  To see all posts published as part of this series, go here.


Cosmetic Medicine – Pamela has quite a lot more to say on the topic. To include it all in this post would make it far too long.  So, there will be a few more posts coming from her Cosmetic Medicine pages.  For example – The many uses of Botox; Liposuction; Facial Sculpting.  However, The Gorgeous 50’s series will soon be drawing to a close. We have finally nearly covered the entire book!

Pamela says:

Is it really only 10 years since the word Botox entered the beauty editors’ vocabulary? Once the domain of the rich and famous, it’s now available to every woman. We’ve come a long way in a short time. But you must still approach it with caution. Cosmetic surgery is, like everything else in your 50’s, your own personal choice. However, being ‘grown-up and gorgeous’ does not automatically require a session with a surgeon. The beauty and cosmetic medicine industries are constantly creating new ways to hold off, or reverse, the years. More and more, this involves non-surgical procedures.

THE PREVENTATIVE APPROACH

Thankfully, most of us are realistic about what cosmetic surgery can and can’t do. These days, it’s less about the surgery and more about the ‘low-invasive’ approach that can stave off the operating theatre. These are Botox, skill fillers and skin rejuvenation techniques. For example, the industry confidently predicts that women in their 30’s using Botox to stop the onset of frown lines and other muscle-induced wrinkles are unlikely to be seeking surgery as early as their older sisters once did. And even if you didn’t start having Botox until you were in your 40’s, you’ve nevertheless positioned yourself well ahead of the game.

Take Note – Cosmetic medicine is an art as well as a science and the variation between practitioners is significant. Some have a natural talent and plenty of experience – others have neither, but are great salespeople. If you’re interested in a treatment, please do your research.

THE AGEING FACE

  • You’ll lose bone and muscle volume
  • You’ll lose fat from your face – this especially affects women who diet and exercise
  • Your cheek ‘fat pads’ descend, creating folds on either side of your mouth, and blurring the jaw-line
  • The skin renewal process slows and skin becomes less elastic; static lines and wrinkles develop
  • Photo-ageing – otherwise known as sun damage – accumulates, creating coarser, crepey skin
  • Your upper eyelids will start to droop and bags will appear under your eyes
  • Prominent vertical neck muscles may occur if you have bad posture

ONE OF THE BEST COSMETIC TREATMENTS

One of the easiest ways a women in her 50’s can lift her look is to invest in professional tooth whitening. You don’t have to go over the top and look like you’ve just stepped off a Hollywood set; a few shades whiter will do. To remove years of coffee, Coca-Cola, smoking and red-wine stains, see your cosmetic dentist for custom bleaching. This can be done over a week or two at home with a special mouth guard and bleaching gel, or – more expensively – as part of an in-room procedure with bleaching gel applied under a laser.

Cosmetic Medicine

My thoughts:

First up … The Aging Face – Oh Pamela – that’s a bit of a depressing list!!  So dear readers, don’t blame the messenger. It was Pamela who made that list!

Before I get into some of the treatments mentioned by Pamela, I’ve gotta say how sad I am that woman as young as in their 20’s feel they need to inject their skin and lips and so on in order to feel ‘acceptable’.  Your skin in your 20’s is beautiful and I wish they would leave it alone.  Many of them take themselves from natural beauty to plastic beauty and I think it is a tragedy.  I also feel uncomfortable with this paragraph from Pamela’s words above that went like this:

“…the industry confidently predicts that women in their 30’s using Botox to stop the onset of frown lines and other muscle-induced wrinkles are unlikely to be seeking surgery as early as their older sisters once did. And even if you didn’t start having Botox until you were in your 40’s, you’ve nevertheless positioned yourself well ahead of the game.”

I believe words like this can scare women into have treatments done before they even need to.  I am also not too sure that starting botox treatments in your 30’s will stand you in good stead once you reach your 50’s, 60’s and beyond.  I have heard to the contrary.  I’ve heard that Botox use before it’s really needed can have an adverse affect on your skin, and that there can be side effects from Botox, particularly long-term use.  I’d do my research before diving into the Botox world, particularly if you’re only in your 30’s or even 40’s.  That’s just my opinion though and I am certainly no medical expert!

Botox – I do think it’s great that it’s more affordable these days and therefore more accessible. Personally, I’ve never had Botox but that doesn’t mean that I never will. I have an open mind and one day I might try it (but only after I’ve done my research and am sure it is a safe choice).  I think that whatever makes us feel better about ourselves is a winner, especially if it is affordable and safe!  However, I do think Botox can be overused as per my paragraph above.

Skin fillers – I don’t know much about these except that they only last say 3-6 months and you have to go back for more?  This could get expensive!  I’ve never had this done either, but who knows, one day I might!  In saying that though, I do not like the plastic over filled face look at all.  Facial expressions are beautiful, well earned, and unique to the individual.  Too much filler can erase them and then the face looks like every other face full of filler, which is a very sad thing in my opinion.  Subtle improvements are ok by me. Plastic results – no thank you!

Skin Rejuvenation – I guess there are many treatments that could fall under this category.  My daughter gave me a gift voucher for my birthday (nearly 6 months ago) for a Microdermabrasion treatment which I have finally booked myself in for next week!  That could be considered ‘skin rejuvenation’.  So I guess I’m all in for this one!

Cosmetic Surgery – at this stage I have no plans for surgery to improve my face and to be honest that is highly likely to never change. I doubt very much that I’d ever resort to that but I don’t judge anyone that might choose this path. As I said earlier, whatever makes us feel better about ourselves – as long as you do your research and ensure your safety!

Teeth Whitening – I asked my dentist about the cost of having this done there at the dental surgery and nearly fell over when I was told.  WAY.TOO.EXPENSIVE!!  Just recently though, I decided to try a home kit.  I ordered from SmilePro Worldwide.  I did the first lot of recommended treatments and there was maybe a slight improvement but nothing major.  I will try it some more before I pass judgement.  It was pretty easy to do, and affordable, so we shall see!  

What are your thoughts on Cosmetic Medicine?  Injectables and rejuvination techniques only?  Open to cosmetic surgery?  Have you had your teeth whitened?  Would you?  

Ciao for now,

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20 Comments

  • Reply Joanne Tracey November 21, 2019 at 6:29 am

    This is an interesting one. I’d probably try the skin rejuvenation, but I’m a no to the others. Only because I’d prefer to spend my limited funds on travel and other experiences. No doubt I look more saggy and craggy in the selfies, but I can really only afford to do one or the other – travel or look good in a selfie.The same goes with time – do I really want to spend what little free time I have in “maintenance”? In all seriousness, the mobility of my face is what has given it its lines & I’m absolutely ok with that. I’m also ok (not that it matters) with others’ choices re this. In a previous workplace, a number of the women between 28-40 were having “injectibles”. They all laughed at me for not doing it.

    • Reply Min November 22, 2019 at 8:22 am

      My thoughts are much the same Jo but I don’t travel much (I’d like to travel more)! You don’t look saggy and craggy in photo’s at all BTW so you can look great AND travel and yay to that! Meanwhile, it’ll be interesting to see if my upcoming ‘microdermabrasion treatment’ takes some years off for me! 🙂

  • Reply Lydia C. Lee November 21, 2019 at 7:06 am

    I’m kind of too lazy (and too cheap) and time poor and I like to think I’m owning how I look, even if that’s not always the case. I do need a tooth fixed, I’ve got the quote, I just need to find the time to do it. I’m pretending it’s not that noticeable but I’m guessing by march I’ll have no choice (from being hit in the mouth by a bottle I was drinking from 30 years ago – an accident, not violence. I was sitting down on the grass and someone standing in front of me stepped backwards as I had the bottle raised to my lips…). About 15 years after root canal therapy on it, it’s going black – ARGH!~

    • Reply Min November 22, 2019 at 8:23 am

      Bummer about the accident that damaged your tooth Lydia! Go ahead and get it fixed. You’ll feel so much better for it. It’ll be worth every single cent! (in my opinion) xo

  • Reply Sydney Shop Girl November 21, 2019 at 5:08 pm

    Still at the contemplation stage for myself, personally….

    SSG xxx

    • Reply Min November 22, 2019 at 8:24 am

      Yes I can relate to that SSG. I contemplate a lot over these things! lol xo

  • Reply Natalie November 27, 2019 at 10:42 am

    Hi Min – Cosmetic medicine sounds high maintenance to me and comes with some risks. I’m comfortable with my natural look so far. #MLSTL

    • Reply Min November 28, 2019 at 12:06 pm

      I’m pretty comfortable with my natural look so far too Natalie. I am very happy with the natural plant oils I use on my skin. They’ve worked wonders. Cosmetic medicine can be great but only lasts a short time and has to be done again. So expensive! xo

  • Reply Suzanne November 27, 2019 at 1:47 pm

    I am a no for botox treatment. What goes into my body than on the outside is more important. Though don’t get me wrong, I do use good moisturises for my dry skin. Seems too superficial and for me, there are more health concerns to take care of than a few wrinkles that show I have lived past 50 🙂 Grey hair and wrinkles had never worried me, though I must admit the surprise when I first noticed the change in myself. Ageing with good health is my biggest challenge, not the superficial.

    • Reply Min November 28, 2019 at 12:09 pm

      I agree Suzanne that there are far more important things to take care of before wrinkles and such. It’s an expensive process too from what I’ve seen. I don’t judge anyone on their choices though as I think it’s great that we do have choices when it comes to our own bodies! 🙂 xo

  • Reply Leanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au November 27, 2019 at 4:38 pm

    I’m not a fan of cosmetic improvements Min – firstly they’re all wayyyy out of my budget and secondly they tend to look so fake. I considered getting my “lip crinkle” (line that appeared next to the corner of my mouth several years ago) filled and it was $900!! with a time frame of 6mths til needing to be done again. I can’t justify spending money like that.
    As far as teeth whitening goes, the professional whitening is quite detrimental to tooth enamel and increases tooth sensitivity (mine are getting hot/cold sensitive more every year so I’m not adding to the problem). I think the only really successful way to have your teeth looking amazing is to go for veneers – expensive but they do make for a nice smile that lasts the distance. I don’t have the budget for that either, so will just do my best to age gracefully instead!
    Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂

    • Reply Min November 28, 2019 at 12:14 pm

      They’re wayyyy out of my budget too Leanne. If it was a one off thing then maybe I could have a treatment … BUT … they have to be redone every 3-6 months I believe which is not possible for this little duck! The teeth whitening option I tried was very affordable and worth a go. No outstanding results thus far but maybe I need to try a little longer. xo

  • Reply Sara November 28, 2019 at 12:13 am

    I fall in the preventative camp with natural solutions. I agree, it’s sad that women in the 20’s and 30’s are already using those products. For me, I eat plenty of healthy fats, drink bone broth, fast (it allows the body to repair itself, and watch my weight. I’m happy with my results and I’m almost 60. #MLSTL

    • Reply Min November 28, 2019 at 1:02 pm

      I do the same Sara – love the natural plant oils I use on my skin. They’ve taken years off me and keep my skin beautifully hydrated and supple. I think the young women use cosmetic medicine because they believe it will ward off the ageing process and because they’re exposed to it so much more than we ever were because of social media. Sounds like you’re doing all the sensible things and good on you! 🙂

  • Reply Barbie Holmes November 28, 2019 at 3:46 am

    Great article! I feel nutrition and exercise are vital keeping our skin healthy. Living in Los Angeles cosmetic procedures are common, but it’s not for me. I chose non-invasive procedures but feel everyone has the right to make their own personal choices.

    • Reply Min November 28, 2019 at 1:05 pm

      I agree that nutrition and exercise and good skin care contribute to keeping our skin healthy and to our general health and wellbeing! Living in LA you sure would be exposed to a lot of the cosmetic procedure options and see a lot of *filled* faces. I also think that everyone has a right to make their own choices. Whatever makes us feel good! 🙂

  • Reply Bethany @ Happily Loco November 30, 2019 at 5:15 am

    I don’t judge other people’s choices, but I favor a very minimalistic approach for myself. I was blessed with a VERY fatty face, and I actually look younger now that it has thinned out a little! I’ve had crow’s feet since I was a child, so they don’t bother me. I have started wearing nicer make-up recently, and the consultant really recommended a moisturizer, which I am saving up for. And the best tooth whitener I have seen, is charcoal toothpaste. It’s magic, but only as long as you use it!

    • Reply Min December 3, 2019 at 3:21 pm

      Hi Bethany – I agree that everyone should have a right to make whatever choices they want to for themselves. I must check out the charcoal toothpaste you speak of! 🙂

  • Reply Erica/Erika December 3, 2019 at 12:55 pm

    Min, I was in the dental field for over 25 years and Botox is definitely part of this field for many reasons, especially the health benefits. Dentists are experts and specialists in head and neck anatomy. Tooth whitening is another significant topic in the dental field. Aside from appearance, I have often seen how people will smile more and have increased confidence when their teeth are healthy and whiter. Regarding fillers and plastic surgery and even with teeth whitening, I have seen the ‘It is never good enough’ syndrome, unfortunately beginning at a young age. You brought up an interesting topic, Min. 🙂 Healthy and Happy always looks beautiful.🙂 #MLSTL

    • Reply Min December 3, 2019 at 3:23 pm

      Hi E/E – I’m so intrigued by Botox being a part of the dental field? How interesting! I agree that tooth whitening can make an enormous difference to a persons self esteem and confidence. It’s great that we all are free to make whatever choices we want for ourselves. I just hope that people do their research and are well informed before jumping in. xo

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