Did you do something quite drastic for solely your looks and feel good about it?

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I have just read on another thread where a poster said she hated something about her looks but has come to accept it, as getting surgery to fix it was wrong. Should people be accepting of things that make them feel self conscious because it's only about looks and self esteem and isn't a health concern? Did you change anything about the way you looked for non health related reasons? Is it the best thing you have ever done or do you just focus on something else now? Is it the best money you have ever spent or a total waste that you regret?

Trying to weigh up if I should pay around 1k (by 1 small surgical removal and a small dental intervention) to fix something that has meant decades of self consciousness and low self esteem. First time in my life (at grand old age of 43) that I have ever had the means to afford even contemplating it. Thanks if you take the time to reply.

Yes dental work. 100% pleased and best money ever spent.

I think dental work is universally appreciated by those who have had to smile with their mouth closed for years! I have not heard anyone regret it yet!

I’ve had cosmetic dental work done and wouldn’t hesitate to do again. I guess it could be a slippery slope - once the offending tooth was fixed I considered additional straightening and whitening to try and achieve perfection (!) but ultimately didn’t (financial reasons.) I probably will at some point though.

Is your “small surgical removal” a mole? I have one that I’m absolutely desperate to be rid of.

I really don’t think it’s wrong at all to get surgery to improve self esteem. I see it as only really one step ahead of dying hair, having piercings and wearing make-up.

If these things have caused you grief for years then definitely go for it. Cosmetic procedures are amazing nowadays.

Yes. Spent £££s on teeth . Best thing I ever did . It was a huge part of my lack of confidence and social awarkwardness . No matter what has come along, I will never regret it.

I've whitened my teeth. They were quite stained from coffee drinking. I don't think I'd ever do anything that might change my face like fillers or Botox but each to their own. I do think if it's going to make you feel good do it!

@OhGingleBells I have two front teeth that are chipped and I hate them. What dental work did you have done? And yes, a mole on my chin, just to the side of my face IYSWIM. It is a clear one but protrudes and it bothers me every day of my life. It is about £400 to get it shaved (gross) but if I could sort my teeth and this mole I would be dreading the photographer for my wedding much less

Yep, paid 4k for braces a few years ago after hating showing them for pictures etc. Best thing I've ever done for myself

Yes, I had my fillings changed for white ones then teeth whitening. Still feel happy about it 20 years later.

Oh I have. A family friend spent over £30k on cosmetic dentistry as he'd had awful teeth that weren't fixed as a child. Can't remember who he saw but he was one of the best. He had no end of issues after about 10 years. I'm nit sure it's always the quick fix it's portrayed to be.

I would absolutely have a brace though, I should've had one when I was a child.

Dental work. Very pleased with the results.

I got braces at 36 to correct my overbite. Best money ever spent! I love my new smile and it's set off a chain reaction of sorting out health (not cosmetic as such) issues that have led me to today.

I'm so much happier in my body at 38 than I've ever been.

I also had a varicose vein removed at 25. It was classed as cosmetic and I did it privately but it was hurting me too.

My partner had some cosmetic dental work done and it’s the best thing he ever did. He’s got so much more confidence and is just happier in general now he doesn’t feel like he needs to hide his teeth all the time.

Ive had cosmetic surgery (boob job) because I was self conscious about my flat chest. I am so much happier now I can wear what I want because actually fit me properly now!

I didn’t think mine would make much difference to my life but it really has! I think we can both say it’s money well spent.

If something has been bothering you for years then I think it’s worth doing. It may seem minor to other people but could make a massive difference to your self esteem and confidence 😊

Lipo 20 years ago. I was Cherry 5-bellies and since have had a flat tummy & better self esteem. Spent a fortune on dental implants having had awful teeth due to breakages, genetics & bad 60s & 70s dentistry.

Braces aged 33 cost £3.5k
Eyes lasered aged 41 (as I could no longer tolerate contact lenses but couldn't see a thing without them and didn't want to wear glasses) £5k
3 moles removed £550k

Don't regret a penny. Would have more procedures done and probably will - maybe a face lift.

oh, I've also had microsclerotherapy on leg veins and Thermavein on my face veins!!!
If you can afford it then why not.

i doubt you will regret it. Truth is we live in a shallow world and looks matters - and impacts self esteem

for £400 your whole outlook on yourself could change - that’s worth it

That would be the best 1k you ever spent. Just get it booked in. Do it.

Yes I have. I spent about £3k on laser eye surgery in my twenties which was so worth it. I hated myself in glasses and my eyes got so irritated with contacts. 14 years later and my eyes are still good. I’ve also spent a couple of hundred on Botox twice and I’ve got my teeth whitened at £300. Don’t regret any of it. I don’t like my nose or my tummy but I wouldn’t go as far as a nose job or tummy tuck- I couldn’t afford it and also I’d be too scared

In the last few years i had a lower facelift and braces

id like to whiten my teeth but I’m scared of getting issues (more issues 😒) with my teeth

Dd had two moles removed about 4 years ago (privately)

Last year i wanted ds2 to get one particular mole removed, dd asked if she could have another mole removed so i said she could take her brother and get them both done

they came home, ds2 had had two moles removed and dd 6!

I'd get teeth done in a heartbeat, light years away from facial surgery etc

Oh and the mole would be gone too!

Fixing teeth and removing a mole sounds perfectly normal and reasonable to me.

Just before my wedding, I had my teeth cleaned by the hygienist but I have badly damaged teeth so they couldn't do much else. I also had a couple of small broken capillaries on my nose zapped and two small mole type things removed in the months before. I felt so much better for it.

My DM has huge moles / skin coloured growths on her face that don't bother her or anyone else for that matter, but I hate the ones on my own face that I seem to be developing as I age, so I think I'll keep on with any removals.

I also had a couple of small broken capillaries on my nose zapped

ooo how did you do that?

Over a decade ago I paid around £5k for a nose job. Best thing I've ever spent my money on. Was life changing in how I viewed myself.