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Original poster

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

95 replies

SafeMove · 13/07/2022 11:05

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.

OP posts:

dutysuite · 13/07/2022 16:13

I’m 43 and I would love to have some work done to my teeth, and laser eye treatment but I’m scared about the laser eye surgery because I’ve heard it might not work. I also wouldn’t mind a beast enlargement and maybe a small mole removed…It might become a slippery slope for me once I start tbh. 🤪

CherryRipe1 · 13/07/2022 16:30

Forgot to mention varicose veins stripped on the NHS circa 1998. They were unsightly and painful. This would probably be a postcode lottery thing now. Had a mole removed by nhs as it was a bit suspect (luckily benign) & a family history of skin cancer. Think it was a punch biopsy & cauterized. Would like a few things done but don't think I'm vain or brave enough now plus health issues predominate.

legaltigger · 13/07/2022 16:40

I haven't because I can't afford it but I would LOVE to have my teeth whitened.

TheDogsMother · 13/07/2022 16:45

Thread vein and hair removal both on face which I've been really pleased with. Regular botox. I do have a varicose vein on one calf which bothers me but would not be covered on the NHS as it's considered cosmetic.

Homewardbound2022 · 13/07/2022 16:46

Money spent on your teeth is money well spent.

I had a mastopexy in March to correct seriously asymmetric breasts and love the results. I took years to pluck up the courage to do it out of sheer terror of GA and surgery. But my GP recommended a top surgeon and I felt safe in his hands. Still can't believe I've done it!

BoomVan · 13/07/2022 16:54

For me personally I would do enough to ensure I don't look tired or dirty. If I could afford to I would have my teeth whitened (stained so look dirty when they're not!). And some sort of surgery for under eyes as forever told I look tired even when I'm not, I just have big bags permanently.

Mabelface · 13/07/2022 17:05

I'd like a couple of tooth implants as I have a gap top and bottom in the right side. You can't see them, I just can't chew on that side.

B1rd · 13/07/2022 17:54

I spent £1k on teeth whitening and a veneer. It gave me so much confidence and I love to smile now.
I've also had a breast reduction, but that was a pointless exercise as they grew back!

Sally99 · 13/07/2022 20:30

Under eye bags removed. Worth every penny and no regrets

TheFridayRabbit · 14/07/2022 01:52

Sally99 · 13/07/2022 20:30

Under eye bags removed. Worth every penny and no regrets

How much did that cost?

Squiff70 · 14/07/2022 02:19

Nearly 20 years ago I paid £5k in my inner and outer thighs and inner knees. I really loathed my legs - not just the fat but the shape. I was an impossible shape - very slim waist buy extremely wide hips. My waist was a size 10 but my hips were a size 16. It was impossible to find trousers or shorts to fit.

Most of the fat returned as I inevitably aged, had babies and my body shape naturally changed, but my

Squiff70 · 14/07/2022 02:21

Oops.

But my legs are a completely different shape now and although I don't 'like' them, they are a VAST improvement on how they used to be. I had a very tough recovery but don't regret that decision or the money spent.

Squiff70 · 14/07/2022 02:22

I'm not doing very well here. I meant to say that 5k was for liposuction!

Chillinoncarneisunderrated · 14/07/2022 02:52

If I had the cash, which I don't have , I would get my eyes done as I have early onset cataracts and have to wait until they go right over until the NHS sorts them. I would also get my eyebags done and something down about my jowls as I look likena burst couch. Go for it ,OP

figmaofmyimagination · 14/07/2022 03:23

God yes. Do it!

I have botox twice a year and have had laser hair removal over pretty much my whole body. Zero regrets, life is too short.

FortonServices · 14/07/2022 05:49

I'd get chipped teeth fixed. I'd recommend whitening too. I've had mine whitened.

I've also had Botox and cheek fillers (I'm 43 and my face is sagging).

Feel loads better. I may be vain but it has done wonders for my self esteem and mental health.

TheBikiniExpert · 14/07/2022 05:56

I had a varicose vein removed which got me into running and yoga - couldn't bear the feeling of the vein before, especially kneeling down.

FortonServices · 14/07/2022 06:09

Sally99 · 13/07/2022 20:30

Under eye bags removed. Worth every penny and no regrets

How does that work?

I'm thinking about getting the hoods above my eyes removed (face is sagging) and I could maybe get my eye bags done too.

likeliterally · 14/07/2022 06:43

Cotswoldmama · 13/07/2022 11:17

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!

Would love to whiten teeth but not sure how to go about it / cost. Would you mind sharing info?

FortonServices · 14/07/2022 06:47

@likeliterally

I got mine done at the dentist. If you are in the NW I can recommend someone but most dentists will do it.

You have 2 options:

Laser - faster but more expensive. You go to your dentist and they use a laser to whiten your teeth. It's about an hour.

Home - your dentist will make a mouod of your teeth. You use it at home with a lightening gel. Takes longer but you can just use it over night until your teeth are the shade you want them.

likeliterally · 14/07/2022 06:50

Thanks I'll check with my den

likeliterally · 14/07/2022 06:51

I'll check with my dentist options and prices.

Assumed you were southern due to your username.

Cakemonger · 14/07/2022 06:54

Funnily enough I have an appointment today with an orthodontist to discuss correcting my underbite and potential dental work as I’ve always hated my smile. I will take the fact I saw this thread today as a sign I’m doing the right thing 🙂

ShirleyJackson · 14/07/2022 07:04

Botox three times a year.
Filler after weight loss - god the results are amazing. I’ll be doing that every year.
I had braces on my teeth in my late twenties.
Eyebrows and eyelashes dyed every month.

It sounds a lot, but all the above means I go makeup free for the first time in my life, and don’t really think about my appearance once I’ve left the house. No more wincing at my reflection.

So no, I don’t regret any of it.

Evivie · 14/07/2022 07:13

I've had some sun spots zapped from my face. Makeup could never cover them and it was the first thing I looked at in the mirror each day.

Bit of painless laser (albeit with some numbing cream) then a week later, all gone. Amazing.

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