When “Skin Deep” Isn’t Deep Enough

How do you know when a plastic surgeon really is your best option?

You’ve probably all heard that old platitude, “Beauty is only skin deep.” and its tart retort, “That’s all the deeper I want it!”

You, like most women living in developed countries, have probably been conditioned since adolescence to be aware of the advantages of having beautiful skin.  Whether you grant only a passing notice of your own face in the mirror or whether your interest in the daily condition of your facial skin consumes a lot of your time, you have no doubt at one time or another fervently wished for improvement in its appearance or condition.

“A woman with good skin usually takes it for granted until it’s too late to do anything about the effects of ageing.”

“A woman with bad skin generally takes it for granted that she’ll always have to hide under cosmetics or accept her flaws, whatever her age.”

These two platitudes may once have been true, but the last ten years of research on anti-ageing and developments in the field of skin care have produced discoveries that make both statements obsolete.  Women are learning more every day about preventative measures to ward off the symptoms of skin ageing, and women with skin problems are finding real solutions.

A Case in Point

A few years ago, at the age of 5, all I knew for certain was that I wanted to do something to improve my facial skin, but I was at a total loss as to how to go about it. 

I had been blessed with better than average looks and had good hair and teeth, but people rarely complimented me on having beautiful skin.  My facial skin was dry in patches, oily in patches, and prone to rashes and allergic reactions to most cosmetics.  I had a fair sprinkling of freckles, a few dark spots and moles, and had been noticing an alarming increase in tiny squinty lines at the outside corners of my eyes and between my brows.  And working overtime resulted in permanent shadows under my eyes and puffy eyelids.

I had never visited a cosmetician nor ever had a manicure or pedicure, and I had been using the same skin moisturizer for fifteen years or more. I visited the hairdresser only about four times a year but as my job required a well groomed appearance I used cosmetics daily, even on the weekends.

Now, I’ll admit that I’m just as vain as the next woman and I’ve always followed with great interest the magazine and Internet ads on anti-ageing miracle products.  I shared tips with girlfriends and spent plenty of hard-earned cash trying out name brand skin products.  Some triggered allergic reactions, and a few gave limited or short-term improvement, but all required a significant investment in time, money, and self-discipline.

The First Step is the Hardest

Every woman who has ever contemplated seeking professional help to improve the appearance of her skin probably began her search with a healthy skepticism and an attitude of “well, it won’t hurt to check it out”.

I don’t know about you, but personally I detest walking through upscale department store cosmetic departments and being accosted by gushing, over-attentive sales personnel and “beauty advisors” pushing their latest skin rejuvenation products.  I don’t trust any claim they make because I know they work on commission and don’t really care a rap about my skin.  I have the same distrust of cosmetic “makeover” establishments that want to intimidate me into purchasing expensive cover up solutions or set up time-consuming skin care appointment schedules.

So, who could I trust?  Who would put my interests first?  Once I really thought about it, it was obvious - my family physician.

He was kind, rather amused, but reassuring.  He examined various moles and suspicious spots and bumps and recommended my seeing a dermatologist to get rid of a few keratoses.  He answered my questions and gave me some information on menopause and hormone therapy and their effects on skin and hair. 

When I told him I was considering a chemical peel or microdermabrasion, or maybe even some Botox or collagen treatments, he cautioned me rather emphatically to be sure I consulted a licensed dermatologist or board-certified plastic surgeon.  He said with so many new products on the market it was even more important than ever to be certain that the person administering the treatment has solid medical knowledge and experience.  He even gave me some referrals.

The Big Leap

I came out of my initial consultation with a well-known and highly recommended plastic surgeon with a great sense of elation.  I had given him my health history and asked him all the questions, both serious and silly, that I’d been wanting to know about peels and Botox and collagen and face lifts.  I confided what my hopes and goals were and he gave me candid advice on what I could realistically expect. 

I left his office armed with more real information, including prices and payment terms, than I ever thought possible.  I was even able to look at before and after photos of some of his actual patients who had undergone both surgical and non-surgical procedures.  His staff was pleasant and supportive and I felt absolutely no pressure to buy a specific product or do a specific procedure.  I would study the possibilities and make my own decisions.

The Big Decision

After some careful thought I decided on a microdermabrasion procedure to improve the overall surface texture of my face and neck, with some follow up non-permanent HA gel dermal filler injections.  Then, perhaps an upper eyelid procedure to get rid of that droopy tired look that bothered me more than anything else.

I felt confident that I’d made an intelligent decision with all the facts in hand.

Peace of Mind

I am now a few years after that first treatment and I feel and look younger than I have in years.  The microdermabrasion treatment was a great success.  When I saw how youthful and fresh my skin looked I decided to go ahead and have plastic surgery on my eyelids and the dermal filler injections too. 

I couldn’t be more pleased, and I know that in the years to come when time starts catching up with my skin again, I’ll have someone I trust to come back to and rely on to give me serious advice and options for further care.  I’ll be in good hands.

If you’d like to know who my plastic surgeon is, see www.drmosser.com.