Several recent, unsolicited conversations have centered around wanting to age gracefully, researching several techniques available, and then learning the price tag.
A Pretty Penny
Based off the information I have, the minimum I’d like to do to myself right now (not to make drastic changes, like a nose job, by the way, but to simply tighten, tone, and look more refreshed) would cost over $6,000 a year. That does not include the “baby” Botox I’ve been getting for a year or the litany of skincare products I currently use.
I think about celebs in their 50s who look younger than me, and I cannot imagine the expense to not only their face, but their whole bodies.
Frankly, I just can’t keep up. And the bigger question - do I even want to?
The Price of Long(er) Legs
There’s a recent story about a gentleman who paid $75,000 to get two inches of height. I listened to an interview with the surgeon who performed this procedure, and he said he performed SIX of these leg-lengthening surgeries the prior WEEK. Like, this stuff is happening everywhere, all the time.
Personally, I’m not willing to go into debt. And my small forays into this world show that it’s not like you can do whatever you want. There’s no magic eraser. In order to make a big difference, you have to go full-out with surgery. There really are only small tweaks, and many treatments must be carried out over time.
For example, I have asymmetric lips. I asked if fillers could even them out, and the answer was “it depends on your anatomy and we won’t know until we try.” Which is an awesome and honest (but expensive) answer, and shows that cosmetic dermatology can’t “fix” everything.
And this particular story hits different for me because my dream was to be a Radio City Rockette - but I’m only 5’5” and the cutoff is 5’6”. Although I became a Rockette Assistant (yay!), an inch could have literally changed my life. But, again, at what cost?
The Plastic Surgery Lie
Plenty of celebs claim to have never gone under the knife. Fine. But there are enough lasers, facials, injectables, and therapies to do the job well if started early and done consistently.
It always frustrates me a little when stars claim to not have had work done, but they magically never age past 22. I don’t think they owe us an itemized list, but regular cosmetic dermatology and body contouring is not affordable for most people. It just isn’t. And it’s ridiculous for those who earn a living off people paying to watch/listen to them claim they woke up looking like they do. Factor in calculated diets and personal trainers, plus lots of help and sleep…it all adds up in saving sanity and stretching a budget.
So, what I would love to hear is:
“Everyone requires basic hygiene - brushing teeth, bathing, washing and cutting hair - and then if you go beyond that, i.e. dying hair, losing or gaining weight, or doing anything to alter your appearance, it’s typically done to make yourself feel your best. And for some, that includes cosmetic procedures. Of course I am trying to age gracefully, my version of it, and I pass no judgement on those who choose to do more or less than me. I hope others will extend that same courtesy my way.”
This is why I adore Dolly Parton. She owns her look. And I guess that’s all I’m asking for.
Beauty Isn’t Skin Deep
So…what do we know?
Every person has the right to age gracefully, whatever that means, but some people can’t afford all the things so those who do shouldn’t belittle those who don’t - this includes lying that they get nothing done
Faces are everywhere, thanks Zoom; I’m used to it and part of why I started Electra Lane - in fact, I made a YouTube video about it several years ago - but people are looking at themselves differently and the beauty industry is booming
Last week I shared how and why I love my body for what it can do…but doesn’t mean I love the way it looks as I get older - so I’m not opposed to exploring all the options
I hope you’ll join me in this series and submit your questions/concerns. I’m also on Clubhouse - if you’re there, look me up - and let’s answer my original question of whether or not it’s worth it.