Plastic Surgery: Can it actually make you look prettier?

by Edward Francis

Many people are willing to do anything to be more beautiful – from extreme diets to the most expensive make-up. One option that many people discuss, but often know little about is plastic surgery. The big question is: can it actually make you prettier?

It’s important to remember that plastic surgery is not a magic solution. It can do a lot, but it’s limited by how you look to start with. And remember, what is considered beautiful varies – Marilyn Monroe and Kate Moss have both been considered the height of attractiveness at varying times, and you couldn’t have two more different body types!

For reasons like that, it’s not always worth breast enhancement or reductions (unless you’re desperately unhappy with your body), and liposuction can be an expense best avoided by diet and exercise changes. However, there are certain types of plastic surgery that can make a huge difference to your appearance – and in such a way that it can create a timeless beauty, rather than something that may end up a passing trend.

Thread Vein Removal

Thread vein removal can be done in a few different ways, but the effect is usually the same. Small, spider-like veins can cause many people to be self-conscious of their body, even though they’re entirely harmless. They’re common on the legs, but also can appear on the face. With thread vein removal, the appearance of these problem veins can be entirely reduced, leaving your skin more consistent in colour and smoothness. This is a really effective way at ‘looking prettier’, especially if you feel like the veins are unsightly. The process of thread vein removal either involves sclerotherapy (injections with a very fine needle) on areas other than the face or intense light therapy (which can also help with wrinkles and sun-damage). If you’re looking for something that can make a huge difference for a minor procedure, thread vein removal is worth considering.

Tissue Filler

Tissue fillers (or dermal fillers, as you may have seen them referred to as) are a way of reducing the effects of wrinkles and old-age without resorting to something as drastic or permanent as botox. It’s the process of ‘plumping up’ the skin, in order to replace the subcutaneous fat that’s lost as you age. In general, tissue fillers will last about six to twelve months – meaning if you don’t like the effect, you’re not stuck with it, whereas if you do feel like it makes you look prettier, it’s easy to top up!

Mini Facelift

A face lift is quite a large procedure, and can change your appearance dramatically. Whilst it may make you look prettier, it may make you look very unlike what you’re used to! A mini facelift is like a toned down version of the full surgery – focusing on specific problem areas rather than your entire face. Areas such as the wrinkles under the jaw on the neck, or around the nose, are focused on, but due to the shorter length of surgery it’s got a much faster recovery rate. If you’re happy with your looks, but concerned about sagging ruining them, this is a great option.

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty – or a nose job, as you may be more familiar with – is a pretty common procedure. Noses are the centre of the face, so a bulky, obviously broken nose can often detract from how you want to look. Adjusting the nose to look more balanced and centered can be an easy way to improve your looks for little effort and a minor procedure. However, do be aware – some people like faces with character, so maybe leaving it a little wonky or a tad bit unusual might work in your favour more than aiming for symmetrical perfection! Your surgeon will be able to work with you to achieve the kind of beauty you want.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing isn’t technically a surgery, but it does fall under the ‘plastic surgery’ banner. It can be targeted to one small area, or your whole face, but in general it’s designed to reduce damage and wear from the skin. It can tighten the skin, remove minor wrinkles, even out your colouring and tone down the effects of scars. This, combined with thread vein removal can lead to near-flawless, even, glowing skin – a sure sign of beauty!

All of these are minor surgical procedures, meaning they’re less expensive than what you may have thought. In addition, they won’t drastically change your looks – meaning whilst you may feel prettier, you’re not at risk of that dreaded, unemotional botox forehead or breasts that can look out of place. As with all surgeries, they should be undertaken after speaking to medical professionals – and after spending some time considering, rather than as an impulse purchase!