https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 02:59:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1662026 Mon, 16 May 2016 10:46:16 +0000 April 1662026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, there are lots of things that cosmetic dermatologists do now that don't require actual surgery. &nbsp;In our extended family, we have a husband-and-wife MD team who run a very fancy medical practice that specializes in plastic surgery and dermatology (both medical and cosmetic). &nbsp;As we understand it, the plastic surgery side of the practice has actually gotten a bit slow lately, because there are so many less invasive ways to do things with less recovery time, less bruising, etc. &nbsp;</p> <p>So look around to see what treatments might be available besides surgery. &nbsp;I believe those lines you're describing are commonly referred to as "puppet lines". &nbsp;I have a friend of 60 who recently had hers treated by having fillers injected, and she's very pleased with the results.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1660222 Fri, 13 May 2016 05:08:33 +0000 Jeanie 1660222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just chiming in to ditto what Minnie has said. &nbsp;I have been researching this topic for a while to try to make some decisions about what I want to do going forward. &nbsp;My neck is really giving away my age and it is really bothering me. &nbsp;It seems there are a lot of procedures that will help (Thermage, Botox, etc)but you have to continue to pay to have tune ups. &nbsp;Surgery is way more invasive but lasts a lot longer. &nbsp;I also remember reading about how doing cosmetic dentistry can really help make the structure of your face look younger. &nbsp; That may be something to look into when you get your dental work done. &nbsp;I am also wondering if you have tried Retinol. &nbsp;From what I've read it really helps tighten the skin a bit though it takes 6 months to a year to work but is considered a good first step for those who have tried it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1658052 Tue, 10 May 2016 14:47:08 +0000 Janet 1658052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Minnie, those results look great! Subtle but very effective. I've always had a bit of "extra" under the chin too. It's really obvious in profile, and it's definitely hereditary. My mom never weighed more than 135 lbs at 5'6" and had the chin thing as well. </p> <p>Thank you for all the great advice! When life calms down a little (and after I get my new periodontist lined up and have a consult with them about any dental/perio work I need done), perhaps I'll have a consult with a respected dermatologist and surgeon as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1658045 Tue, 10 May 2016 14:37:32 +0000 Minnie 1658045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A bit late to the party, but here's my two cents:<br />I've always had a soft jawline, even as a teenager. I don't mean a double chin or jowls (back then), but a certain softness in that area. <br />Not at all like the women who have really strongly marked jawlines.<br />With normal aging, jowls developed and I hated them. I'm not overweight, so that wasn't the issue. Genetics, I guess.<br />There are all kinds of non-invasive treatments like Thermage, Ulthera, facial exercises, Botox, Fillers .... All of that may help a bit, but will have to be done repeatedly and isn't as effective as surgery.<br />So many procedures that are cosmetic in nature are widely accepted: teeth straightening, teeth whitening, hair coloring, contact lenses, Botox, Fillers etc. <br />Surgery is invasive and many people draw the line there, but I'm a proponent of fixing what truly bothers me. My body, my live, my money.<br />I went with a surgeon who is rated one of the top docs in my state and who only does faces. <br />No visible scars and (I think) very natural looking results. As far as scars go: there is no surgery without scars. How visible they end up being depends mainly on the surgeon's skill, but also on your ability to heal.<br />There are surgery franchises out there (Sono Bello etc) who advertise Mini-lifts, but I would stay away from that kind of setting.<br />If you decide to go down that road, try and find a surgeon who specializes in procedures of the face and has good reviews.&nbsp;<br />Ask to see before and afters of the procedure, performed by that surgeon.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1656807 Sun, 08 May 2016 00:35:48 +0000 SarahTheWhite 1656807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Got it! It is Ulthereapy. <a href="http://www.ultherapy.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.ultherapy.com</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1656723 Sat, 07 May 2016 21:08:08 +0000 SarahTheWhite 1656723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW, I completely agree with others that you look lovely as you are, but I also know how it feels to have specific things that bother me for my own personal reasons, and I respect that. I also respect everyone's desire to take whatever action they choose/are financially able to address these things. I just heard about something - maybe third hand (a friend of a friend knows someone....) that was pretty amazing. It is non surgical, and is something that has a sort of time delay - it looks better as more time passes, then eventually (4-5 years) may need to be redone. I am waiting to hear back from my friend about the name of it because I can't remember. We looked at some before and after photos and I was really impressed that people didn't look artificial. It sounds like they can do overall face or target specifics - just eyelids, neck, chin, décolleté etc. the photos I saw just showed more definition of eyes and jawline and not tightly pulled skin. To me, it looked like the best of all worlds. So far, of any option I have heard of or seen, this one looked like the only one I would consider if finances permitted and I felt strongly enough about addressing any issues (I definitely see eyelid issues looming, among other things). I will get back to you with the name,,,,</p> <p>Xtabay - I hope you heal well and all goes as you hoped. I'm happy for you that you are doing something for yourself that will make you feel wonderful </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1656500 Sat, 07 May 2016 05:45:01 +0000 SandyG 1656500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, you've received a lot of good advice; here's mine. Book an appointment with the best woman dermatologist in your area to get an expert opinion of your bone structure, muscle symmetry and skin health. With one honest appointment you'll have the structural foundation of your facial expressions. Knowing that, you can slice and dice your options.&nbsp;</p> <p>You're gorgeous -- and it's perfect to be a seeker and a questing creature. It makes us happy :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1656410 Fri, 06 May 2016 23:53:51 +0000 DonnaF 1656410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Around 15 years ago when I was in my late 40s, I started to fuss about my wrinkles.&nbsp; Then I developed systemic scleroderma, so my body produces excess collagen.&nbsp; Not so many wrinkles maybe ever, but my face isn't as expressive.&nbsp; And an autoimmune disease that isn't going away.&nbsp; Be careful what you wish for.&nbsp; </p> <p>A few days ago, I must have done something to my Achilles tendon or heel.&nbsp; I don't remember twisting my ankle or any other acute event.&nbsp; But now I can barely walk with a fair amount of pain but am in a city for DD's graduation without a car so a lot of walking is necessary.&nbsp; I usually walk 19 times around a track for exercise so this is a huge shock.&nbsp; A warning?&nbsp; I complain a lot about my fussy feet and short, fat, bowed legs, but I would functional over this stupid pain, especially knowing that I won't be able to see a doctor until I get home late next week.&nbsp; I know you run a lot, so treasure that ability. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1656366 Fri, 06 May 2016 22:28:09 +0000 Janet 1656366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, Gaylene, I understand. And I can much more easily see beauty in the aging faces of others while being critical of it in my own.&nbsp;</p> <p>My mother, right up until her final days lying in a hospital bed, looked younger than she was, and she was always proud of that. She was meticulous about taking care of her health and her looks. I know I internalized a lot of those things I learned from her. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1656352 Fri, 06 May 2016 22:07:28 +0000 Gaylene 1656352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just needed to chime back in after reading your last paragraph, Janet, especially the part about embracing looking your age--truthfully, I doubt that I'd ever reach that zen state. </p> <p>It's a complicated business coming to terms with growing old in a society that deems "Wow, I'd have never guessed you are XX; you look so much younger" as the highest compliment you could bestow on an older woman. If I don't get that reaction, I'm more resentfully resigned than peacefully embracing the signs of aging. ;(</p> <p>What I am trying to figure out is my double standard whereby I find "character" compellingly beautiful in other people faces but dissatisfied when I see it on my own face. So hard to walk the talk some days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1656261 Fri, 06 May 2016 19:46:46 +0000 Janet 1656261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Denise, you've mentioned something that is an issue for me, that I had never even connected to the jawline issue -- periodontal disease. Despite the fact that I am religious about brushing and flossing, my gums seem to be prone to these issues (I'm pretty sure I inherited that from my dad -- he lost most of his real teeth at an alarmingly young age, but he also grew up in the 1930s in a poor family with a lot of siblings, so no dental care like we have today!). I may need to have some gum surfer done this year to treat a couple of areas where the problems are recurring, after 7 years of holding the problems at bay from when they were first diagnosed. Of course, my health comes before vanity, so I wouldn't have any kind of cosmetic procedure until I have these more pressing issues addressed.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have also adopted a habit of holding my face in at least a bit of a smile at most times when I'm out in public. I think it actually doesn't look so much like I'm smiling as it does just having a halfway neutral-to-pleasant expression on my face. Even when I'm smiling with my lips closed, it tends to look like a smirk because of the asymmetry in my face. So who knows, maybe I just look smug then? ;-)&nbsp;</p> <p>I'll confess, I am quite emotionally invested in the fact that I FEEL younger than I am, and some of that translates to me wanting to LOOK younger than I am. I know that many of you embrace looking your age, whatever that age may be, and I hope to achieve that peace someday. :-)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1656248 Fri, 06 May 2016 19:31:15 +0000 CocoLion 1656248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to get botox in my 40s. &nbsp;I liked the results but now it would look weird to have a perfectly smooth forehead and a sagging jawline. &nbsp;Like you Janet I am unhappy about my jawline and I have an awful RBF. &nbsp;I look mean and unhappy, which I am not, in the least. &nbsp;Now I try to remember to walk around with a bit of a smile all the time. It's vital in my field to look pleasant and happy. &nbsp;I wish I had the money to do something, but I don't. &nbsp;So there you have it. &nbsp;People often think I am older than I am, and I have to live with it. &nbsp;At least I am in excellent health.</p> <p>Oh and part of the reason why our jawline sags, is that we experience bone loss which also creates dental and periodontal issues. &nbsp;I have spent a lot of money in 2015 fixing upper and lower gums, surgically. &nbsp;It has slowed the tooth loss that gum disease can cause, which is good, but has not given me back my jaws and lips.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1656109 Fri, 06 May 2016 18:04:16 +0000 JAileen 1656109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you look great, and don't need anything. Of course what you do is up to you. </p> <p>However, I was reminded of a conversation I had last year with a close friend. We were both bemoaning our jowls, etc. (I'm older than you, and my friend is older than me), and my friend mentioned that her older sister had had a face lift. Her sister was thrilled with the results. My friend said her sister didn't look like herself anymore. Her mouth was different, I think. This is why I would be very cautious of any surgical option. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1656101 Fri, 06 May 2016 17:51:59 +0000 Gaylene 1656101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of suggestions and thoughts here, Janet, but you may have hit on an important one in your last comment. </p> <p>I know I see an older, tireder, and saggier me in the mirror when I'm overwhelmed or emotionally drained. And referring to that visage as "resting bitch face" doesn't improve matters. Do whatever feels right, but keep in mind what you see in the mirror is never what others see when they look at you. </p> <p>You are beautiful as a bubbly, looks-younger-than-her-years woman whose sense of style wows everyone here, but you are every bit as beautiful in those more sober, thoughtful, and, yes, a bit weary moments you've captured on camera. Maybe use your photographer's eye when you look into your mirror before you decide on creams and surgery to "fix" what might not be broken? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1656038 Fri, 06 May 2016 15:33:53 +0000 Anonymous 1656038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good to hear the Clarisonic works. I may look into that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1656026 Fri, 06 May 2016 15:11:00 +0000 viva 1656026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just chiming in to say I am another who grapples with these same questions. Thanks for being so open, Janet. I love this entire conversation. </p> <p>Googling "Clarisonic Opal" now. Thanks Joy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1655976 Fri, 06 May 2016 13:07:41 +0000 Janet 1655976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, I actually bought a book about facial yoga exercises a couple of years ago! I guess for me, the problem is that I never remember to do them. ;-)</p> <p>Thank you all for all the ideas and suggestions. Lately I'm feeling overwhelmed and emotionally a bit drained, so I think that's feeding into the desire for...something. When life calms down a bit, I might go for a consult or try some of these ideas that require less commitment. Or maybe I will just keep living with looking the way I do and stop worrying about it. </p> <p>I really appreciate all the comments and discussion! I'm glad I opened the topic to you all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1655862 Fri, 06 May 2016 03:52:04 +0000 Anonymous 1655862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I glanced through the comments and didn't see this mentioned. I have no idea if this Doyle help but the makers of the Clarisonic skin care system, which I love, has a newer device called the Opal. It is for around the eyes and other areas that need a gentle massage that will moisturize and encourage collegen. The SA said that women are using it with great results on the neck too.<br /> Another idea is facial yoga positions. There used to be a TV yoga program that included them. One position was called the lion and involved stretching the neck out, sticking the tongue out as far as you can and opening eyes very wide. Like any exercise, over time it made a difference in firmness in neck and face. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1655259 Thu, 05 May 2016 05:33:10 +0000 bj1111 1655259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i've had laser skin tightening using a mild yag laser about 4 years ago. &nbsp;the effect was subtle and took a while, but i did like the more toned look. &nbsp;it's a time commitment with a series of 6-8 initial treatments. &nbsp; think i would have gotten a much more durable effect if i returned for semi-annual top-ups. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/3#post-1655100 Wed, 04 May 2016 22:25:52 +0000 kerry 1655100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just read a review of a device called NuFace on WardrobeOxygen. You might like to check it out. Not sure if it'd have the results you want. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/2#post-1650624 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 13:38:35 +0000 Janet 1650624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much for all of the excellent information, and therapeutic feedback! I knew I was not alone, but it's really helpful to hear about various approaches people have tried, and about each of your experiences and ponderings as well. I'm on the go a lot these last few days, so mostly responding on iPhone, and it's too difficult to respond to each person directly, but please know that I am very grateful for all of the constructive comments! Maybe after I get some other personal/business matters sorted out, I'll have time to think about this more later. You've given me some excellent advice to start with. Mwah! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/2#post-1650473 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 02:55:50 +0000 Karie 1650473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had eyelid surgery about a year ago, and I'm so glad I did. My eyelids were drooping and not symmetrically, either. I always looked like I was winking in photos. It was an outpatient procedure. I had to keep my eyes closed the next day, but everything was fairly painless. I never needed to take the pain pills that were prescribed to me.</p> <p>I don't think your chin area looks bad at all. I understand how you feel though, as my MIL has jewels and hates them (but she's 79...). I'd visit a cosmetic surgeon, gather all the information, and then decide whether to proceed or not. Some even offer free consultations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/2#post-1650274 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 22:12:16 +0000 Nebraskim 1650274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Annagybe and XtaBay: It's your choice. You have to live with yourself regardless and you might as well be happy. I know that everyone on the planet tells me how they think I am beautiful. I just do not see it. It is how you view yourself that is key. There are women who do go round the bend with this (there are plenty of examples of celeb women who are unrecognizable now due to over doing surgery). But you will not be among them. I at least would do a couple of consults with a couple of different well-recommended board-certified surgeons to at least get an idea of what might be done.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/2#post-1650225 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 20:51:23 +0000 Jane 1650225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Janet, I haven't had chance to read all the comments, but I ready your initial post last night and have been thinking about it since.&nbsp;</p> <p>I thought very seriously about breast surgery several years ago, as I have very small breasts. I took the decision to not have it done, when there was a scare over a certain type of inserts (PIP I recall, a French product). I know that my moment for that type of surgery has past now, but I would think about other surgery.</p> <p>For me, I am conscious that my face moves and I look very much better when I am smiling, or at least the corners of my mouth are vaguely turned upwards. &nbsp;So, I try to remind myself that faces aren't static, good hair and make up help a great deal to draw attention away from things we may not wish to draw attention to.&nbsp;</p> <p>So, if I was considering facial surgery, I would make sure my hair and make up were tip top, and then make a decision.</p> <p>To me, you always look very polished, Your hair and make up look very good, and your eyes are gorgeous. Your wardrobe is lovely. So, with all those aspects resolved, if it were me having given it a great deal of thought, I would feel that it was okay to consider thinking about surgery very seriously.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/2#post-1650182 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 19:25:42 +0000 texstyle 1650182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This might be something worth looking into as well:</p> <p>Hyaluronic Acid is also being injected into skin much like Botox, in the<br /> form of Restylane. Since Hyaluronic acid is what gives skin its volume<br /> and fullness, Restylane is injected into wrinkled skin to add fullness<br /> and reduce the prominence of the wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid also attracts<br /> and binds water, and this also helps maintain fullness in the area of<br /> injection. Restylane was approved by the FDA in 2003 for this use.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/2#post-1650144 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 18:07:55 +0000 rachylou 1650144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ms. Mary, my stylist's daughter explained to me about the surgery look. She says this group wants you to <i>know </i>they've had surgery. It's not about beauty at all; it's about the <i>surgery</i>. I think that's amazing.</p> <p>I'm sure I'll have the droopy eyelid surgery at some point, because I'm a contacts wearer and won't be able to see. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/2#post-1650128 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 17:50:14 +0000 MsMary 1650128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Coming late to this but I am all for cosmetic surgery if you want it and can afford it! As Angie said, I had mine because my weight loss turned my double chin into a turkey neck, but I also had my lower eyelids done and I'm super happy with the results. I will say if you think you want to do it, go ahead and do it now. My surgeon says people our age are super happy with the results and people who wait are sad that they waited so long! Also I think it's important to keep it subtle looking. Out here in So Cal there is definitely a cosmetic surgery "look" that I would avoid at all costs, but apparently the people who have it think it looks good. I'd rather look a little saggier if it means looking more like myself!</p> <p>And of course it goes without saying that you are gorgeous as you are, but I also get where you're coming from! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/2#post-1650127 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 17:49:04 +0000 Aziraphale 1650127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, you are a beautiful woman. Yes, I do see the lines you're talking about, but they are very subtle. Remember that people don't see a still picture of you in real life -- they see a living, moving, talking, and smiling person. So what you see when you pose, unsmiling, in the mirror is a way exaggerated version of what everyone else sees.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think most of us have some insecurity when it comes to aging. (Mine is my eyes. They are becoming more hollow as I age, and I don't like it. Droopy eyelids can make you look tired, but hollow eyes make you look a bit ill. I don't even think it's fixable -- some people just naturally don't have a lot of fat above their upper eyelids, and I'm one of them. Waah. First world problems). This is unsurprising, considering how much women are judged by their looks -- and how youth-focused our culture is. But while everyone has a right to deal with aging by having plastic surgery, I have to admit that I admire those who forego such invasive treatment. There's something about allowing lines and sags to develop that broadcasts a woman's strength of character.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/2#post-1650119 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 17:40:25 +0000 rachylou 1650119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ps: meanwhile, I've developed a wrinkle-crease this year down alongside my nose. I want to retinol it out...lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-solution-other-than-cosmetic-surgery/page/2#post-1650118 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 17:37:39 +0000 rachylou 1650118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My first thought was Botox too, for non-surgical options. But 1) for me, I think that would probably get tiresome, like colouring my hair did and 2) you don't want to end up like Carrie Fisher, who talks like she's had a stroke or too many sessions of electro shock.</p> <p>Actually, my first thought was of my old stylists' daughter, who told me about people having 30 year cosmetic surgery plans. As I grow older, I feel more sympathy with this idea. But 1) I'm thinking $20K for dental implants will be more pressing and 2) I've had a couple of surgeries and you're really never quite as good after being hacked up and sewn back together. Some sort of integrity is violated. I'm rather concerned about saving strength for big life-saving operations down the road. Or just knee replacement.</p> <p>I'm trying to listen to my mom's friend: the body betrays! And look way down the road. </p>