Question:

Isn't getting an extreme makeover frivolous?

Extreme Makeover Dos and Donts

"Beauty is only skin deep." Some social critics disapprove of the "Extreme Makeover" show, which 7,000 people auditioned for in 2003, and our society's focus on appearances (after all, there are broken levees, homeless people in Louisiana, and real-world problems to deal with.) They caution that the cancelled "Extreme Makeover" TV show and its copycats such as "The Swan" send a message of instant happiness and overcoming life's problems thanks to a tummy tuck, breast implants, makeup lessons and new hairdos.

We all know a healthy self-image isn't easy, and if you've been reading up on cosmetic surgery, you know it's not as painless as TV makes it seem--even the fictional "Nip/Tuck" acknowledges the downside of the business. Also, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery cautioned in 2004 that the "Extreme Makeover" TV show left a false impression that getting multiple cosmetic surgery procedures isn't simple or something you should just rush into. It's still major surgery. If you're considering getting an extreme makeover, here are some pointers:

  • Don't expect to be instantly happy. Only you can make yourself happy and fulfilled--through strong connectiosn with family, friends and community, work, hobbies, personal growth and learning, fitness and health, community service, faith and spiritual life.
  • Don't get conceited. It's not pretty.
  • Don't do it unless you're serious about a major life change.
  • Don't do it without the support of family and friends. Support them in return--don't ignore them.
  • Don't expect critical friends and family to approve--they probably wouldn't anyway.

Stand up for what you believe in. Be confident. Our society does focus on appearances--but don't let the media kid you, they do as well. Occasionally though, we all come together and try to solve real problems, like flood devastation on the Gulf Coast or hunger in Africa. No one may notice your breast implants in the midst of a crisis, but everyone will see another helping hand. That said, there's still nothing wrong with doing something for yourself. Jean Kerr quipped, "I'm tired of all this nonsense about beauty being only skin-deep. That's deep enough. What do you want--an adorable pancreas?" (Quoted in CULINARYTHERAPY by Beverly West.)

Cosmetic Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

Will cosmetic surgery help me feel better about myself?

Should teenagers have plastic surgery?

Is all celebrity plastic surgery just airbrushing?

What are the most requested celebrity looks and will they work for me?

What are some of the risks and benefits of cosmetic surgery?

What happens if I need reconstructive surgery after an accident?

How can I find out if a palstic surgeon has done celebrity work?

What does it mean if a plastic surgeon is board certified?

What questions should I ask a cosmetic surgeon?

Should I find a specialist in face lifts or abdominoplasty?

If I have a grievance against a plastic surgeon, can I appeal it?

Does my board certified plastic surgeon have skill in dermatology?

How important is bedside manner in a plastic surgeon?

Should I have liposuction done on my thighs?

How much does liposuction cost?

What is tumescent liposuction and why should I have it?

What is ultrasonic liposuction and why should I have it?

Is liposuction appropriate for breast reduction?

What is mesotherapy and is it an alternative to liposuction?

Which is better, a tummy tuck or liposuction?

What are some complications from liposuction?

How much does a tummy tuck typically cost?

How do I get the most out of abdominoplasty liposuction?

With abdomnioplasty, what type of liposuction do I choose?

What's involved in a mini tummy tuck?

Do men need abdominoplasty?

What are non-surgical facelifts and do they work?

Is belphoaroplasty a good fit with a face lift?

Aren't threadlift "barbs" going to hurt?

My cheeks droop and sag, should I have liposuction?

Are men candidates for face lifts?

What are the risks of a thread lift?

Can I wear makeup or go tanning after a facelift?

What is endoscopic plastic surgery and is it for me?

How much will I pay for endoscopic plastic surgery?

Will endoscopic plastic surgery repair injury or trauma?

How does endoscopic abdominoplasty build muscle tone?

Do I need an endoscopic brow lift?

Does Botox hold up under life stress?

Can I reduce Botox costs by doing it on my own?

What's involved in Botox cost?

Is Botox cheaper internationally?

Should I have Botox with Restylane fillers?

Do I need anesthesia with Botox?

Is a Brazilian butt lift for me?

How do I choose a Brazilian butt lift surgeon?

Is the Brazilian butt lift performed with any other surgeries?

Are buttock implants for me?

What is micro fat grafting and is it for me?

Is there a credit line just for cosmetic surgery?

What cosmetic surgery financing scams should I beware of?

How do I save money for cosmetic surgery?

Should I get financing from my plastic surgeon?

Why won't my doctor accept financing fromcosmetic financing services?

What types of cosmetic surgery will insurance cover?

How can I improve my chances of getting cosmetic surgery financing?

Can I get an extreme makeover without going on television?

How long does extreme makeover recovery take?

Can I just get a makeover for my smile?

How much does an extreme makeover cost?

What do I need to know about home microdermabrasion treatment?

I have severe acne, can microdermabrasion remove it?

What are some surgeons' tips about dermabrasion?

Does the L'Oreal home microdermabrasion kit work?

How do I use a home microdermabrasion wand?

When should I not have microdermabrasion?

How does microdermabrasion elminate sun damage?

Will chin implants improve the shape of my face?

What types of chin implants can I get and are they safe?

Are silicone chin implant costs worth it?

How much does chin augmentation combined with rhinoplasty cost?

What's teh recovery like for chin augmentation?

How much do chin injections cost?

Should I choose an inner thigh lift to eliminate cellulite?

Are thigh lifts usually done with liposuction?

I've heard I have to drain my thighs after a thigh lift, is it true?

Do thigh lifts and abdominoplasty work together?

What can I do to improve my thighs if I can't get a thigh lift?

Can creams help me recover after a thigh lift?

Can I get rid of thigh problems through diet and exercise?

What is gynecomastia and did I cause it?

Can drug abuse cause gynecomastia?

Can obesity cause gynecomastia?

How much does gynecomastia surgery cost and how popular is it?

Will my surgeon do gynecomastia surgery with liposuction?

What do I need to do to prepare for gynecomastia surgery?

What should I do during recovery from gynecomastia surgery?

What is capsular contracture and how do I prevent it?

Can my breasts be too large?

Am I caving to male expectations if I get larger breasts?

Are silicone breast implants dangerous?

Isn't getting an extreme makeover frivolous?

Should I apply to be on MTV's "I Want a Famous Face"?

What will it cost to have an extreme makeover?

Was ABC's "Extreme Makeover" cancelled and should I try another show?

Will I be happier with an extreme makeover?

Should I have surgery again to re-enlarge my breasts?

Should I get teardrop or round implants?

How does my breast surgeon decide how to augment my breasts?

Can I have the fat taken out of my stomach area and put into my breast?

The fat appears to be dissolving in the cheeks of my face. It started about five months ago and has given me a very sunken appearance. Eight months ago I had a sinus lift and extensive dental work. Both the surgeon and dentist say the two are not related. Can you help?





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