Beautiful Obsessions

Featured Story

When we get caught up in trying to let the media establish the definition of beauty, we lose sight of our own personal definitions.  Anyone on the street can tell you his or her own personal definition of beauty; who they think is beautiful and who isn’t. We are bombarded everyday with beauty contests like Miss Universe and shows like Extreme Makeover, as well as People Magazine featuring the most beautiful people in the world, all trying to answer the question “What is beauty?”  Not to mention the thousands of products that offer the definition of beauty, by selling hope of looking younger, looking thinner, smoothing “this” or plumping “that.”  We have taken for granted what the definition of beauty is according to society, but have you really stopped to ponder, “What is beauty, really?  What makes you feel good about yourself?” It might surprise you.

Let’s make 2009, the year to embrace your personal beauty and to be happy.  Everyone is unique in their own way and how they perceive themselves as beautiful is all about doing what makes them feel good.  There are several ways to do this as so many options are available to us today.   We need to forget about what others think of us and do what makes us feel we are the best we can be!

YOUR BODY AS A WORK OF ART
Marie Strable of Exeter works out and takes great care of herself.  To look at her outward appearance, you would say, “That’s a beautiful woman.”  However, if you ask her what makes her feel beautiful, she is likely to display a work of art.  Not art in the conventional sense but body art.  Marie has a tattoo that covers the majority of her back.  She has always loved tattoos and one day decided to make the step to get one.  She says she has been hooked ever since.  “I like not having any limits on myself.  It’s so exciting to see an image or creation I have thought up come to life on my body.”

Marie’s back piece is a representation of each of her family members displayed by a flower with a gemstone center; each the color of the family member’s birthstone.  Most recently, Marie added a flower over her right shoulder to represent the newest edition to her family – Ava age 5 months.
Marie explains, “My back piece makes me feel beautiful because it’s a unique part of me.  It’s something no one else has.”  Just ask her about it and she’ll be happy to show you!  “I got my tattoo for me but love them so much that I am thrilled when people ask to see it.”

Marie realizes some people might be offended by tattoos but she understands that everyone is entitled to his/her opinion and she respects that position.  Ultimately, the beauty of her artwork was done solely for her.  She summed it up well by stating, “Life is too short for regrets.  Your life experiences make up the person you are and who you become.  My tattoos represent a certain time in my life and I know I will always feel beautiful by having them.”

I GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM…COSMETIC SURGERY!
For some, what Father Time has taken from us, modern technology can give back! Today cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures are occurring at an escalating rate.  In 2007, nearly 11.7 million procedures were performed in the United States according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. (ASAPS)   The top five surgical cosmetic procedures in 2007 were:  Liposuction, Breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, tummy tuck, and breast reduction.  The top non surgical were: Botox injection, Hyaluronic acid injections, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion and Intense pulsed light (IPL) laser treatments.  (Source: 2007 ASAPS)

Cosmetic surgery can help a person feel more self-confident. Whenever there is a need or desire to change or improve their appearance, people can now choose from one of the many procedures offered.  I had the opportunity to speak to a couple of local women who said, “After my tummy tuck I was able to get back into my ‘skinny’ jeans.  That in itself was worth the surgery!”

Although the decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure should not be made lightly and it may not be for everyone, I say if you have the desire to make yourself happy by undergoing a procedure to improve your appearance, then go for it!  In today’s world it is not uncommon to know someone who has had some type of lift, tuck or enhancement.  Keeping in mind, we as unique individuals should not be judgmental on those who choose this method to make themselves feel beautiful.

Here locally, we have a number of reputable surgeons to choose from and I would suggest visiting with a couple of them before making your final decision.

YOUR BODY IS LIKE A CAR…PREVENTION & MAINTENANCE NEEDED!
Some people say your body is like a car.  You don’t drive your car into the ground and then when it breaks down you fix it.  You take care of it with routine maintenance.  Now apply this philosophy to aging.  If you maintain your appearance and take care of yourself, you will look and feel better far longer.  If you’re not wanting cosmetic surgery, which may require extensive downtime, there are several ‘quick fixes’ and non-invasive procedures that can provide remarkable results.  Whether you want to lose a few inches around your waist or banish some wrinkles around the forehead, you might consider some of these nonsurgical – and even affordable – cosmetic procedures as a way to feel beautiful!

Lesa Shows, owner of Advanced Laser Clinic in Visalia offers the following suggestions for an improved you in 2009:

Juvéderm®: The FDA approved gel that can instantly restore your skin’s volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds, like your “smile lines”.  The alternative to Restylane®, Juvéderm® looks more natural and is known to last longer.

BOTOX® to Get Rid of Wrinkles: BOTOX® injections continue to be one of the most popular non invasive procedures for both men and women, and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes, as well as get rid of furrows on the forehead.  BOTOX® helps create a smoother, more youthful surface and touch-ups are required every few months after the initial treatment.

Refirme™ for Skin Tightening: ReFirme™ is a FDA approved non-invasive Skin Tightening procedure offering virtually painless and fast treatment for sagging and wrinkled skin.  Refirme™ just might be the affordable solution for you.

Microdermabrasion for Skin Rejuvenation: Summer and Fall may have left you with sun spots, an uneven skin tone and possibly some fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. Microdermabrasion is a powerful exfoliating treatment that can help you get clear, youthful looking skin for that special occasion or event.

VelaShape™ for Cellulite Reduction: When that healthy diet and rigorous exercise routine aren’t helping you lose stubborn fat or cellulite, a series of VelaShape™ treatments may help shrink those fat cells. VelaShape™ works by breaking down fat cells and then shrinking the cells to create a more sculpted and tighter look.
Make sure to consult with a cosmetic surgeon or medical spa in your area to find out which procedure is your best match for that little bit of maintenance you may be looking for in 2009!