Is It Vanity or Insecurity

Another article today in the Toronto Star on cosmetic surgery, this one about using lazers to remove scars. Two people are interviewed about their problems - one a woman with stretch marks (childbirth I'm guessing) and a man who had a bike accident. Interesting comment from the surgeon:

Most of us have some type of troublesome scar, whether it's from stretch marks, acne, a piercing, an accident or surgery. Bell and Nick realize their flaws could be far worse and are grateful they don't suffer serious disfigurement.

But that doesn't stop them from feeling uncomfortable, especially in the summer months when people wear more revealing clothes, says Dr. Lisa Kellett of DLK on Avenue Rd., a dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic laser dermatology.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Marc DuPere of Visage Clinic agrees. He thinks people who are distressed about their body flaws should not be dismissed."Feeling comfortable with yourself on the inside is the most important," he says. "But if something is bothering you about the way you look on the outside, it is going to affect you."

I admit I hate my teeth and if I had the money would pay to fix them. I have a serious cross bite that my father was convinced by wife #2 was too pricey to fix (though we had dental coverage) when I was a kid. At this stage of my life I could go through braces and the bite is bad enough to require surgery (the dental surgeon said he'd have to break and re-set my jaw) but the out-of-pocket would be up there even if I had some medical coverage that included orthodontics. The dentist told me I could go the cheaper route and get veneers if I wanted, and though it wouldn't fix the bite per se, it would be a lot faster and easier to do and would improve the look of my teeth about 90%. It's one of those "if I win the lottery" deals for me though because I can't see affording to do it.

So yes, I suppose I am vain. It doesn't keep me from living my life and I even perform on stage (not so noticable from a distance), but it would make me feel better if I could have it done. Does that make me a hypocrite considering my last post? Maybe.

posted by Staceypatrick (Blogger)