Did anyone watch the Academy Awards? I did. I do every year. I especially love to see what everyone is wearing, and how everyone looks.
The one thing that completely blew me away was several very famous actresses and the horrific plastic surgery jobs they had. Eyes so wide-open, I doubt they can close them to sleep.
Lips so tightly injected that I could not imagine being able to talk without a lisp! And the face lifts! OMG, what were they thinking? So stretched at the sides they literally looked like “Batman’s” Joker character with heavy makeup and a ball gown.
And that’s just the three that I saw on TV. Less famous women and their look-alike BFFs prowl the streets of Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Brentwood looking that same way: deformed.
What were they and their doctors thinking? It’s actually sad, because it’s permanent, and very expensive.
I did some “research” for this story and found some very safe and natural-looking alternatives to major surgery.
Let’s talk Botox. I had a little frown line developing, not necessarily from being mad, but from squinting into the sun. Very small, but it bugged me. I was initially afraid of Botox, because I heard all of the horror stories that came with it.
I went to see Encino-based Dr. Persky, who was highly recommended by the gal that does my facials (I am so glad he’s located in the Valley – God forbid I do it on the Westside, and someone sees me!).
He looked at my little frown line, told me to lie back in the exam room chair, and shot a little Botox into it. Voila!
The little line was completely gone! Didn’t hurt or paralyze me either. He told me it lasts up to 10 months. Awesome. I’ll be back!
The next area we discussed was how to get higher cheekbones, and how to get rid of that (okay, my) awful over-50 chin line that was starting to droop.
The first thing he told me about was the injectables that have come on to the market over the last few years. Names like Juvaderm, Restylane, Sculptra, Radiesse.
I hear Juvaderm and Restylane are the most popular. They can be used to plump up the cheekbones, prop up dropping jawlines, as well as fill in deep facial wrinkles and folds, and will last up to a year.
There are synthetic wrinkle fillers, like Radiesse and Sculptra, also used to enhance cheekbones, jawline, and fill in wrinkles. The benefits of this category include a longer-lasting effect, but when not used correctly, may cause permanent disfigurement. Ladies, please get a good doctor!
Another non-surgical procedure that makes a huge difference is porcelain veneers. The most popular are Lumineers. A beautiful, straight, white smile can light up a face and look more attractive that any plastic surgery procedure can do! I have them and love them.
For my 55th birthday, I think I will try Juvaderm or Radiesse for my cheekbones and jawline. Wish me luck!
Hot Flash Universe is the go-to source for women over 40 seeking insight into the hottest, most current trends, products, and issues. Topics are approached with candor, intellect, and a healthy dose of humor.
Barbara Bishop is President of Santa Monica-based BBPR, Inc. For comments or suggestions, email Barbara.bishop@bbprinc.com.
