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When all you have is looks; what happens when your looks are gone?

It is human nature to appreciate physical attributes.  Most people have some physical attribute, i.e. nice teeth, great hair, awesome breasts, big biceps that they are proud of.  Some people are really lucky and have it all; doesn’t it seem that college quarterbacks and cheerleaders always seem to?

You can pretty much tell when someone is infatuated with their own attributes.  These are the women with large breasts that always wear revealing tops and blouses, the guys with big arms that always wear short tight sleeves, etc.  Again, this is a bit human nature; if you’ve got it, flaunt it!

The problem is that some people become so stuck on their given attributes, it becomes the defining portion of their life.  We all know people like this.  Women whose world revolves around their bust line, men who are obsessed with muscles.  Some are obsessed with several body parts so that they are simply “into themselves”.  I read (with sadness) the other day that the woman with the world’s largest breast implants (Sheyla Hershey) had to have them removed.  She also lost much breast tissue and is despondent because she will no longer be able to have M size breasts.  Really……….M cups!  The insanity of someone that would actually want breasts bigger than basketballs is startling.  The fact that a surgeon would oblige is sad.   This lady was all over Google Images with insane pictures of insanely huge breast implants.  This was her life and that is sad.  Now her sole asset and claim to fame is also gone which is even more sad.

Again, there is sometimes a fine line between a great physical asset and a personality defect.  Many individuals that are overboard with a physical attribute are actually masking some personality deficiency.  They may be using their breasts, hair or biceps to overshadow insecurity.  The big boobs gives them the security.  Some people simply are insecure and need the attention and hence the low cut blouse, tight jeans or short sleeves gives them just that.  Some are so obsessed that they may move to a warm climate as not to cover their body with bulky clothes.  We are all a bit narcissistic or none of us would own a mirror, but most people pull it all off with a balance and they know that what is here today may not necessarily be here tomorrow; and that is the crux if this story.

If one’s life revolves around big, firm breasts, what is going to happen when these breasts become droopy and wrinkled?  Guys that live in a world revolving around their arms or abs, guess what?  You are not going to look like that forever.  Many of the body builders that I worked out with in college (and I am talking about some big boys) look pitiful now.  The are big and fat and out of shape.  For those of you who attend your high school reunions, it gets pretty scary after year 20.  Most people get old, fat and out of shape.  Their great breasts, etc. provide no crutch to their personality.  Fortunately, most of us (even those who were over the edge) figure this out and adjust appropriately.  Some try to chase it.  Bigger breast implants every decade or tricep implants.  They will never catch up, you can’t out race time.

Individuals whose world revolves around a body part or those who use such to compensate for psychologic or personality defects are setting themselves up for a lifetime of insecurity and unhappiness.  Bottom line?

1. Be happy with what you have.  There are a lot of unfortunate people out there with birth defects and other significant problems. 

2. We are not all movie stars.  Get used to this.  Some people are born with “gifts”.  Some have great voices, some can run fast, some have great body parts.  It may not be you, that is life.

3.  It is OK and not unnatural to be proud of you body and it makes great sense to take care of it and fight aging as youth is the best gift of all.

4. Having cosmetic surgery is fine if it is for the right reasons.  If you are trying to outrace age or cover up personality defects, you will lose the race.

5. If you are one of the lucky people that get a lot of attention because of your physical attributes, keep in mind they are probably temporary.  You need to plan for the future.  People used to comment on my great hair, now I am bald!  You need to understand that what may get you through today may not be there tomorrow!  It is similar to having a 401K, you need to plan for the future.  Again, most people mature out of the severe narcissistic phase and can laugh at the way they were.  Some don’t  and as a cosmetic facial surgeon, I see this type of person every day.  They are desperate and trying to hold on to the only thing that has kept them afloat.  Some should be working on their personality instead of their face.  Fortunately this is a small percentage of most practices, but trust me, they are out there.

6. We need to make sure our children and friends understand this and someone has to have this talk with them sometime.

Poor Sheyla Hershey lost her M cup breasts.  I have the feeling it will change her life. I hope she has something else that keeps her going.  The story is sad to me.

To find out more about cosmetic facial surgery in Richmond, Virginia visit www.lovethatface.com

Joe Niamtu, III DMD

Cosmetic Facial Surgery

Richmond, Virginia

Office Address

Joe Niamtu III, DMD
11319 Polo Place
Midlothian, VA 23113

Office Hours

Monday - Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm

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