Cosmetic Procedures

Everyone faces immense pressure to look a certain way in our modern world. This is particularly true for UHNW women or those living in the public eye, whose careers require them to appear unrealistically youthful and attractive.

As a result, women are much more likely to seek out cosmetic work than men. For example, in 2014, women made up 90% of all cosmetic-surgery related procedures. There are also no restrictions on cosmetic work in appearance-focused competitions such as the Miss Universe Pageant.

Common Types of Cosmetic Procedures Include:

Botulinum Toxin (Botox)

Botox is a cosmetic injection that reduces the appearance of wrinkles. It is used for aesthetic reasons as it can make one’s face appear more youthful.

Botox is a non-surgical procedure, which reduces the number of risks involved. In fact, although botulinum toxin is life-threatening, the small doses used in Botox are highly safe, and there are very few incidents of adverse side effects. However, after multiple procedures, you can experience weakened muscle control in the injected areas.

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is an operation that changes the appearance of the human body. Examples include breast augmentation, tummy tucks, liposuction, rhinoplasty, facelifts, neck-lifts and others.

Like any surgery, cosmetic surgeries come with significant risks. Side effects can include:

• Skin Breakdown
• Excessive Bleeding
• Nerve Damage
• Infections
• Seroma (fluid build-up under the skin)
• Blood Clots
• BleedingPain
• Numbness
• Complications from anaesthesia

While cosmetic procedures rarely result in death, it can and does happen. Always make sure your cosmetic surgeon is licensed, accredited and highly qualified.

Melanin/Tanning Injections

Melanin injections are used to darken skin tone and create a ‘healthy glow.’ They are a type of synthetic hormone which, when injected, stimulates the pigment cells in our bodies to produce more melanin. This, in turn, gives the appearance of sun-kissed skin.

Side effects include:

• Increased moles and freckles
• Greatly increased risk of skin cancer
• Nausea and vomiting
• Involuntary stretching and yawning
• Liver and Kidney Pain

Melanin injections are mostly used by bodybuilders along with steroids and other PEDs. There are also reports of women using melanin injections as a substitute for tanning beds. However, many experts argue that melanin injections are actually more dangerous than tanning beds and should be avoided at all costs.

Cosmetic procedures are not addictive in the classical sense, but they can turn into a behavioural addiction. For example, someone who struggles with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) may become so fixated on their perceived flaws that they only feel calm after cosmetic work. As a result, they are becoming dependent on the feel-good chemicals released in their brain after a procedure.

Although cosmetic surgery can feel like a band-aid for BDD, symptoms will usually return, and the person’s fixation will shift to another part of their appearance.

Signs of BDD include:

• You feel physical discomfort and mental distress when you feel ‘ugly,’ or ‘unattractive.’
• How you perceive your appearance fluctuates throughout the day, depending on your mood or state of mind.
• You worry excessively about specific parts of your body.
• You go to great lengths to try and change your perceived flaws.
• You believe everything will be better once you fix that one flaw.

If you experience any of the above, you may be struggling with BDD. While challenging, these issues can be effectively overcome with adequate support and treatment.