Life in the City

-by Sandra Simmons

Poets rave about beauty. Brave men have started wars over beauty. Women the world over strive for it. Scholars devote their lives to deconstructing our impulse to obtain it. Ordinary mortals erect temples to beauty. In just about every way imaginable, the world honors physical beauty. – Michael Levine.

Scholars, after much research, conclude that humans are wired to respond to beauty. It affects how we think, feel and act.

Whether an iridescent hummingbird pausing for a sip of nectar, the silhouette of our skyline against a magnificent sunset, or People Magazine's Top 50 Beautiful People, we find ourselves enthralled.

Feeding this phenomenon, we are bombarded with images of the ideal man and woman; beautiful beings with flawless faces and bodies.

Fairy tales teach us that beautiful princesses are good; ugly witches, wicked. A modern day variation is the beautiful bachelorette who disguises herself as older and fatter on The Average Joe. When alone, the men speak cruelly about her.

But the implications of this go beyond words and attitude, hitting even our pocketbooks as we find plain workers earn less than those with average looks, who earn less than those who are beautiful. Face it, beauty matters.

What is on the inside is important, but the outside can also affect how you feel about yourself.

Nips and tucks are no longer just for the Hollywood set, or extreme makeovers just for the plain.

Would you go under the knife to defy nature, further your earning potential or protect your career? Would harmonizing your outer and inner self lift your spirits?

I muse…Can a lift give a lift?

Although “going under the knife” is now pervasive, Downtowners preferred to be anonymous.

Though she looked young, “B” felt her face was aging, particularly her neck. She made an appointment to reverse the signs of aging and is delighted with the results. “B”(CityWalk)

“ Celeste” is vibrant and athletic. When her lower face began to lose firmness, she knew it was time for a lift. While her husband was away, she had the operation. She feels it didn’t make much of a difference, as her husband didn’t notice. Asked if she’d do it again. Yes! “Celeste” (Treo)

Holly, being in the public eye, wanted to look her best. She knew Dr. Scott Miller was her surgeon after viewing his before and after patient pictures. They didn’t look different, just better. Now feeling she looks her best, her outer glow creates an inner glow. Holly (Little Italy)

“ S” was happy with his body, but his significant other wanted him to have a flatter, more defined midsection. He likes the improvement, but not sure he’d go through the discomfort and downtime again. “S” (Renaissance)

Just a few decades ago, 40 was considered middle age. As baby boomers turning 50, we are resetting that standard. We have the option to look as young as we feel. I believe a physical lift creates a remarkable lift in one’s self-esteem. - October 2004

Return to Top