Metropol

This has been playing on my mind for a few years now. Not in an obsessive way, but it keeps popping into my head every now and again.

As you know, I have a goatee. The reason I have the goatee is I have a rather impressive dimple in my chin. Added to that, my chin is slightly behind the position of my bottom lips - it's not a recessive chin as such, but it's not exactly strong either.

I like my goatee, and I don't want to shave it off, but I'd like to feel I have the option. I get quite self-conscious if I trim my goatee too close as you can see the dimple quite clearly.

So, is it worth getting cosmetic surgery?

I have no idea of the costs. I am not a deeply insecure man - you lot will know that hopefully by now anyway. I do think I'm a pretty nice looking bloke but there's always room for improvement. And I don't think having it done will speed me towards bliss in the sunlit uplands.

I'd appreciate your thoughts, Metropollers.

I'm still waiting to see Gav's magically altered chest

I'd love to get rid of those lumps on my ears though

As it's a bank holiday, why not opt for the DIY solution?

Hymagumba wrote:I'm still waiting to see Gav's magically altered chest

It was my tummy actually. I've resisted the temptation of posting photographic evidence of my nip and tuck, but I may do in the summer.

My desire to have it done related to a very personal aspect of my psyche. My huge weight loss a decade ago (12+ stones) had left me saggy and 'deflated'. As muscular as I am I couldn't tighten my skin without surgery. Where I should have been supremely smug and confident after my success at losing weight I secretly felt massively disappointed with the state of my body.

Post surgery my confidence has grown as the weeks have creeped by. It's only been a couple of months and my scar is beginning to shrink and fade, while my new tight tummy has started to shape itself around the stomach muscles which were hidden for so long. I'm wearing tighter clothes and I *know* how much better I look.

Throughout the experience I have told my mates every aspect of the op and subsequent recovery. I continue to have jokes made at my expense, but the whole experience has been of good humour. My friends are excellent though. All of them seem to appreciate how much this has meant to me.

Johnnyboy, Pete - anyone: if you think it will make you happy then do it. Take all the advice you can handle - there is tons of it available. Look at the British Association of Plastic Surgery (amusingly located at BAPS.org).

The cost is relative only to your happiness. Facial implants are a relatively easy and cost effective way to strengthen a weak chin or to give fullness to flat cheeks or to emphasize the jaw line. It is also an easy way to achieve facial symmetry.

The procedure normally takes about 1 - 2 hours - depending on the type of implant used and the complexity of the work, and stitches are removed with 7 - 10 days.

Look a bit more into it and let us know what you decide.

How much to have my teeth straightend and whitened?

Jamez wrote:How much to have my teeth straightend and whitened?

For between £100 and £200 you can have your teeth flashed with a blue laser which will instantly brighten them to something resembling a Hollywood white.

Straightening can be corrected sometimes with veneers being stuck on, but in many cases good old fashioned braces (or plates) are required. They are very much more discreet than the train tracks of old. I've had a brace (although could do with another) so I know they are managable.

One thing to consider is taking out a personal dental plan. Most packages allow for crowns, fillings and other necessary work, and come in at about £25-30 per month (which equates to *one* night out). However, an additional premium of a fiver can allow for hundreds (if not a couple of thousand) pounds worth of cosmetic treatments of your choice. If you span the work over 2 years you could have the fab teeth you desire. Many cosmetic dental practices will advise you on payment terms made through dental plans.

Jamez wrote:How much to have my teeth straightend and whitened?

I had a brace in my early teens and at times it was exceptionally painful. Plus afterwards, my teeth all moved back to where they were before. I'm sure as Gavin says, technology has improved now, but I wouldn't go through what I endured again for such poor results.

In the end, I spent £600 a few years ago on a few veneers and some minor re-shaping of some rather jagged teeth, and I now have a smile I'm really happy with. Beforehand I'd been really self-conscious about my wonky teeth, and so getting them straightened gave me a real confidence boost. Definitely one of the best things I've spent my money on. I'd imagine cost will vary hugely depending on how much you need doing though. The best thing is to speak to your dentist - mine was really helpful.