Over the years we have become used to seeing television personalities and celebrities having cosmetic surgery. Noses were shortened, breasts enlarged, buttocks tightened and in some case faces lifted. Sometimes the results were quite pleasing on the eye whilst other times they were hideous. Of course no-one can hold back time forever and so sooner or later time catches up with everyone. Sure they can have more surgery but this can have dire consequences. Faces are left so tight that expression and movement become impossible and breasts so young and taut that they look ludicrous on an older body.

The 21st Century has seen an increase in the cosmetic surgery and procedures available. It has also seen more ordinary folk wanting to undergo such attempts at either holding back time or improving what God gave them. This has left people saving their hard earned cash for an eyebrow lift or liposuction instead of a weekend break.

However it is debatable whether or not such surgery will satisfy a person's need or leave them wanting more.

Now do not get me wrong. In certain cases cosmetic surgery is appropriate and achieves what the person wants. The trouble is that many never know when to stop. Consider celebrities such as Cher or the late Michael Jackson. Both were so very beautiful in their day but, even before age kicked in, they seemed to want to change their appearances. Many of us would have given our right arms, to have had what they were born with. However it was not enough for them.

Before you go down the road of Cosmetic Surgery consider:-

• Just what you are hoping to achieve.
• Can you afford it. Remember the cost may grow.
• Will these changes satisfy your need or solve your problem. Probably not.
• Have you researched the cosmetic surgery provider fully.
• Is it really necessary.

I think the penultimate point is very important. There are all too many witch doctors around these days who will be all to eager to take your money. You are trusting the surgeon with your appearance and your life. Do not do so lightly.

Surgery can be traumatic, even when it is essential for your health and well being. To undergo such surgery, for what may only be vanity, may not be easy for you. You will still experience the same pain and risk of the procedure not working properly, as you would with something such as appendectomy.

If you decide that this surgery is for you make sure also that you are prepared physically and mentally for it. Ensure that you consult your loved ones and keep them informed. Keeping your cosmetic surgery a secret could be a shock for a partner who is not prepared to see the changes in you.

Follow all the instructions for the pre op period as well as post op to ensure that you stay infection free and well.

THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU TAKE THE PLUNGE

Many people end up becoming hooked on cosmetic surgery. That next little tweak to your face and nip to your neck could end up an ongoing process that you cannot stop. This is why you must give the matter a great deal of thought before you make your final decision. If you are not careful you could end up on a treadmill of cosmetic surgery that costs you a fortune, makes you unhappy and in reality spoils your natural looks.

The Western society is becoming more and more obsessed with a person's appearance. What people forget is that you earn those little wrinkles around your face. Sure you can halt their progress but growing older is part of life. If you decide that surgery is for you, go for it. However do not let small minded people or peer pressure push you into changing your appearance unless you are sure that it is for you. It would be better to enhance what you have and learn to be happy in your skin. If you can do this successfully your personality and inner self will shine through making you much more attractive than a stiff surgical cosmetic grin could ever do.

Don't get caught up in the whirl of cosmetic surgery just because it is the fashion these days. In your heart of hearts you know whether it is right for you or not.