So, here’s a little poll for you.
You enter a sweepstakes and you find out that you’ve won up to $50K in plastic surgery. You can’t trade it in for cash, and it’s non transferable. If you don’t use the prize in 10 years, it expires.
Would you have surgery or some other cosmetic procedure? Why or Why not and what would you do?
Before I had kids, I thought it was a little shallow. That was when I was young and fit. It was also before I gained and lost 70 pounds twice thanks to my two 10 pound sons. I’d totally do it if someone handed me a gift certificate to a reputable surgeon to fix my post baby stretching. I have had laser hair removal on my legs, which I don’t regret at all. I also realize it’s kind of elitist scum of me to think some things are acceptable forms of beautification while others are not.
Right now, I don’t forsee doing something like that in lieu of saving for another goal (like kid’s education, retirement, etc). I think if you don’t go into debt to do it, then it’s okay if it makes you feel better about yourself. Even if you’re a guy, you can probably think of a thing or two..cosmetic dentistry, getting that back hair removed, lipo, etc.
I went to a training class and met a guy who used to give out loans to people for cosmetic procedures. There were a few instances where I could see taking out a loan (like reconstructive surgery after an accident), but for the most part, that seems like the most evil of bankers. The clincher was when he said “I love it when people break their jaws in car accidents.” This apparently was one of the most expensive procedures and cosmetic dentistry isn’t typically covered by people’s insurance plans.
I’m definitely shallow but I’d be scared to do anything drastic to my face. I’ve seen way too many middle aged New Yorkers that look like the joker. I’m looking forward to hearing people’s thoughts.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Is hair removal included?
That might be the spur needed to get me to figure out this whole electrolysis vs. laser thing plus find a reputable provider. Stupid social conventions forcing me to shave. If it were up to me I’d lounge around unshaven in DH’s old t-shirts. Sadly I think that wouldn’t fly at work.
Other that that I guess I’d wait to see if I got cancer in those 10 years and needed post surgical reconstruction.
If one has no personal issues with it, why not? The way you set up the hypothetical situation, one might as well get things done, as long as the risks of problems are low. The money couldn’t be used for anything else anyway!
Nicole, My definition of cosmetic procedures would be anything that is not covered by insurance. Yeah, I’d include hair removal, or addition, cosmetic dentistry, temp procedures like face peels and botox. The ideal candidate for laser hair removal is someone with dark hair and light skin. (I had great success, but my italian friend did not)
I am not one for cosmetic surgery. However, if the money was just sitting there and I was guaranteed a result that wouldn’t kill me, I would probably do something about the extra skin around the middle from pregnancy. I don’t even know what procedures are out there, but if there is something that would get ride of the fine lines around my eyes without actually cutting my skin, I might consider that.
I would definitely get my teeth whitened however many times was needed in the 10 years. How long does a good laser whitening last – maybe 2 years? So that would be, maybe, $2,000 after 10 years.
I’m over 50, so I have the whole aging skin and saggy chin things going, but I don’t know that I’d go in for any surgery – I can’t see letting anyone anesthetize me and then cut on me when my work and relationships really don’t depend on my looking younger than I am. I might have gone for laser hair removal when I was younger, but again, I can’t see undergoing all that at this point in my life for the amount of skin I care to show.
But insurance doesn’t pay for facials & spa treatments, and those are pretty cosmetic, so how about allowing those? I don’t know that I could spend my remaining $48,000 in 10 years for facials, spa treatments and assorted skin care products, but I would give it my best shot!
If I had to use my own money, then I’d never get cosmetic surgery unless it was reconstructive.
BUT, $50,000 that couldn’t be used for anything else? Heck yeah – hair removal so I’d never have to shave again (like Nicole, I don’t give a damn, but hairy isn’t “in” with society). I’d also pay $600 every 6 months to have my hair straightened with chemicals like Jennifer Aniston’s (it looks really easy to maintain). I might also consider some fat removal around my tummy and thighs if I had enough left to cover it all. I’m not vain, but I would totally use all the money – I’d call in an investment in first impressions. 🙂
I would try to take advantage of it, if I had an issue. My hairline is starting to recede, but I don’t think I’d need that much money for that…
I don’t know if it would do me much good now, maybe in another 10 or 20 years though… Hard to say…
I have seen some people do wonderful things with their teeth…
In my mind I would do it in a second. BUT, I did have reconstructive surgery done on my 3rd degree burn and I regret it. Nerves were cut and the operations were painful. So in reality I’d probably talk myself out of it.
IF it stays in my imagination (it’s very shallow in there) I would have the saggy things lifted and the hair taken away! Is there anything permanent you can do about gray hair? I’d do that too!
@ Budgeting In the Fun Stuff- I recently had the Brazilian Blowout process done to my hair (for free!). I had never straightened my hair before this. What I realized with this process it that you have to ‘do’ your hair. I’m a wash and wear kinda girl and when I do that now I look like ‘limp-haired’ girl. When I pull out the blow-dryer I look just like Julianne Moore! Or how Julianne Moore would look if she were me!
I’d totally wait for the 9th year and 11month from now and see wassup with my body. Maybe it’s wrinkles, or a gut, I donno.
I’d definitely use it rather than lose it! Heck yeah!