SENSE & SENSITIVITY
Reader wants lip injections to feel beautiful
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have always been insecure about my lips, so I’ve been thinking about getting lip injections. All my friends have nice, full lips -- so does my mom! -- but unfortunately, I don’t. My lips are so thin that you can hardly see them. When I’m out, I always hide my lips or look down because I’m embarrassed by how I look. I want to feel beautiful and be confident.
My mother thinks I look beautiful as I am and doesn’t support my decision, but I’m 18, and I can make this decision on my own. Do you think if it makes me feel more confident I should get the lip injections? -- Not Beautiful, Memphis, Tennessee
DEAR NOT BEAUTIFUL: You are not going to like my answer. Honestly, I think that rarely does getting something like lip injections or plastic surgery transform a person’s self-image. This is because the root cause is typically much deeper than physical appearance. We all have positive attributes as well as some that we don’t love. Being able to embrace our fullness -- including our less desirable aspects -- is a part of life.
That said, of all the things you might consider doing to change your physical appearance, getting lip injections is one of the least invasive. Check with your doctor to ensure that you are healthy enough to do this. If you go ahead with it, find a health professional who is qualified to offer this procedure.