A friend of a friend recently urged me to read Face Change: Methods for Looking and Feeling Your Best.  I have to say that I on one hand, I was intrigued: I kind of can’t wait to take a laser to my face.  On the other hand, I was hesitant: Does plastic surgery have a place in Green Beauty?

Well, I read it at the beach one weekend, and I really am glad I did.  This book answered many questions I’ve had over the years about skincare, preventative measures, and surgical solutions.  It also echoed my belief that a healthy, balanced lifestyle is the best beauty routine on the market.

You probably want to know where I stand on plastic surgery.  You may be surprised, but I am all for it.  Before you judge me, keep reading.  In my opinion, there are two ways to age gracefully: some people are genetically blessed and just take care of themselves on a daily basis and that is enough.  For others, they may take all the same natural measures and still end up with Great Aunt Edna’s turkey neck.  And it may torture them every time they look in the mirror.  Why subject yourself to that?  Nipping/tucking one or two things does not a Joan Rivers look-a-like make.

Resume

An innovator in the cosmetic surgery field, Harvey “Chip” Cole, III, MD, FACS, has performed more than 25,000 surgeries since opening Atlanta’s Oculus Plastic Surgery in 1994. Harper’s Bazaar named him one of the country’s top 10 cosmetic eye surgeons, and Town & Country placed him among the top cosmetic surgeons in North America. Dr. Cole is quadruple board certified by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Board of Ophthalmology, and the American Board of Laser Surgery. Dr. Cole has coauthored over a dozen medical books, has been invited to give numerous keynote-presentation speeches, and has given over 100 lectures around the world as an educator and surgical pioneer in his medical field.  He is also a man of integrity.  He sometimes turns patients away and often suggests less dramatic solutions.  Beyond that, 100% of Face Change’s profits will go towards the Face Change Foundation, which is dedicated to to providing assistance to troubled teenagers.

Review

Dr. Cole devotes an entire chapter of his book to nutrition and Green living, admitting that the secret to clear skin is usually found in a good diet, not in a prescription.  While it is not the subject of the book, I can tell that Dr. Cole believes in Integrated, even Holistic health, which, to me, validates his stance on beauty.  He covers foods and chemicals that should be avoided as well as  foods, vitamins and minerals to embrace.  (Um, side note: did you know that children who eat 12 hotdogs or more per month have an elevated risk of childhood leukemia?  Nitrates are carcinogens, period.  Keep that stuff away from your children.)  Another chapter focuses on living a mindful, balanced life.  While I read it, I thought, “this guy is a plastic surgeon?  I am liking him more and more…”

But you want the dirt.  Yes, Dr. Cole’s book lists very natural-looking surgical and non-surgical solutions for many common complaints.  He also goes into great detail on what to look for and what to avoid when researching any procedure from a laser treatment to a facelift.  He lists questions you should ask your doctor as well as where to look for accreditations, board certifications, etc.  Imagine that your best friend and confidante is one of the nation’s leading plastic surgeons and he gives you a list of everything you need to research before you commit to making a change.  That is what this book aims to be.  There is no question in my mind that this man is coming from a good, honest place.  I would recommend this book to anyone who is curious – even skeptical – about cosmetic surgery.

Purchase it here.

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