Truth be told, my neck has always been a one of those body parts that I loathe. I blame my Nana because really, she started this shit. She had the “turkey neck” and so did my Aunts (my dad’s older sisters- he’s the youngest of 5) and now, my 65 year old father even has it, what I also refer to as, “the curse.” It’s one of those weird Wasp problems, I know, (and I’m so not a Wasp) but I notice it in EVERY PHOTOGRAPH of myself. We all have these insecurities so don’t judge, k? I’ve basically just learned how to LOOK DOWN in photos (see photo above)…
I am 100% honest when I admit that living in Los Angeles has absolutely given me a body compex that I never had while growing up in New York…and, while it’s upsetting, it’s hard to stop. I have a very close family member that struggles with a severe eating disorder and listening to her/trying to understand her while growing up was one of the most painful things I’ve ever had to experience. Someone who hasn’t been close to someone with an eating disorder can’t even fathom what it’s like; as an FYI, it’s NOT about the weight…it’s about the control and, as a bonafide control freak, I can attest to the fact that letting go ain’t easy. While I’ve never technically had an eating disorder, being “body obsessed” has taken a toll on me that I’ve been trying to deal with and thankfully, I’ve manage to remind myself on the daily that I will never look like a runway model OR a size 2 celebrity but I CAN be healthy and fit. With that said, of course, I still have my insecurities – my stomach, my knees (weird, I know) and my chin. After I saw this story on Allure.com, I was honestly surprised to read that there’s a 71% increase in “chinplants” since last year. And guys, I’ve always wanted a real chin, so no judgement…I’m just surprised that the motive behind the surgery increase is the fact that “people subconsciously associate a stronger chin with more authority, self-confidence and trustworthiness,” accoring to the Allure.com story. My take on plastic surgery is: if it will make you feel better, go for it…but it’s NOT a band-aid (I can speak from experience).
While I admit that I will probably end up getting a nip and neck tuck (hi, I’m vain), for now, I’m just using over-the-counter preventative measures: Kate Somerville Neck Tissue Repair with K8. I’ve been using this for awhile, which proves absolutely nothing at age 29, BUT I believe in everything that IS Kate Somerville so when I’m 55 and don’t see the signs of “the curse,” I will send Kate a very personal thank you note (before calling the chief of surgery at St. Vincent’s).
photo: me looking DOWN.
Thank you for your honesty! Very well written.
Thanks, Susan!