Everyone has heard Carly Simon sing “You’re So Vain” at one time or another. And most would agree —she wasn’t asking a question. She was making a criticism. However, let’s admit, most of us harbor a little vanity and some vanity is good for everyone. After all, open almost any magazine or flip through television channels and you are bombarded with images of attractive people. Advertising expounds the necessity of maintaining attractiveness and cinema and television reinforce the advantages of being beautiful. We are continually told that “beauty is only skin deep”, and that concern with one’s appearance is a frivolity.

Clearly there is more to this story. Extensive study has lead to the development of The Evolutionary Theory. This claims we are genetically programmed to respond to physical traits of full lips, smooth clear skin, wide clear eyes and lustrous hair as they are markers of health and fertility. These traits top the list of desirable physical characteristics in every culture. Research in social psychology repeatedly shows that our appearance has a strong impact on others. Surprisingly, in over thirty-seven cultures studied, both men and women prized physical attractiveness over more important attributes of maturity, dependability and emotional stability. No wonder we’re so vain!

Without a doubt, physical attractiveness plays a significant role in our lives and interactions with others. The fact is attractive people are perceived to have better jobs, more fulfilling lives and happier marriages. They are also more likely to receive preferential treatment and to fare better in the legal system. Our faces are the outward manifestation of our identities. We attribute much of who we are to how we look, and how we look strongly affects and reflects how we feel about ourselves. Enhancing one’s image can lead to increased self esteem and self confidence. It even has an effect on our physical and mental health. Recent research reveals that a positive perception of our appearance can actually add years to our lives! Could this mean that a little dose of vanity equals a better sense of well-being?

With these realizations, The Randali Centre for Aesthetic Medicine was created. Through progressive medical technology, we can ameliorate many of the effects of aging and improve undesired physical traits. In the 10 years I’ve been practicing aesthetic medicine, there has been no greater joy for me than witnessing the transformation that occurs when one is able to make outward appearance match inner image. Knowing that many people are not interested in surgical solutions with their attendant risks and potentially lengthy downtime, I have made it my mission to master the numerous noninvasive ways available for image enhancement. The “liquid facelift” is one such treatment. Also, quite unique to The Randali Centre is the Image Analysis. Offered in a private nonthreatening environment with you in the focus, your image concerns can be voiced, your questions answered and an individualized non-surgical solution planned.

So…You’re so vain? It’s all interpretation. If you’re not happy with the face in the mirror, why not explore the possibilities?

This article originally appeared in the September 2010 issue of Lancaster County Woman