DEAR HARRIETTE: I have always felt insecure about my nose. I saved up enough money to have my nose made smaller and straighter. My parents definitely weren't supportive of me changing the nose that my heritage gave me. After going through with the surgery, I like my nose even less. The issue now is, I used all of my plastic surgery money on this first correction.
I asked my parents for a loan to have a second surgery, and they denied me. I want them to support my self-confidence, and I need to change my nose again to be happy. I want to get my nose done again, but the process of saving up took me years. -- The Nose Knows, Boston
DEAR THE NOSE KNOWS: Sadly, your parents were right in this situation. And I'm surprised your doctor didn't require you to have counseling before you went under the knife. While plastic surgery can be incredibly useful, what it often is not good for is boosting self-esteem if there is a significant challenge already there. This is because self-esteem issues exist in your heart and soul even if you believe they manifest through your exterior.
I am not saying, by the way, that you might benefit from an additional corrective surgery. I am saying that your parents' refusal to advance you money for this surgery does not mean that they are not supporting your self-confidence. You may benefit more directly by working with a therapist for a bit, to see if you can tackle any issues lingering beneath the surface. Then, whether you ever get your nose altered again will be less important because you will have dealt with the bigger issues involved. Check to see if your insurance may cover it!