Letters: Why promote cosmetic treatments?

While Los Angeles is clearly the plastic surgery capital of America, I find it disappointing for The Times to run basically a promotional piece advocating more personal enhancement [“Dermal Fillers Evolve,” July 11].

The “advantages may outweigh the risk” in terms of health or medical hazards compared to Botox or even more invasive surgery, but what about the greater ramifications on our society — especially young women who are increasingly focused on appearance? According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of total cosmetic procedures increased 69% in the past decade and women account for 91% of all cosmetic surgeries.

Dermal fillers may not require a sharp cut from a surgeon’s scalpel, but the psychological damage their promotion produces can go just as deep.

Lindsey Hartman

Newbury Park

Embracing the gray

Bravo! As a man who is going gray (and embracing it as gracefully as possible), I was pleased to read the article “A Wealth of Silver” [July 11].

As critical mass shifts over to the “Gray is OK” point of view, it will be easier on all of us, no matter what hair color we choose. It’s the advertising brainwashing that is destructive.

Playfulness in hair color and appearance is great; feeling “desperate” to look young is not. Earlier this year, at my hairdresser’s suggestion, I tried a temporary brown hair color that she applied whenever I got a haircut. Ugh. It went on too dark, was just right after a few weeks and then faded out too fast. I hated how the color kept fading all the time (so natural, not!). I am much happier going gray and watching the (slow) natural changes.

Thanks again for a great article.

Michael Kimmel

San Diego