If we know the role that genetics plays in our overall appearance, we know that there are some things that cannot be avoided. For example, it would be unlikely for the offspring of 5’3″ parents to grow to over 6′ tall.
The height of a child is said to be approximately 75% genetics. Other influential factors include sleep quantity and quality, nutrition, and exercise. It’s not impossible for short parents to have a tall child, but odds are that the child will fall within a small range that does not deviate much from the average height of the parents or relatives. Doctors often use a standardized formula to determine the general predicted height range of a child on its 18th birthday. They add the height of the parents, add 7 centimeters for boys, and divide by 2. The formula is different for girls – combine the height of the parents, subtract 7 centimeters and then divide.
With over 700 genes associated with height, we don’t normally seek out surgical ways to change how tall we are. Science has yet to find an accessible solution for changing this, and it doesn’t appear an answer is on the horizon. Depending on the culture, height may or may not play an important part of how we perceive ourselves. What about other so-called beauty factors? Beauty factors are traits that a given population favors in determining if someone is attractive. They may place more value in the shape of someone’s cheekbones, for example, or the size of a waist.
A recent study showed that females stop to look at themselves in the mirror about 8 times per day on average. Why? Because our self image is a foundational part of who we are. While humans have made large strides in some sciences like mathematics and astronomy, we have light years to go in understanding the human mind and how our thoughts are formed and connected. What drives us to want to be like our peers, and what lengths will we go to in order to achieve it? Why is it so important that our outfit is color coordinated and every hair is in place?
To Lift or… To Lift?
We know there are several things we have control over, like how hard we work on our fitness, and some things we have no control over, like genetics. We have to make personal choices regarding what we want, how fast we want it, and how much time and money we can afford to get it. They may not be life-and-death decisions, but humans found in any substantial population practice vanity to some degree. There’s just no escaping some facts of life.
- Brazilian Butt Lift or spend 9 months in the gym mastering squats?
- Face lift, fillers or microneedling?
- Tummy tuck or hiring a personal trainer?
Decisions like these follow us to the mirror when we check out our bodies. Botox for lip enhancement, eyelid lift, spider vein removal? As sure as we can see a body part, we can see a need for improving it. It becomes as big as the nose on our face, which fittingly is the most performed elective surgery in the United States.
Most of us probably know someone who has undergone chemotherapy and would like to get back to their pre-treatment look as soon as possible. We all cheer for their success and determination, offering assistance on their journey. And that feeling of returning to normalcy (or fitting in) is the basis of building confidence and shaping self esteem. It’s not always about looking like someone on a magazine cover; it’s sometimes about looking like the former you. Elective surgeries have been studied to show an improvement in our mental and physical health. That alone may tip the scale in electing to have a procedure.
Psychology tells us that if we examine ourselves in the mirror and do not like what we see, we tend to fixate and even daydream about having it changed. We mentally summon the genie and spend one wish asking for a flat belly or plumper lips. Accepting our station in life and the cards we’re dealt can be a lifelong journey. But eventually there comes a point in our adult life where we choose to…
Live With It or Change It?
It can be hard to fit in when you have something noticeably different than your peers. Kids on a playground will pick on a perceived “flaw” without hesitation or apology. If a child has an unusual name, a limp, a lisp, or even a bad haircut, they can end up getting bullied in one form or another. But what if you’re the outlier? What if you’re the only short person in your family? Or the only one balding?
I can speak from experience when I say I’ve seen the change in confidence and happiness from thousands of my customers who elected to receive hair transplant surgery. Some have professed the difference as life changing. I’m in a position to help others every day and I can help you if you allow me. I am available for consultations and know you will leave our visit with enough information to make an informed decision.
Bald can definitely be beautiful, but if you struggle with that thought or just want a head full of hair instead, schedule a consultation with the professionals at Advanced Hair Medical Institute.
