Face Value: The Truth about Beauty-- and a Guilt-Free Guide to Finding It [Hardcover]

Hema Sundaram (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 23, 2003

"Transcendent beauty rises above physical limitations and endures the passage of time."--Hema Sundaram, M.D.

Have you ever considered why some cosmetic procedures carry no stigma at all, but procedures that relate to aging do? If it is not "wrong" for a 14-year-old to straighten her teeth orthodontically, why is it "wrong" for a 40-year-old to have laser surgery to remove her wrinkles?

In Face Value, Hema Sundaram, M.D. shows you how to make your own choices when it comes to beauty. She examines our culture's conflicted messages about beauty, from ancient myths to modern tabloids, and she reveals how women get caught in false dichotomies such as "natural versus artificial beauty" and "inner versus outer beauty."

Dr. Sundaram's authoritative guide to ageless beauty teaches you how to harmonize your inner and outer beauty. Her integrative regimen includes:

* Suggested lifestyle changes that can slow your rate of aging
* Advice on how to vanquish the seven negative emotions that age you, and replace them with the principles of transcendent beauty
* An up-to-date prescription for at-home skin rejuvenation, including a 7-Minute Amazing Skin Regimen that fits into even the busiest schedule
* Must-have information on the newest cosmetic surgery technologies and strategies for successful surgery, including how to know when you're ready for cosmetic surgery, how to choose the best surgeon and how to avoid cosmetic surgery disasters
* Meditations to develop and project your inner, spiritual beauty
* A results-oriented plan for harnessing your personal "Power Points," to overcome the ten ways your face ages

Along the way, you'll read the inspiring real-life stories of Dr. Sundaram's patients, women who've experienced the liberation of finding their true Face Value.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Sundaram's volume offers women considering a cosmetic procedure-but who still aren't entirely comfortable with "buying beauty"-a sane, intelligent argument that they have a right to be beautiful. Barring a few questionable analogies (she compares braces to laser wrinkle removal, for instance, without noting that the former may be considered medically necessary, and suggests that the indignation once directed at suffragettes is akin to the offense some feel now toward women who get liposuction) her argument that procedures are not something to be ashamed or afraid of is calm and reasoned. Women (and men) have always tried to enhance their looks-we simply have more sophisticated ways of doing it these days, she says. But Sundaram's book is not merely an extended rationale for booking that tummy tuck: she focuses on how women can feel better about themselves (inner beauty being the secret to real outer beauty), and offers guided meditations, principles of living (e.g., "do at least one thing a day that inspires you"), tips on healthy living, basic skin-care regimens and all-around encouraging advice. For those willing to take the plunge into any cosmetic procedure, major or minor, she offers steps to do so, from heeding the serenity prayer to finding the right doctor. In an arena full of vociferous opponents and equally enthusiastic proponents, Sundaram is a quiet, encouraging and rational voice, and for that, her book stands out.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Face Value gives women everywhere the permission we all need to feel beautiful, inside and out. More than that, Dr. Hema Sundaram provides us with practical and sage advice for making the right decisions about everything from face creams to face-lifts."--Christiane Northrup, M.D., author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom and The Wisdom of Menopause

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 280 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books (August 23, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579547087
• ISBN-13: 978-1579547080
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,355,525 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Face Value, August 31, 2003

By 

Donna L Dow (Centreville, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Face Value: The Truth about Beauty-- and a Guilt-Free Guide to Finding It (Hardcover)

Like it or not we live in a culture that celebrates youth and beauty; how you look can affect your ability to get a job, find a mate, or even to be taken seriously. Dr. Sundaram has made a significant contribution to those of us over 40 by dispelling the guilt that many of us feel when we consider cosmetic procedures. She also provides an honest and thorough evaluation of what we can expect from these procedures. Dr. Sundaram recognizes, however, that some of our insecurities come, not from how others view us, but from how we view ourselves. Her book, therefore, includes a positive program for learning to accept and appreciate who, what, and where we are.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars well done, February 22, 2006

By 

B Chalom "peace" (Washington DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Face Value : The Truth about Beauty-- and a Guilt-Free Guide to Finding It (Hardcover)

Dr Sundaram's book is filled with understanding and obvious experience. She offers comprehensive solutions to skin problems and gives multiple alternatives to skin care that do not just sell her products - for example she offers an inexpensive alternative skin care plan to products that may be purchased with a dermatologist only. As someone with scarring/skin care issues, I felt she really puts herself in the patient's shoes. I highly recommend this book!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fresh Perspectives From a Board Certified Dermatologist, August 26, 2007

By 

Lois W. Stern "Author" (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Face Value: The Truth about Beauty-- and a Guilt-Free Guide to Finding It (Hardcover)

As a board certified cosmetic dermatologist, Sundaram gives us some fresh perspectives not just on facial rejuvenation procedures and rational discusions about the right to be beautiful, but also insights into inner beauty as the secret to real outer beauty. I found her guided principles of living refreshing and unexpected for one whose life's work involves rejuvenating faces. Her Seven-Minute at-home skin care program was particularly helpful. I thought so highly of this book that I listed it as a 'Helpful Resource' at the end of my own book!

Lois W. Stern
Author of Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery