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March 2009
About Face
by Kat Noel
SOUNDING OFF
We know that some drug combinations and the disease itself can alter our appearance, which in turn can wreck our self-esteem. The media’s fascination with perfection doesn’t boost any egos either. POZ asked you for advice on how to feel good about yourself, flaws and all.
Brenda Lee Curry
New York
Diagnosed in 1985
Many of us had low self-esteem issues before being diagnosed. So yes, now our bodies are changing—your breasts may be too big, your face may not look the way it used to, or your stomach may be large—but the most important thing is that you are living and working to enjoy the rest of your life. If you concentrate on the flaws, then you are right back where you started.
David Capogna
New York
Diagnosed in 1993
If you decide to get a cosmetic procedure, do it for yourself. Yes, I am single, and I’d love to be in a long-term relationship—or at least have a few dates now and then—but the fact of the matter is my self-esteem was non-existent. I was so proud of my new face that I posted the before and after shots on Facebook. What I have learned is that AIDS is just another obstacle in life, but it doesn’t define me.
Matt Sharp
Brisbane, CA
Diagnosed in 1988
Be happy with who you are, express yourself and don’t give a f*** what others think. In our body-conscious society, especially gay men and youth, people with HIV should focus on their survival, which should eventually boost their self-esteem. Good looks manifest in what you project outward. Isn’t that what your grandmothers taught you?
Read more on this topic:
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comments 1 - 9 (of 9 total)
John Barrow, Fort Lauderdale, 2009-03-31 10:31:43
I would not recommend that anyone be injected with polyacrylamide gels, at this time. There have been way too many complications, including infections, migration, and capsular scaring.
The glowing publicity from Tijuana would have you believe the stuff is a miracle. It is not, there continue to be problems, and related compounds have produced problems for years. Avoid.
gary p, victorville, ca, 2009-03-06 02:13:34
Gustavo, the website for the clinic is www.clinicestetica.com
gary p, victorville, ca, 2009-03-05 17:38:56
there is much on the web. search "facial wasting".
they are clinic estectica in Tijuana. been there, great people and place
Alberto Parra, Phoenix, Az, 2009-03-05 00:46:28
I agree with Shawn, it'll be great, if we can get access to a web site with a lot of info, such a prices, doctor's name, cities, kind of treatments, etc, etc.
Shawn, scottsdale, 2009-03-03 19:36:52
There should be a web site with the procedures and the doctors listed and rated by users. This would help all of us first timers
Gustavo, New York, 2009-03-03 16:53:14
Can somebody tell me how I contact this clinic and how much is the treatment, thanks for your help
victor, philadelphia, 2009-03-03 10:36:56
you would think US doctors would take note and lower their prices and keep the business here. I used to go to a doc in NYC but his fees are outrageous now---even if i could somehow get the filler for free or at a reduced rate, I cannot afford the doctors fee
Alain Filiz, Miami, 2009-02-18 15:18:50
I AM 55AND BEEN POZ FOR 25 YEARS.HAVE BEEN IN A LONG COMMITTED REL.BNUT I STILL NEEDED TO HAVE MY FACE FIXED,LOOKS SO MUCH BETTER,I ,DONT LOOK SICK,AND I AM NOT EXCEPT FOR MY DEADLY BODY PAINS,YEY OXYCONTIN,ITS A MIRACLE DRUG.SO MY SUNKEN FACE WAS NOT MAKING ME FEEL GOOD,I KNOW IT IS TEMPORARY BUT TILL BETTER STUFF IS HERE I WILL DO IT AND WILL EVEN TRAVEL FOR A BETTER SOLUTION.I WAITED 3 YEARS BEFORE ACTING..MY LOVER SAYS I AM A HOT COOKIE.LIFE IS GOOD,EVEN WHEN IN MIA.SO DO IT AND FEEL BETTER
Jerry R, Saint Petersburg, FL, 2009-02-18 12:20:29
It is a deterant to look unequal in your body due to this disease. It gets you horrid looks from people that you would not believe. It is bad enough to have to fight the disease every day just to get looked at funny. When people at the Mall don't really want you to try on clothes then there is something wrong with the medicine we are taking. We must have other choices soon or who knows what may happen.
comments 1 - 9 (of 9 total)
