A New York City woman has a cautionary tale of the toll that chasing beauty through plastic surgery can take.
After multiple procedures, she sees herself as scarred, not prettier, and wants other women to beware.
"I had 15 surgeries beginning from age 25, ending at age 35," said Laura Perella.
Perella has spent more than $60,000 on her face.
"I've had upper, lower eyes. I've had my nose done, a chin implant. I've had a lip lift, chin implant removed, cortex implants, two face lifts, one major facelift," said Perella. "I don't think I've forgotten anything."
But now, at 39 years old, she says: "I don't feel prettier, I don't feel younger. I just feel scarred."
Perella says bad surgeons just took her money, instead of offering real help. Now she's written a book, Chasing Beauty, to warn other women.
"It's tough when they come in asking for something physical and we think it's something spiritual or mental," said Dr. Harry Haramis, plastic surgeon.
To Haramis, the main challenge is managing expectations.
"'Plastic surgeon' has been called a psychiatrist with a scalpel," he said.
Haramis says small things can create big confidence.
"The injectibles are anywhere from $6 to $900, but I think they're completely worth it," said Caitlin Gardiner, patient.
"It gives me that little, you know, not as big as Angelina Jolie, but gives me that little...," laughs Diana Nieves, patient.
Perella agrees that a little push should be enough, if you do anything at all.
"I am at peace now, because I understand the futility of fighting age. I have fought and now I have to ask myself why," she said.
Of course, it's also possible to overdo the injectibles, but fortunately, in most cases, the results are not permanent.
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