The Art of Subtle Beauty: A Conversation on Aging, Skincare, and Ethical Aesthetics
Podcast
In a recent conversation hosted by Peter Attia, two leading voices in cosmetic and reconstructive aesthetics — dermatologist Dr. Susan and oculofacial surgeon Dr. Tanuj — came together to discuss a topic that touches everyone eventually: how to age well.
What followed was a deeply insightful, surprisingly emotional exploration of what it really means to look and feel your best, especially in an age of filters, fillers, and unrealistic beauty standards.
Prevention Over Perfection
Both experts agreed: the most effective cosmetic strategy starts with prevention. A good sunscreen and simple moisturizer (hello, $6 Aquaphor) do more for long-term beauty than any filler ever could. Aging happens layer by layer — from bone loss to fat pad migration to skin texture — and treating it requires more than chasing surface-level trends.
One interesting tip? Chewing harder food can help strengthen the jawline. Our modern soft diets reduce the muscular stimulation that used to keep our lower faces stronger and more defined. Just like the rest of the body, the jaw needs resistance to stay toned.
Less Is More
One of the most striking themes was restraint. In a world of overfilled lips and Instagram brows, these doctors stand for natural, subtle results that restore rather than reshape. Dr. Tanuj compared their work to architecture: “You can’t just fix the roof if the foundation is weak.” Dr. Susan emphasized that good work should make you look refreshed — not altered.
Their biggest concern? Overfilling, compounded treatments, and the loss of facial identity. When cosmetic work is done poorly, it erases individuality. “You start seeing the same face everywhere,” Tanuj said.
Aging Gracefully and Intelligently
We learned that as we age, our faces don’t just wrinkle — they lose volume, structure, and skin quality. Volume goes down, bone structure changes, and skin thins. For those who lose a lot of weight (especially with the rise of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic), facial gauntness can be a real concern — what’s now called “Ozempic Face.”
Another hidden driver of aging? Hormonal changes — especially for women in their 40s and beyond. Estrogen plays a vital role in bone density, and as hormone levels drop, facial bones begin to recede. The doctors emphasized the importance of hormone balance as a foundational piece of facial aging prevention.
The solution? A balance of subtle filler or fat grafting to restore harmony. But again, the message was clear: thoughtful, layered care over quick fixes.
The Deeper Meaning Behind Cosmetic Medicine
What might surprise some is the emotional and psychological depth of this conversation. Both doctors emphasized that aesthetic medicine is not about vanity — it’s about alignment. It’s about helping someone recognize themselves again after loss, stress, or illness. Done well, it can restore confidence, not just contour.
“It’s healing,” Tanuj “Sometimes people cry after a treatment. Not because of how they look — but because they see themselves again.”
Key Takeaways
Start small and early: Think sunscreen, moisturizer, and subtle interventions.
Look for balance: Great cosmetic work supports your natural features, not erases them.
Know your why: If you’re doing it to feel like your best self — great. If you’re chasing trends or perfection, it may be time to pause.
Respect the timeline: Aging took decades. Rejuvenation should take time too.
Find an expert who says no: The best practitioners often talk patients out of unnecessary treatments.
This wasn’t just a cosmetic conversation — it was a lesson in integrity, science, and self-care. Whether you're curious about skincare, thinking about your first Botox appointment, or just wondering why your face looks different after 40 — this conversation is a reminder that beauty is personal, powerful, and deeply human.
