I've spent $33,000 on cosmetic procedures at 65. It's been life-changing for my career and confidence.

Susan DiLeo. Courtesy of Dr. Kwak Susan DiLeo invested in cosmetic surgery to align her appearance with her energetic lifestyle. As a real-estate agent in NYC, she found that projecting the right image boosted her career success. Getting a facelift and other procedures helped her feel confident among younger real estate clients. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Susan DiLeo, a 65-year-old real-estate agent based in New York City. It's been edited for length and clarity. ...