Being 62 is awesome! I love how I feel! And I love sharing my experiences of staying healthy, style, beauty tips, and ways I embrace the aging clock as I feel comfortable. I have loved hearing stories of your experiences of aging gracefully, too.
I realize a lot of women don’t like to talk about medical procedures that they have tried, but I’ve always been transparent about everything I do. So today, I’m going to talk about the procedures I’ve tried, how they have benefited me, and why.
Medical Chemical Peels
Along with my regular at-home facials, I’m a huge fan of exfoliation in a gentle, but consistent way. Cell turnover helps keep your skin bright and healthy. At home facials of all kinds are great for moisturizing and removing dead skin, and giving you a healthy glow. But at-home peels are pretty gentle.
Once a year, at the end of winter, I like to do a Vitalize Peel. This peel, which I have done for the last 4 years at my dermatologist office, accelerates skin exfoliation – resulting in renewed, healthier looking skin and more uniform complexion.
I was not good to my skin as a teenager growing up in Southern California and loving a tan. This peel addresses the visible skin imperfections that result from skin aging and sun exposure such as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and texture. Vitalize Peel also address skin tone unevenness that can be caused by acne scarring or pigmentary changes. It can also remove spots that could be precancerous. The Vitalize Peel doesn’t have any real downtime, but you keep the product on for about 24 hours without washing your face. In about 3 days, my skin starts to peel. That lasts for about 3-5 days. Once it’s completely peeled, my skin feels baby soft and there are fewer fine lines and sun spots. Keeping your skin hydrated during this time is super important. This once a year peel helps keep my skin healthier along with my daily skin care, and most importantly using sunscreen!
Botox
Yep! A lot of us use Botox, and for lots of different reasons. I tried Botox at the age of 49 because I was having stress headaches. It definitely helped alleviate my headaches by not allowing me to make those deep, furrowed facial expressions and this eases facial stress. As my Botox wore off, I noticed the headaches coming back, so I’ve stuck with this procedure for the last 13 years, 2 times a year. Now, I don’t have headaches ever, and l also love that my forehead also has stayed smooth. I do recommend that if you try Botox, you only go to a licensed medical professional well versed in Botox.
Fillers
So, let’s go back to when I was 12 and getting braces. Back in the day, when you got braces they usually pulled 4 teeth to give your teeth more room. As research and braces evolved, the experts changed the rules, and instead of pulling teeth, most orthodontists used pallet expanders – which keeps the fullness in your jaw structure.
Fast forward some years, I started noticing that I was getting a few wrinkles around my mouth, and realizing why. Having those 4 teeth removed could be contributing to this, and I wanted to address this problem.
I’m so happy I did.
First I met the amazing Brett Hartsfield, FNP. After talking to her and telling her my concerns, she gave me her input on the procedure. We did a lip and chin filler. I did the chin filler first a couple months ago, and even that little bit made such a difference. I love the results, they are so subtle. And if you do not like your results, they can be reversed easily.
This is what @nursebrett has to say:
“Restoring the lips is one of my favorite treatments to perform. The lips are truly key to a youthful overall appearance and there is something about having your lips done that just makes you feel more confident! Lip filler treatments are tailored to whatever outcome the patient is desiring–whether it be a plump pout or restoration of the lips to how they looked a few years ago.
There are many different types of filler options available, most of which are made of a substance found in the body called Hyaluronic Acid. The filler used depends on the outcome we wish to achieve, the starting anatomy of the lips, and budget. Lip filler treatments take about 1 hour. During the treatment we will talk about your goals and I provide my recommendations, then we apply numbing cream to aid in comfort during the treatment. Following the treatment, the lips will be slightly swollen and may even be a little bruised. The good news is there are things you can do before and after the treatment to decrease swelling and bruising, such as avoiding blood thinners and utilizing herbal supplements like Arnica.
If you have ever considered rejuvenating the lips I would definitely recommend visiting an experienced injector for a consultation!”
As I’ve gotten older, my views on things have changed a little. If it will make you feel good and it’s something you want, then I think go for it! I am happy I decided to try something new. You should definitely research qualified professionals in the exact procedure you choose, and ask lots of questions. Don’t be shy saying exactly what you want, what issues the procedure will address, and any downside of what you are choosing. I definitely liked looking in the mirror and feeling a little spunkier. My mom probably is looking down at me saying, “I wish I could have gone with you.” She always wished she had a little fuller lip.
I’d love to know how you feel about cosmetic procedures, and if you have tried any. Let me know in the comments below!