Sculptra For Facial Augmentation: The Liquid Face Lift

The Scultpra page has been updated with more information and personal treatment photos.  I first had Sculptra in late 2004 and again in early 2005 as part of a clinical study and used it for cosmetic applications for the cheeks, undereyes and nasolabials.

What Is Sculptra?
Sculptra is poly-l-lactic acid, a cross-linked lactic acid product which is injected into the dermis to trigger collagen production.  Sculptra is a semi-permanent product designed to create volume and thicken the skin via natural collagen formation and lasts about 18 months.

Sculptra Aesthetic® is FDA approved for cosmetic applications for the nasolabial folds and for other deep dermal wrinkles.  It is also used for cheek volume and along the jaw for augmentation.  It should not be used in the lips, and in thin-skinned areas like under the eyes (although I had gotten it there during clinicals).

Sculptra was originally approved only for patients with lipoatrophy, which is the loss of facial fat/volume from medications and disorders such as those for HIV.  Lipoatrophy is also known as facial wasting and can cause a gaunt, unhealthy look.  However, it was used off-label cosmetically.  Now that Sculptra Aesthetic® is FDA approved for cosmetic applications, patients can readily receive injections from their plastic surgeon or dermatologist.

Read more on how Sculptra Liquid Face Lift can restore lost volume or add volume where you’ve never had it!  http://www.yestheyrefake.net/sculptra.htm

Non-invasive Treatment Videos: Radiesse, Restylane & Botox

I re-edited the Radiesse, Restylane & Botox video into three parts (in the order of which I received the injections) and added some more footage.  Now you guys don’t have to watch the whole video to just watch one procedure you are interested in:

• Radiesse For Cheek Augmentation – Part 1 of 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMbh6XwyOuk
• Restylane Injections To The Undereyes – Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lBJNlft5Xc
• Botox Injections – Part 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TGh8EmVElc

I am working on surgery videos now so those should be up soon



Radiesse For Facial Augmentation

I love full, high cheeks.  I naturally have prominent cheeks, but I am always in the mood for more.  I had 1.3 cc of Radiesse to both cheeks on January 2010 by Dr. Jonathan Hoeing in Beverly Hills, California.  I loved the result and there was no palpable lumping at all.  I had only slight swelling, swelling that I appreciated and was sad to see dissipate.  As I said,  really love big cheeks and full lips, so this area is one of those where my doctor knows best.  I get a case of cheek or lip greed every now and then, and my doctor keeps me in check.

Unfortunately, my first Radiesse experience wasn’t this successful.  I first had Radiesse® injected in 2004, although back then it was known as Radiance FN® and it was into my lips.  I had heard so much about the product and felt at the time that it would be a good option.  I was told that it should last about 2 years and that in the long run, I would save money that I would normally spend on temporary fillers every 4 months.  The distributor had even comped the product (it was for a documentary on Discovery) so I was excited all over the board.  Well, unfortunately I had blanching and palpable lumping (both visual and with manual manipulation) which necessitated removal so needless to say I wasn’t too sold on the product at first.  These were the early days so some of us had to take the fall for the learning curve.  Radiesse is no longer recommended for lips. To read more on this, see: Radiesse Removal. 

But I think Radiesse is a great product for dermal facial augmentation and volume restoration!

Learn more about how Radiesse can help you restore lost volume or create augmentation where you never had it before…

• Radiesse For Facial Augmentation
• What Is Radiesse?
• Indications For Radiesse
• Am I A Candidate For Radiesse?
• Your Consultation Appointment
• How Radiesse Is Injected
• Recovery
• Risks & Complications of Radiesse
• How Much Does Radiesse Cost?
• The Least You Need To Know
• References

http://yestheyrefake.net/radiesse.htm

Restylane® For Under Eye Hollows and Nasolabials

I first sought treatment for under eye hollows with Sculptra® in November of 2004 and again for my second treatment and also to nasolabials in February of 2005.   It lasted for about 18 months and since I had developed a nodule from the Sculptra®, I decided to try a product which I felt had less possible complications, Restylane.  So August 30, 2006 I had my first Restylane® under eye injections with Jonathan Hoenig, M.D. in Beverly Hills, California.  Incidentally the video to the right was from a treatment in September of 2009.

8% TCA Peel From Make-up Artist’s Choice (MUAC)

I had prepped with Retin A (applied over cetaphil lotion so it’s not as harsh) for a week and then waited a few days.  I barely peel with that regimen so my skin wasn’t inflamed after the delay.  Then I washed my face with Cetaphil (twice, lol) and applied the 8% TCA solution only once.  I waited 5 minutes and neutralized, used the green tea soap, blotted my face, then waited until my skin was dry and then applied triple antibiotic cream.  I did have frosting almost immediately in two areas: one spot on my cheek which had hyperpigmented after too much exfoliation with this mini sandpaper-like exfoliator 2 months ago, I DO NOT recommend doing that!  And a small spot on the side of my nose that was from a left over break out I support. That spot did peel from the Retin A and I thought it was well healed, well the TCA showed me it was not. I simply neutralized those 2 areas immediately as instructed but left the rest on my face the full 5 minutes. This morning my skin was tight so I washed my face again with teh green tea soap, dried and then applied the triple antibiotic cream. I don’t look at all like I have had a peel, other than the tightness which is temporary until I apply a cream. It feels a little like windburn if I stretch my face or yawn. But that’s it. I expect to peel within 3 days.  I want to be finished peeling by Wed! *crossing fingers* Then I will wait 2-3 weeks and do another peel.

Update: I was completely finished peeling by Day 5 and my skin does look a lot better.  I still have spots to peel (hyperpigmentation from past breakouts).

I hope to do another one soon

Careprost vs Latisse With Photos

I used Latisse first and had extraordinary results.  Then out of cost and a recommendation from forum members I bought Careprost.  I have been using Careprost for months on end and am on my third bottle now.  At first I thought my Latisse lashes were longer.  But then I compared pics and they look about the same.  I do wish they were a bit longer and thicker but this looks to be about the end of the lash-road for me.  I have been using it long enough to where I have reached my peak. lol 

Also, I have noticed I have had lash growth in the corner of my eye, under the normal lashline (rim, you can see two of them in the last pic) and definitely between the upper eyelid crease and below the eyebrow (like little downy hairs).  I started applying it to my brow edges a few months ago and I have noticed some growth, and some errant hairs as well.  I am assuming it pretty much gets all over you as you blink and the fluid spreads to the edges of your lashes before it has had a chance to dry.  Therefore I need a hand mirror and natural sunlight (outside is where I can see it best) to pluck away about once a month.

Has anyone had this change in their results after switching products?

 

Juvederm To Submalar Area, Restylane to Lips & Botox to Forehead, Glabella & Crow’s Feet

Juvederm To Submalar Area, Restylane to Lips & Botox to Forehead, Glabella & Crow’s Feet

*Firstly, I apologize for not having any before and afters.  I had sent the topical anesthetic pic to a friend, so that is why I have it.  But unfortunately my phone was stolen before I had a chance to remove the other pics off of it for my journal.

I was thrilled to get a touch up with Dr. Jonathan Hoeing in Beverly Hills today.   I am healing from my double layer 8% TCA peel so I look icky, but at least I just had my hair done yesterday, so I am hoping to look human again pretty soon.  I lost a few pounds.  I am so thankful to be able to pull myself out of this “rut” and get back into high gear

I wasn’t completely sure what I needed, so he advised he would examine my face and see what I had going on once I got there.  I knew I wanted lips and n/l’s for sure and Botox.  Of course I always want more cheeks, I just don’t think the Radiesse Cheek Augmentation did as much as I expected it would.  But then again, it has been over a year!  What did I expect?  And still, something needs to be done with my under eyes.  I feel old.  I had to work an event the weekend before and had two people say that I looked “different” since the last time they saw me just a few months ago.  Bleh.  And I got ma’amed 4 times in one day, lol.  Why don’t they just put me out to pasture, right?  Whatever.

I got to my appointment and he looked over my face and the first thing Dr. Hoenig said was, “You need to gain weight.”  
“No way!” I exclaimed.
He then proceeded to suggest I have my submalar area injected, lol. 
“Don’t you think I need more cheeks?”  I told him.
“You wouldn’t have any cheeks if it weren’t for me.”  said Dr. Hoenig.
*gasp!* “Not so!” I told him.  I pride myself on the fact that I have good cheek bones.  Don’t take my ONE plus I still have away from me, hehe!

I was apprehensive about injecting the submalar are but the more I looked, the more gaunt I really did appear.  I agreed.  Even Danya, agreed and I always listen to her.  So Dr. Hoenig applied some topical anesthetic and I waited for it to take effect.

He didn’t inject Restylane under my eyes.  He also didn’t inject anything into my nasolabials.  Dr. Hoenig said that he feels that unless they are deep, injecting that area to look flat causes the area between the upper lip and nose to look elongated which tends to age the face. *drat*

It must be Conservative Day , because this is what I wound up with:
Juvederm: 1 cc Juvederm in the submalar area, feathered to the malar area.  It actually looks better.  I have always been reluctant to get this area injected but I needed it.  I concede. (* had originally had posted that I had .8 Juve, but that was incorrect)

Restylane: 0.3 cc Restylane in my lips.   Bummer, I wanted more, lol.  He just did the cupid’s bow and a little touch to the center of my bottom lip.  I really wanted bigger lips, but he said “NO sausage lips.”    So I look natural.  Yay.  But it really does look natural, which is good. 

Botox: 25 units of Botox to forehead, glabella and only a touch to crow’s feet. Last year when I had my Radiesse, I had 54 units total.  I only got 25 units this time but it lasted until late March (2011). Really!

My Recovery
I bruised from everything!  From the Botox, the Restylane to my lips and I had some bruising in the cheek area from the Juvederm.  Plus, I was SUPER sensitive even with topical anteshetic.  It was very odd.  It’s not normal for me and Dr Hoenig was very surprised as well.  Even with a nerve block to the lip area I still felt the philtrum injections.  I am getting ready to “start” so I am always so super-sensitive beforehand.  I also think that I am anemic again so there ya go.  I have not drank anything lately so it was quite a shock to get bruising.

I still only have slight flaking left over from double layer 8% TCA, waiting another 2 weeks to do peel #2.   The peel really made the past blemishes and hyperigmentations dark this time.   I look like a hag right now.  But the TCA should help my complexion once it heals.

I am thinking about getting laser under my eyes, or the 35% in-office peel, but after the holidays.  He said my piddly 8% peels will do nothing like his 35% will.   I wonder what he thinks about the Vi peel.  I will have to ask next time I go.
Dr Hoenig had commented on a visible superficial vein under my eye that makes it look icky as well.  Aging SUCKS.
Conclusion
I really like the submalar injections.   It did make my face look more filled out and I was so against it for so long, haha.  I know it is difficult to judge how much you should have, as a patient, which is why I need to trust my doctor.  I redeemed myself of any doubt and sent  Thank You card to the office and commented that they told me so and that I shall never doubt him again.

The Overpriced Skin Care Products: Worth the Money?

I am sure you have experienced the sticker shock upon discovery of that $200+ ounce of eye serum at the department store or at your plastic surgeon’s office.  You admire the sleek packaging, mull over the literature and think, no way! Can it be THAT good??  I know I have been shocked a few times, twice while writing this article alone.  Some of the below prices are astronomical. For instance, three treatment packages of The Essence and that’s a face life!

 So, we know they are expensive and you hear all of the hype, then see that price tag and think people have gone mad.  Does it work? Or are they preying on us??  I know I have a very difficult time when products have no true visible results, even if only in a matter of 2 months’ time.  What can I say, I’m a hard sell. Even worse, when the claims are that it prevents wrinkles, reduces free-radicals, etc. and doesn’t actually give any obvious improvement. I have a hard time swallowing it.  Not that I feel the prevention-creams don’t work, but how do I know that it does?? 

The below list runs the gamut of available products we often hear about, their claims and when possible, the feedback I have gathered from the consumers who use them.

1. SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex Body Lotion 4 oz $60. – This product states that it uses the same TNS Recovery Complex as is used for the face. “Comprised of growth factors, antioxidants, matrix proteins, and soluble collagens in a luxurious moisturizing lotion.” I actually use this product on my hands and forearms.  Not often enough to where I ever see any long-term results, but I still keep trucking along.  It is sitting by my keyboard as I type this.  I honestly wonder if the long-term results are all that visible if one were to use it every day.   Guess I won’t know until I actually order more and commit to slathering it on at least twice a day.  The reviews I have seen, and the feedback I have gathered, varies considerably. 
2. Neova Therapy Creme de la Copper 1.7oz  $100. -  The companys tates that, “Neova Therapy’s patented GHK Copper Peptide Complex® micronutrition helps revive dull, lifeless skin, remedy the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and restore moisture and firmness.”  I have used this (actually the whole set) and felt my skin did show improvement.  However, it could have very well been the moisturizing properties.  The improvement was undeniable, however, It’s still a top dollar cream with the benefits of supposedly the only true CP on the market.  I am actually considering going back and sticking with it  for a while.  I just hope I don’t start breaking out from it.  Most of the reviews I have seen and the feedback I have received has been positive.
3. Creme De La Mer 1 oz $130. – Touted as “Miracle Skincare”, Le Mer products are based upon a Miracle Broth® which is created by biofermenting “a rare sea kelp” with other ingredients, using sound and light over a 4 month period.  I have yet to use this.  I am thinking purchasing it but as I have said, my skin can break out at the drop of a hat when I use heavy products.  Not to mention it’s $145!. But the accolades are undeniable.  So many people swear by it.  It has to be good, right? Guess I’d better break down and buy it.
4. SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex  $145. - SkinMedica states that “TNS Recovery Complex, containing the key ingredient NouriCel-MD®, rejuvenates sun damaged and aging skin. NouriCel-MD is an unparalleled physiologic combination of antioxidants and other elements that are found naturally in the skin-a uniquely formulated, anti aging skin care product.” I have used this and the eye serum and am not sure I saw a difference.  I would be willing to try it again however, since I didn’t have much improvement to make at the time. I do remember it burning a little and causing irritation around my eyes but I suppose this is to be expected sometimes.  I could try it again but thus far my list is growing!  I can’t use them all at once.  I have seen people rave about the product and many are faithful to it.
5. Guerlain Orchidee Imperiale Rich Cream, 1.7 oz  $350. – Found at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman-Marcus, where everything is expensive.   This product claims that the molecular extract of the orchid plant is what gives this cream its miraculous 24 our long moisturizing capability.  It seems to be simply a luxurious, and expensive!, face cream. I can buy 2 Creme de la Mer for this price, and still  have enough money left over for lunch for two. I’ll pass. 
6. ReVive Blanche 1 oz $400. -  Also found at Bergdorf Goodman, this anti-spot treatment is supposed to reduce the appearance of dark spots and fade hyperpigmentations without the use of hydroquinone. For this application at this price, I’ll take a Cosmelan Peel or even Obaji, no thanks. 
7. N.V. Perricone’s Neuropeptide Facial Conformer 2 oz $550 -  In my opinion Perricone’s products work.  But I’ll admit, I cannot afford them.  If I could I’d use a lot of them, I would bathe in them.  I have heard a lot of good feedback on the use of his line, his suggestions, I ideally even like to follow his nutrition plan. 
8. La Prairie Cellular Radiance Cream 1.7 oz $550. - While on a flight to Switzerland, I stumbled across a duty-free ad for this product. After the initial shock of the price, I wondered if it even worked.  After speaking with a few people, I am not so sure there are any truly lasting results. Light scattering is not fixing your skin, it is smoke and mirrors.  However, the product still claims that it diminishes lines, and improves skin texture. I would love to hear anyone’s feed back on this.
9. La Prairie Cellular Cream Platinum Rare $1000. – I first started learning about La Prairie I darn near fell over when I saw this product. Okay, topical platinum improving the skin? I’m just not buying it without the science to back it up, which is nonexistent thus far.  I personally feel it is more of a gimmick. Would you pay this much for a cream?  I haven’t even spoken to anyone who could afford it, much less has benefited by it.
10. Creme De La Mer The Essence $2,600. -  Okay I simply cannot even remotely entertain the fantasy of affording this product.  This product is designed to last abotu 3 months and is essentially the cost of a plastic surgery procedure.  And at 2 times a year as directed??  If I slathered this $2,600. serum on my face, you had better believe I expect to wake up on Day #91 resembling Angelina Jolie.  Any feedback on this product? Please, humor me.
11. Bonus: MD Lash Factor $100. – I believe, and know from experience, that products such as this work. Plain and simple.  And MD Lash Factor $100 is no exception! Check around if you want to buy it because there are some specials going on where you get it as a freebie, along with some serums if you buy a Procyte product.  Score!  I think I shall do it.

Quite frankly I don’t have it in my pocketbook to blow money on hyped p moisturizers, especially with my skin as it is.  I need moisture but anything heavy sends me in to an acne spiral. I certainly feel that you can make a huge difference in your appearance the natural way.  I know I harp on it, but it works: what you put into your body absolutely without a doubt affects how it performs. You reap what you sow. Eating a diet high in anti-oxidants such as Perricone’s way of eating, staying hydrated, and keeping away from the baddies like sugars, smoking, drinking, etc. and something I haven’t mentioned until now, exercise–will do your body and face very well. And remember!  Keep your sunscreen well applied and your sun exposure to a minimum.

If you have any stories, or lessons learned, about expensive products, please let me know.  I often wonder if I am truly missing out on the Holy Grail of skincare.

What’s With the Rehash of Simon Cowell’s Plastic Surgery Comment?

Is the news getting that stale and desperate for celebrity gossip? He said that ages ago, 2004 in fact.  Re-blogging it has a snowball effect, me included.  He has made it abundantly clear then men have no need to keep themselves looking young via surgery (I believe his exact words were “ridiculous”), but has no qualms about having Botox injections himself.  So, what? is a scalping going too far, but Botox a means with which to stay looking young? 

Granted, although I abhor the man’s demeanor, he has great hair (which he claims is real, good for him), great skin and great teeth. Also, his gimmick is the ‘talent’ of being cruel, not looking good.  He could gain 100 pounds and still have a job as long as he is making severe fun of others.  He is not graded on his appearance; that’s what Paula’s for.

It’s just another indication that the need for staying young-looking and beautiful is still hugely one-sided. Especially in Hollyweird.  While I do not intend to ever go silently into that aging night, I will say that I feel a woman should never be made to feel as though she is the Edsel on the scale of beauty.  The beauty standards for a woman of today are intangibly high.  The few, the proud, the beautiful are heralded with such enthusiastic splendor that to become the higher echelon eye candy is a means with which we are taught “we can have it all.”  Riches, Love, Popularity, Opportunity.  It is a sick society we live in when a person is judged solely upon their looks–and even worse that our teens feel they must conform to a standard that can never be maintained.   Reality TV continually force-feeds us a frightening amount of disregard for human feelings with celebrities with no conscience as a conduit. 

Be strong ladies, plastic surgery is a choice, not a requirement to be beautiful. You already are beautiful. Don’t let them take that away from you with such thoughtless commentary.  They can only hurt you if you let them. 

To Tell or Not to Tell?

Every time someone asks my opinion on if they should tell a spouse, employer, friend, or child about their decision to have plastic surgery, my answer is always the same.   This is a very personal decision that must be made on your own. For some, it is a decision made with much thought; for others it is simply a matter of when to tell.  The question you have to ask yourself is what type of person are you?

Questions You Should Ask Yourself:

1. Are you the type of person who is easily hurt by the judgmental comments of others?
2. Are you afraid of the ramifications of your elective surgery and how they can affect your personal life if undesirables find out?
3. Are you afraid that the news of your surgery may affect your job?
4. Are you concerned that your significant other may be upset with you should you decide to have a cosmetic surgery procedure?
5. Are you “thin-skinned” and concerned what others may think of you should they find out you have had a cosmetic procedure?

If you have said yes to any of the above, careful consideration should be made in determining who you should confide in, or if you should at all.   However, I do not suggest going this alone.  I feel that one needs a support structure for optimal healing.   During the healing period, highs and lows are to be expected and without a support structure (even a solitary friend who can be there for you), the lows can dip right into the deep end. Of course depending upon what type of procedure you have can determine if you will be able to keep it a secret at all. If you have a total makeover or considerable facial plastic surgery—it may be obvious.  You are under no obligation to tell anyone about your plastic surgery procedures. 

As for keeping your surgery news from your significant other, I do not condone this, but this is also not my decision.  I feel that if you must keep major events such as these from a loved one, then you are indeed betraying their trust to a certain degree.   In the event that something should happen, your significant other will need to know where you are and what you have gone through to help you.  If they find out after the fact, they may be very upset.  I know many believe that asking forgiveness is easier than asking permission, but I assure you, it may not be that easy if it is a spouse!

Keeping the rumor mill quiet at your place of employment can be a real challenge.  Everyone knows their coworkers love good gossip, especially when it comes to cosmetic surgery.  If you can take off at least two weeks of vacation time, this can help immensely but like I said, significant changes in facial features are hard to disguise with a simple change of hair color or haircut. Be prepared to be asked questions, even inappropriate ones.  Just know that a peaceful, non-threatening and comfortable workplace is your right, as well as your right to retain personal privacy without the onslaught of harassment by anyone for any reason.  If you ever feel uncomfortable as several of our forum members have, you have every right to demand respect and privacy. Don’t let anyone bully you into talking, or harass you constantly about, “I know you’ve had [this or that] done. Admit it!”  This is your body, not someone’s gossip fodder. Take a stand.

If you choose to tell, do so without fear of judgment. Make a point to be proud and show no fear.  Those who are jealous often react and prey upon our fears, so give them a smile and keep your chin up.

Telling children can be a different matter entirely.  They are going to notice eventually, don’t ever think a child is unobservant, they notice everything eventually even if they don’t come out and say it. It is obviously your choice to tell your child, but being matter of fact can be a good way to handle the situation.  Making it a huge deal with invoke curiosity and chatter, being nonchalant about it may not trigger much interest. So the amount of interest you wish you invoke is largely dependent upon the child’s age and personality.   You know your child best, you will figure it out.  Perhaps join the ladies on the Tummy Tuck forum , as they have had a lot of experience confiding in their children about their procedure.

If you have any great stories (or not so great stories) about how you let everyone know, or not know, or if you were “outed” by a friend, please post!