Restylane Under Eye & Nasolabial Injections

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 above photo was from a treatment in September of 2009. I get Restylane injected under my eyes about once a year.
 
I have also been treated with 5FU injections (starting 8/2006) to correct the scar tissue between my left cheek and under eye from the fat grafting procedure I had in 2004.  Granted, I had the demarcation prior to any facial procedures, but the fat grafting seemed to accentuate it. 

Read more: http://yestheyrefake.net/restylane_undereye.htm

Which Lip Augmentation Products Have You Tried? Which Would You Like To Try? Cast Your Vote Now!

Which Lip Augmentation Products Have You Tried? Which Would You Like To Try? Please take our Lip Augmentation Poll now!  :)

LipAugmentationCentral.com has launched :)

Lip Augmentation is my favorite procedure!  If I could choose any procedure to have above all others, it would be augmenting my lips.  Okay, and my cheeks, but I digress, I LOVE lips!  With all of the lip augmentation options available today (and there are a lot!), having the knowledge to make an informed choice is an empowering asset.  I know that a lot of patients may feel anxiety when faced with choosing a product as well as selecting a skilled and experienced surgeon or injector.  Not to mention the ups and downs of the recovery process associated with lip enhancement, lip lifts or V-Y plasty.  My goal is to help you alleviate any added stress by giving you access to straight-forward, quality information and a support system designed for patients just like us!

Everything has been updated and new fillers are being added regularly!  www.LipAugmentationCentral.com

Juvederm To Submalar Area (Plus Botox and Restylane)

I was thrilled to get a touch up with Dr. Jonathan Hoenig 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 lb. 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.

Read more…

http://yestheyrefake.net/journals/juvederm_submalar.htm

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.

N.Y.C. Lippin’ Large Lip Plumper

I am an impulse buyer, no doubt about it.  I was at the pharmacy shopping for travel bottles for my toiletries and other necessities for my Thanksgiving trip and lo and behold I saw a great shade (#476 Plum Tart) of NYC Lippin’ Large lip gloss in a tube, that also happened to be a lip plumper. Sold.

I got home and although it is 10 o clock at night, I, of course, had to try it out.  I was surprised at the great texture, not too goopy, not to dry–actually perfect.  The color is very nice; it reminds me of NARS Babydoll that I am faithful to, but a little more shimmery.  What surprised me the most is that although the company’s website mentions ingredients such as cinnamon and ginger, it was almost spearaminty, and not cinnamony at all.  The website also states there is a warming feeling, but honestly it felt like a cooling sensation. Often lip plumpers sting, but this was refreshing 

As far as performance, there wasn’t much immediate plumping, but it did poof them out slightly.  I didn’t feel like my lips were being dried out and it most certainly was not uncomfortable at all. I could actually feel it working, but it wasn’t the severe inside-out plump you receive from hardcore cinnamon oil plumpers. The best part? It was only $3.99 and lasted on my lips for a very long time. Not bad for a few bucks!

Duck Lips: Knowing When To Say “No More”

After my polite and oh-so-subtle skydiving acquaintances and friends [who know nothing about cosmetic surgery by the way]‘ lovingly’ started calling me Daffy behind my back, I decided to write a little something about going overboard with lip augmentation fillers.  The kicker is that my lips were in need of Restylane when they last saw me, hence our conversation.  They simply overheard me talking about getting my lips injected at dinner a few weeks ago and it became an instant controversy over sushi.

Now, in my opinion my lips are not huge right now at all.  I only received a touch of Restylane this last time around.  But the mentioning of my lips getting injected at all stopped people in the middle of chewing their California rolls. A few were appalled and couldn’t understand why I would do such a thing. Others wanted to know more.  It seems to me that they feel that it is black and white, small lips or large lips–no in-between, no balance, just duck lips. They automatically assumed I was going for the gold and getting them ginormous.  What’s the big deal?

I tried explaining but to no avail. Next thing I know I was getting pics of duck lips and surgery addicts posted on my MySpace. Not cool.  It shows you the maturity level of some of these individuals, doesn’t it?  Well, whatever the case, it has triggered me to write an article about when to say no on injectable fillers.  When poofy is perfect, and over-poof is just not attractive.

The reason that most people over inject over time is not because they usually set out to have lips this large.  It starts little by little, almost like a developing addiction.  You have a little put in, you get a little swollen, you become accustomed to the swelling and you like the ‘high’ you receive from knowing you are going to look better. The swelling subsides and you think that your lips are small again.  What do you do?  You go and get more injected and the cycle starts all over again.  Pretty soon you look almost like a Grouper fish and people are staring or making snide comments. 

How to avoid this situation?  Photos.  Before and after photos are such a great tool to keep you anchored to reality. Many times one does not realize the improvement they do have unless they view their before and after photos.  When your eyes adjust slowly over days when looking in the mirror, you usually lose sight of your improvement, so you schedule another appointment,  When you look at your before and after photos, you can honestly judge , side by side, the improvements that were made. And remember, the enemy of good, is better.  So, please, next time you think you may need more lip augmentation, take a look at some photos that shows you now, as compared to before.  Slow, baby steps are best!

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!

VeraFil™ (FulFil™): The Other Lip Implant

Last time I read about this implant I was actually surprised that Medical Science was going back towards a permanent implant go the lips again.  Evera Medical brings us VeraFil™, a silicone-shelled, saline-filled lip implant.   Known as FulFil™ in Europe, this implant is pending FDA approval in the United States under the VeraFil name. Although this implant would seem to be softer than a solid, yet porous, expanded polytetraflouroethylene (ePFTE) implant (think Gore-Tex™), it gives me pause.  I have had my share of problems with lip implants and am lip-implant shy because of it.  This is not to say that VeraFil™ is not the answer to our small-lipped prayers—it very well may be.

The VeraFil™ implant is a silicone-shelled implant that is housed within a polytetraflouroethylene (ePFTE) membrane that is 0.002 of an inch thick.  The implant is connected to the ePTFE membrane at the ends of the implant, and is designed to help promote tissue integration to hinder the implant from slipping and becoming displaced.  The implant is threaded through the lips very much like an AlloDerm, or Gore S.A.M. implant (like I had) and saline is added after implantation with the use of a fill tube through the implant’s micro-valve.  The usual risks are infection, implant extrusion, scar tissue, rejection, palpability, general dissatisfaction, etc.  The cost has been reported between $3,000 and $4,000 USD.  The expected effects should be bruising, swelling, numbness, and decreased mobility until the area has fully healed.

Honestly, the best information I have found regarding implantation and implant construction has been through the use of the following links.  I could not write better information on this procedure than the available data found below.  I strongly recommend that you read the below articles before considering the use of this implant.  Before undergoing any procedure, especially one which has not had a significant amount of use on the open market, you must thoroughly the process and follow its progress.  And even with that, I would wait for approval or at least for a sizeable amount of date a collection before considering it for your own use.

Further Reading

• http://www.everamedical.com/about-implant-us.php
• http://www.everamedical.com/pdf/international/ajcs_24_4_183_192_e.pdf

Adverse Event Reports to the FDA:

• http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfMAUDE/Detail.CFM?MDRFOI__ID=984001
• http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfMAUDE/Detail.CFM?MDRFOI__ID=922098

So Who Do YOU Want to Look Like?

Brangelina: Hollyweird’s most influential Power Couple.  I must admit I have walked into my PS’s office and stated that I wanted Angelina’s lips and brow arch, so count me in I suppose.  How about you?  Are you coveting Angie’s lovely cheeks and lips?  Are you a man wishing to be more Pitt-ish?  Apparently, you aren’t alone.  A recent ISAPS survey determined that many of us want to look like Brangelina and are willing to have cosmetic surgery to achieve it. 

Plastic Surgery can certainly improve your appearance, but it usually cannot make you look like an entirely different person without substantial bony work.  Unless, of course, you already have a similar facial structure, eye color, height, hair color—the similarities can’t simply stop at the nose or lips.  If your goal is to be a look alike and you plan on making a career out of it, I understand,  But if you are the average, every day Joe looking to resemble Brad, you have a lot of surgery ahead of you. 

It is in my opinion, that one should aim to be comfortable looking like yourself, just improved and refreshed.  Although, who am I to say what you should strive for?  Do as you please.  If you want to have extensive surgery to look like Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie, it is your decision.  Just know that it doesn’t involve just a brow lift, a nose job and lip implants.

So, who do you want to look like?  Do you wish to resemble Adriana Lima, Jessica Biel (who wouldn’t??), Jessica Alba?  Is it possible?  How far are you willing to go?  Surgical alteration of the bony structure of your face can be extensive, painful and require considerable downtime.  After all, the structure of the face determines the appearance.   It isn’t all smoke and mirrors. Your bones make you who you are on the surface.

If I had my druthers, I am not quite sure who I’d try and resemble. Maybe a mixture of Angelina Jolie, Adriana Lima, and Natasha Henstridge?  They all have very desirable features.  They are all very beautiful women adored by many.  Not that ai want to be adored or anything.  I am just not willing to undergo the amount of surgery, if it were even possible to begin with, to resemble any of these ladies.  I simply try to improve upon what I have to achieve a general consensus of desirable beauty: fuller lips, fuller and higher cheeks, no wrinkles, even skin tone, arched brows, small nose, bright eyes, straight, white teeth, healthy long hair, thin, lithe frame.  The end result is the same goal, we all just have differences we must contend with. 

Achieving facial harmony and balance is a goal many of us have, without necessarily looking like anyone else but ourselves.  I am sure many of us don’t strive to look like a celebrity, be it Angelina or the Jessicas.  Not that we would give it away if we had it.  But I believe many of us are not attempting to surgically alter our faces to truly resemble these ladies, we just wish to have smaller noses, fuller lips, or more prominent cheeks as all the beautiful icons seem to have in common.  However, when we walk into our surgeon’s office, we choose a person who is familiar to us all to explain out desires.

How many of you have brought photos of celebrities to your consultations to give your surgeon a visual in what you are attempting to achieve?  I must admit I have brought photos of what I wanted and what I did not want.  A tool with which to determine if he and I were on the same page, not a grocery list of procedures to alter our ensure beings for the sake of being a look-alike. 

I would love to hear from you all. Who do you find attractive?  Which of their features appeal to you and have you brought in photos of said person to get your point across?  It doesn’t mean you’re necessarily obsessed and dissatisfied with who you are, it means you know what you like and what you don’t like.  Who do you find beautiful and what makes them beautiful?