I recently took my first steps into the world of ‘aesthetic upkeep’, with a full facial laser treatment; I am thrilled with the unexpected results! Even if I do say so myself, its shaved ten years off my face.
What treatments, and results, have you had / wish to have / or don’t wish to have (until a few weeks ago, I was in the latter category!)
I do Botox between my eyebrows and to lift my eyebrows due to sagging lids. It has taken years off my face and I think I look younger than I did at 50…eyes are the window! Started 2 years ago as I was contemplating blepheroplasy and surgeons said I need an eye lift. Didn’t want to go down that path. Wish I had started Botox sooner.
I’m curious at lasers for dark spots. I have a swath over my nose that disappears in the winter months, then returns in the summer. Sun damage. Dermatologist said it would work, but doesn’t guarantee it wouldn’t return?
@momo2x2018 , what were your problems areas and what dud the laser do for you?
I’ve had laser treatments to get rid of little blood vessels on my face. Makes my skin look better since it’s all one color. I need less makeup (foundation) now. And it lasts.
What’s the down time after laser treatment?
In my next life, I’m going to get Botox for my 11s so I look less cranky.
@Midwest67 The downtime was no downtime! I had mild stinging and redness for a couple of hours after the numbing cream wore off,other than that nothing. My face peeled for about ten days or so, but with make-up, it was unnoticeable.
The treatment has really evened out my skin tone, and the sun damage is almost invisible, and I had a lot of sun damage. I am going to get one more treatment to take care of any ‘loose ends’ and that should be it.
In addition to the diminished sunspots and more even skin tone, I’ve noticed my wrinkles have really plumped up, and my face is genuinely looking more youthful I am really pleased with the results - and I don’t look plumped or frozen!
My friend had it done. I saw her during the “peeling off” stage (a little scary, redness but no swollen) and when all is settled, she looks really good. Her main issues were uneven skins (lots of bumps) and it becomes very smooth and she definitely looks younger!
Very happy for you OP!
@makemesmart Thanks! I’ve never done any type of cosmetic treatment - my boobs are my own, I earned every wrinkle, and my hair looks like its been dipped in stardust!
Something about my dull look made me do the laser, on a whim. I am so happy I did; after my next laser treatment, I might try botox or fillers for the really deep lines - but the fine lines are wrinkles are GONE!!!
Mind sharing what these proceedures cost? I realize it will depend on location, but knowing the cost range would help to see if I (or others) might even consider. I originally never considered cosmetic proceedures, but now that I’m of that certain age, I better understand wanting to feel & look your best, without major alterations. Thanks for sharing!
@kjofkw My full face laser tx was $425 - from beginning (face numbing) to end (laser) and clean up, it was about 2hrs. My laser tx was undertaken by an MD, some parts of the country permit estheticians or RNs to perform laser, which may be less expensive, but I was just more comfortable with an MD.
My Botox runs $12 unit. I do 24 units every 3 months ($288). But of course that depends on what you have done. I do 20 units between the brows and 4 units for eyebrow lift.
Worth every single penny to me.
Groupon often has coupons for reputable places that do cosmetic procedures. Dysport is a good alternative to Botox, the results show up a little quicker and supposedly last a bit longer.
It is expensive and painful but ultherapy provides some positive results for a couple of years. Not a facelift but provides a noticeable lift even in your sixties.
@conmama That’s a really great price - it’s triple that where I live. I would be very careful with fillers - Botox, laser treatments, etc., can all achieve great results, but fillers not so much, especially with a less experienced physician. I do all of the mentioned, and also medical microneedling, which has made my complexion much smoother and decreased pore size significantly.
Interesting thread - I’m paying close attention So far I’ve I’ve done pretty much nothing to help my appearance. I wear blush, mascara and eyeliner, and that’s about it. I have lots of wrinkles - I feel like more than normal for my age (My mom had the same or worse - she was a smoker). I also seems to be getting little dark spots on my face (I spent a fair amount of time outside this last summer). I don’t like the idea of Botox or other fillers. I have wondered what options are available that have very low risk and will keep things close to natural (but improved, if that makes any sense).
Botox gets a lot of negative press, but it’s not a filler and works very differently. It also is temporary and lasts about 4 months depending on the person. Applied judiciously by a competent physician, it can be transformational.
I wish I were able to post B&A photos. I am just blown away by the difference in my appearance within 14 days of treatment!
@1214mom for the low-risk natural options you may consider professional peels (quality products) followed by microdermabrasion every 4-6 weeks. Face, neck and decolletage. Regular PRP and/or IPL facials are also very safe and very effective, but are significantly more pricey. I also use Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peels (extra strength) for daily maintenance. And lots of moisturizers. Botox is not my choice - do your own research.
You need a good consult with Botox. If you have strong forehead muscles, the relaxation, I was told, can make your eyelids seem to droop.
I have botox/dysport on my 11s and my forehead. Makes a huge difference. I’ve had peels two times (can’t recall what type) and my face was so red and painful. I’ve decided it’s not for me.
And I’ve never really considered plastic surgery but I’ve noticed that my neck really has begun to sag. I hate it! Has anyone done anything to their neck? My face is in pretty good shape but my neck… 
Well, gosh, I was following the inexpensive night cream thread, but now I think I need botox and a chemical peel!!!