Hi,

I was hoping to get some information from experienced people about a sometimes touchy subject. I don't necessarily want to start a whole thread unless you want to do so. Like I said, comments can often be less than encouraging about this one.

Ok - so what's the deal? I am looking for information about botox or chemical face peels from those of you who have done either. I'd like your advice and your "review" of the experience. I understand this is very personal to many and welcome private messages/emails.
DaTeach28@aol.com


I appreciate those who have the opinion of "you're beautiful...blah, blah, blah", but this is something I want to do for me and my feelings about myself.

Thank you in advance to those who respond,
Ash

Hey Ash:

I've reached out to a couple of friends who have had a couple of these procedures (one is even doing something today!) for their input and will post those replies here.

I think undertaking these types of procedures is great so long as you are using the services of a medical professional trained in that particular discipline.

Again, I'll post any replies here and good luck on your quest.

Ash:

Here's some input from my friends...hope it helps...

From Friend #1:

Love botox - a friend is actually having some face work done right now and the doc told her "don't get a brow lift - just get botox" so it's really being used for more than just getting rid of wrinkles - if placed strategically they can really give you a more youthful look without invasive surgery.

There's no such thing as "you are beautiful enough...." or whatever - everyone needs a "refresher" no matter how pretty you are. The results are immediate but the bummer is they don't last long enough so you become a "junky" of sorts. I'd say every 3 months you need it done again and it could get expensive. Doesn't hurt more than any other shot you'd ever get like novacaine or whatever.

I want to learn more about chemical peels myself - so I can't help with that. I am sure that is a brilliant way to remove a few layers thus leaving you with more youthful skin.

And from friend #2:

I have had very good results with botox injections into the forehead for the frown lines between my eyes.

Just be sure the doctor you go to is experienced! A friend gave me a gift of botox from a Beverly Hills doctor who made my eyelid droop a bit because his placement of the botox was wrong. This doctor was also 3 times as expensive as my regular dermatologist who does a much better job!

Hi Robert!

Thank you so much for contacting your friends on my behalf. That is so sweet!

As I am in the investigation stage of the game, I really appreciate hearing from "real" people and not just testimonials on web sites.

Thank you again!
Ashlyn

Hi Ash,
I recently wrote an article about a Medspa in Tucson that performs non-surgical procedures. While attending their open house, I won a dermabrasion session which I have not used yet. I have rosacea and need to contact my dermatologist for an ok.

What I learned while writing the article:
Make sure the clinician is experienced or if you go to a medspa, check out the medical director. Who does the procedure? How many have they done? What is their background? Get references from current clients.

Another option is Restylane, a filler that is competing with botox. Unfortunately, it only lasts a few months and involves shots.

For a more lasting, non-surgical answer,laser - pulsed light photofacials and especially, fractional skin resurfacing. They are permanent but require several sessions.

And, I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to look "refreshed." I'm getting those "frowny" lines around my mouth and don't intend to keep them for long. I don't want to look like a grouchy old woman :D . I guess one alternative is to smile all the time. Then the lines won't show.

Actually, it's important to realize that Restylane and Botox serve different purposes. Botox is to get rid of wrinkles - injecting purified botulism to relax muscles that can cause wrinkles. Restylane is a "filler" - synthetic collagen that can help improve sunken areas and can help "sculpt". They're often used to complement each other.

The good news is that even if you don't like the way it looks, after 6-9 months, the effects will wear off and you'll be back to your former appearance. Despite this, I would still look around and get a lot of testimonials and recommendations from people that have had it done before. There is definitely an artistic aspect of the proper usage of these and you want somebody who's got a good eye for this. A lot of people that I know that have had it done are pretty satisfied though cost can be an issue when you're looking at repeating things every 6 months or so. I'm speaking as a person who doesn't perform these procedures myself so I count myself as a pretty unbiased observer. :D

Masaki

We are so fortunate to have a doctor that does house calls! Masaki always has the best advice!

Masaki, your advice is the best. Thanks for the expert information, especially about "the artistic aspect," which makes so much sense.

On the other hand, a little bit of knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Since I know very little about the subject, I should edit my post to say. "Lots of options, do your research and check everything out thoroughly."

Thank goodness my article didn't debate the benefits of botox vs restylane. I'd be in big trouble with my editor.

Donna - I think your statement "Lots of options, do your research and check everything out thoroughly" is probably true for practically everything these days. In no time in history has it been easier (and more important) to be an informed consumer. :)

Masaki