Aging, it’s a funny thing.
I personally don’t ever feel “old”. There’s nothing that I can’t do in my 40s that I did in my 20s (except recover from a hangover quickly!). In most ways I feel I’ve gained. I have more knowledge, more experience and more life skills… where I’ve lost big time however, is the youth in my skin. That seemed to diminish quickly after 40. While I believe that beauty is more than what you see on the outside, I also believe that we should do what makes us feel confident. Without apologies or judgement. If that’s having nails tips or hair extensions added, going grey or having your color done, dressing up on weekdays, or working out every single day- you go lady! For me, it’s my skin. I went to school for esthetics, have taught at the AVEDA Institute, I’ve been an educator for skin care companies- I’m obsessed with my skin looking good. So while I haven’t necessarily felt the years take a toll, I have noticed it on my skin.
When I started seeing fine lines, I happened to be teaching esthetics with someone who was also a physicians assistant with a dermatologist. I trusted him & started getting a small amount of Botox at 31. At 43 years old I have very few “lines” because I didn’t consistently make the deep expressions that cause them. That’s not to say my face was “frozen”- I taught at Aveda, the queendom of natural! I had to keep it very light and have always had plenty of movement. Even a conservative amount has produced lasting results through the years and I can easily say it’s the best skin care decision I’ve made.
Sagging skin however, hasn’t been so easy to tackle. Adults lose collagen and elastin at an alarming rate after 25, which gives skin that plump, youthful look. We all have different thickness to our skin, and levels of collagen & elastin and how quickly aging appears is individual. I’ve always had thin skin and knew that it was only a matter of time before the dreaded droop! I’ve also been battling a ever-growing bump of scar tissue on my chin that was causing a lot of self consciousness. So when I booked a facial at Fenner Plastic Surgery, I decided to add a consultation with their Nurse Injector, Shannon, for a recommendation with possible fillers.
Truthfully, I’ve always been afraid of fillers. I thought they looked too puffy/ducky and noticeably done. After a thorough consultation with Shannon, I can say with full honesty that not only did I feel comfortable, but I knew I was in good hands. She’s incredibly knowledgeable, and has a very conservative approach. I decided to give fillers a try modestly, and I’m so glad I did! I look like myself, just refreshed. So much so that my parents visited a few days after and didn’t even notice- which is what you want!
To top that off, my facial was so relaxing and my skin is luminous. The peel I received isn’t for the timid- It’s hot & you will peel slightly. The glowing, fresh skin a week after though is well worth it! My skin flaked for a few days, but after, my sun damage was considerably less, my pores invisible, and my skin bright- not to mention the fuzz on my furry face was gone! Dermaplaning makes your skin feel like a dream. For those new to in office treatments, I suggest starting with a less intensive peel to start and work your way up in intensity.
It’s been 3 weeks since my treatments and I don’t have a single regret other than wishing I had done this sooner. I decided to share this because in office treatments are something that I know a lot of women think about, but are embarrassed to talk about or feel shamed to do. The symmetry in my face is almost that of my 30 year old face and I like what I see again. Nobody should feel shamed for wanting to look what they feel is their best! I can now wake up without trying to hide the bump on my chin or even out my eyebrows, and I don’t need blush to make my cheeks look like they’re dragging. I can feel confident without makeup again. My mornings are so much faster! Plus, I’ll spend 1/4 of the amount that I had been on skin care when no longer looking for a miracle in a jar. Do what makes you happy and don’t worry about judgements- that’s only a result of someone feeling uncomfortable themself.
Below are the questions that I had for Shannon at my consultation and what I learned- and I hope at the least this made you feel that you can be open about “upkeep”. We talk so much about supporting each other, yet there’s still so much fear and judgement. Let’s get passed that! I’m so thankful to the ladies at Fenner Plastic Surgery for walking me through this & can easily say that if you are thinking about upping your skin game, they should be a first call!
XO
Shawn
Over the years my face has become uneven- why is this? Is there a way to bring symmetry back? Speaking of symmetry, can I even out a bump from trauma to my chin without surgery?
Absolutely. Fillers work well for creating symmetry and even imbalance caused by tissue, a shift in structure, or muscle weakness or trauma. This is noninvasive and and subtle changes can make a significant impact.
I’ve received Botox for years, but even with upping the units, it doesn’t seem to be making me look refreshed anymore. What do you suggest?
A lot of people think that they can just continue to get neurotoxins, and it will be an all-over fix, however, there is so much more to looking youthful other than helping to eliminate wrinkles with the use of Botox. Fillers, like Juvederm and Voluma which we used on you during your treatment, contain Hyaluronic Acid, which is a naturally occurring substance our body produces. As we age, we lose this and need a boost in volume, so this is when dermal fillers come into play. Wrinkles are prevented with Botox and volume loss is restored with fillers. To boost collagen and elastin, laser treatments and a good skincare regimen for your skin type are necessary as well. Regular chemical peels (monthly) are necessary to help with pigment issues from sun damage as well as preventing fine lines and wrinkles. Come in and see us at Fenner Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa for a complimentary skin consultation and we will tailor everything to what your specific skin needs!
My skin is so uneven and I don’t like to wear much makeup. What treatments will do you suggest for brighter, more even skin?
Clear + Brilliant laser treatments as well as chemical peels and a retinol serum! Getting dermaplaning before your chemical peel/facial is super helpful as well as it will remove dead surface skin and allow the peel to be more effective.
I’m dying to try micro needling and the vampire facial! Can you explain what it feels like and what to expect?
Microneedling creates micro injuries to the skin prompting skin’s own wound healing response and collagen production- because of this it can can address so many concerns! It can be especially effective in treating scaring, aging skin, enlarged pores, and bring a luminosity to skin. You may see skin redness and slight irritation for a few days, and will start seeing brighter, more youthful skin after 2 weeks. Best results are achieved after 2-3 treatments.
*Fenner Plastic Surgery
512 Green Bay Road,
Kenilworth, IL 60043
1-847-716-2400