I tried cosmetic injectables and here’s what happened

As the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end — same goes for our youth.

I’m 27 years old, and old is what I feel, or at least how I did feel. Now, I know what you’re thinking, 27 isn’t old but it was my first ‘scary age.’ Scary age: the age you finally realize you’re not getting any younger and you officially feel ‘old’. My second scary age is 45, so I still have a few years to go.

This year was the first time I started to see a change. A change in my body, skin (adult acne is a thing, folks), hormones and everything else a woman goes through. It was the year that I thought to myself “I deserve to look the same way as I feel,” and on most days, I feel pretty great! I just didn’t always feel like my face or skin reflected it.

When I turned 25 I thought about getting botox. I actually booked a consultation and ended up canceling it as I chickened out. I then turned 26 and started to see even more changes in the texture, tone and elasticity of my skin. I was getting the ‘Are you sick?’ phrase far too often.

I should start off by being honest with you — as a teen I didn’t take the best care of my skin. I worked at a tanning salon for several years (Jersey Shore had just begun airing), I never wore sunscreen (I am embarrassed to even admit this), and I slept with my makeup on one too many times. I didn’t take my skin seriously.

Studies say major contributing factors to facial aging include gravity, skeletal structure, fat loss, hormonal imbalance, chronic solar exposure (tanning beds will haunt me forever), poor eating habits and smoking.

I was on the fast track for premature aging. Thankfully, I was told by skin specialists and Dr. Bentley at Lakeshore Vein & Aesthetics Clinic, these habits and conditions can be reversed, and the earlier you start, the easier it is.

So I did it. I got Botox® and Juvéderm™ Volite. For those of you who are new to the skin cosmetic industry like myself, Volite is a minimally invasive injectable treatment that delivers hyaluronic acid (HA) directly into the skin to improve its hydration and the appearance of fine lines. In other words, it’s a treatment that will make you look like you have just had a facial for up to 9 months.

As I mentioned previously I backed out of a consultation once before, so the first step was getting to the appointment. For those of you with skin insecurities, you’ll understand where I am coming from. It can be tough to even utter the words “I am unhappy with my appearance” to yourself, let alone complete strangers.

When I went for my complimentary consultation at Lakeshore Vein & Aesthetics Clinic, they made me feel totally at ease. After only a few short minutes the sweats of embarrassment faded away.

During the assessment, they were able to suggest realistic treatments, prices and skin care advice. They walked me through each of the treatments and which ones aligned with my conditions, how they work, the benefits, downtime and the upkeep. It was a fluid conversation and all I could think about was why I didn’t do this sooner.

I shared my main struggles — fine lines (especially around my eyes and forehead), acne, discoloration which I found out was hyperpigmentation and can be treated with Intense Pulsed Light, and uneven skin texture. After hearing my concerns they recommended Botox® and Juvéderm™ Volite. Volite is lighter than regular fillers as it goes directly under the surface of the skin adding hydration and smoothing out fine lines, dryness and skin depressions.

As you can see from the photos my skin isn’t horrible but it definitely isn’t great. Once again, we all have our insecurities. Being proactive and seeking realistic treatment is what I was looking for.

When I came back for my appointment I met with Dr. Bentley, who performed the procedure, along with an LPN. Just like my consultation appointment, she made me feel comfortable and relaxed. I was a little nervous at first but after she educated me on how your skin ages and prevention, and seeing a few before and after photos, the apprehension turned to excitement.

While Dr. Bentley was performing the treatment she said something that resonated with me. “It’s not about drastically changing the appearance of someone, but helping them look on the outside how they feel on the inside.” That’s exactly what I was looking for — to look as good as I feel.

The procedure was quick, easy and painless. I was in and out of the appointment within an hour and I was able to go back to work that day. The best part — within a few days I started to see results.

It’s been a month since my treatment and I can honestly say I am thrilled with the results. I have received more compliments on my skin in the past few weeks than ever before. I am wearing less makeup, my skin is less dry, the fine lines have diminished and, most importantly, I feel confident.

These treatments might not be for everyone, and that’s okay. Taking other preventative steps like using medical skin care products, and protecting yourself from UV rays is a step in the right direction.

If you have skin care questions or you’re seeking to look just as good as you feel, head to Lakeshore Vein & Aesthetics Clinic and book a free consultation today.

Lakeshore Vein & Aesthetics Clinic is one of B.C.'s premier vein treatment and medical skin care clinics. Started by Dr. Janna Bentley, an Okanagan local, Lakeshore Vein & Aesthetic aims to raise the bar for customer service and treatment excellence in the community.

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