The "Consult"

Today was the day of my free consult with the Dermatology practice near my house.  It turns out my vision of a consult is different than their vision.  I was hoping that they would take a look at my skin and say "OK... here is what we recommend for you and this is how much it will cost."  That was not how it unfolded.  The woman who stated her name but not her position within the practice basically went through the services that they provide.  Thank you but I was able to find all that information online.  So I tried the more direct approach and said "I have sunspots right here.  What would you recommend to treat them?"   Her response:  'Well, Fraxel would take care of them if that is in your budget.'   "How much?"  $3200 for six treatments.  Sooooo, not in my budget but I asked her to show me results of Fraxel anyway.  Amazing results but goes so beyond my skin needs that I couldn't even believe she had recommended this to me.  I told her as much albeit very sweetly.  She then recommended a peel for roughly $150.  I asked her about the cost of a Photofacial, which was recommended to me in the past to combat sunspots.  I had done some research on the procedure and I like what it offers.  They use a burst of light (IPL) that targets the damaged tissue and stimulates new collagen.   Fine lines and wrinkles are improved, along with fading of sun spots, and a reduction in pore size. Exactly what I need and I basically had to recommend it for myself.  Anyway, their price is $1650 for 4 treatments.  My damage is minimal and I don't believe I need 4 treatments.  The salon I go to offers 1 session for $225.  As someone who has been getting her tattoos removed for 7 years now, I am well aware that lasers are not created equally and I am sure the same goes for the "IPL" systems.  For the amount they are charging, I am going to guess their system is superior to the salon/spa I frequent.  But I think I am going to try the spa first if I do anything at all.  I have been using Retinol for about a year now and have noticed a marked improvement in my skin andd a reduction in my spots.  I know that my results would not be as immediete as a doctor's procedure but I think that is ok for where I am now.  Finally, my consult was not a complete waste of time because in her services rundown she told me about Dysport.  Dysport is similar to Botox in that they are both derived from botulinum toxin, however the protein in Dysport is smaller so it works quicker and the effects last longer.  Another plus: it is about 4 times LESS expensive than Botox.  I have never tried Botox before and I am a little scared of the process of injecting a poison into my body but I am not adverse to it either.  I think I am going to research it all a bit more and decide what I am going to do in that department.  So that is it for now.  I am going to start researching the Hydrafacial next which is supposed to be taking over the need for microderms.  That might be my next step.  I will keep you posted!!

Happy Birthday to Me (late 30's here I come)!

Today is my birthday FO' REAL! I'm 36 years old today. The number is not a big deal to me, but the physical changes aren't as easy. I have a healthy body and I'm feeling pretty good...not too rickety just yet, although I'm not in the best shape and improvements could be made at a gym (note to self--join a gym).

When I was younger, I could sleep all night and sleep into the morning. This all changed since the time I had my son and developed restless leg syndrome, but I'm trying it almost au natural these days. I used Ambien for about 15 months for insomnia and RLS, but it was affecting my mood negatively and creating more anxiety during the day so I quit it last summer. Now I take Melatonin and some over the counter sleep aid at night and it helps, but it's not a great sleep. Last year I was prescribed anti-anxiety meds (probably a result of the Ambien at night) and I used them for about six months, but I weaned from those last month although I believe they did help and they are the right choice for some people. I'm not even sure why I stopped taking them, but I just felt like I wanted a "cleaner body" so to speak. I'm still moody sometimes, but I try my best to deal with it. My husband suffers most I'm sure. I think all of this just comes from getting older and the hormones in our bodies shifting. We just have to find the right way to shift right along with it.

I got my first gray hair at 27 years old. Thanks Mom. I had already been coloring my hair since high school to suit my fancy and the season, but now it's a necessity and what started as just gray in my crown has quite speedily crept up to the front. They taunt me every day! I don't consider myself vain just because I don't want a head full of gray hair, but we can't all go Emmylou and look as good as her.

The hardest part of aging for me is the sagging facial skin and wrinkles that are all hitting their stride now. I feel like becoming a mother really set it all in motion although I probably would have begun the process anyway since I was 33 at the time. The dark circles and puffiness under my eyes, the "11" in my brow and the "parenthesis" around my mouth....if I could afford to, I'd probably go ahead with Botox injections on a yearly basis, but I'm a stay-at-home mom and I have a hard time justifying the need to spend my family's money on my vanities. For the record, I have no moral aversion to non-surgical procedures such as Botox. My husband on the other hand would not support it. My husband says I'm beautiful and that should be enough, right? Hmpff. I have a feeling none of this will get easier as more birthdays pass by.

This month I intend to focus on finding ways to enjoy (and maintain) what I have been given. I may look for a good book on aging or simply invest in some quality skin care regimen. I am sure I will be inspired by your thoughts and experiences as well. We as women are all in this together.

So, happy 36th birthday to me and many many more beautiful years ahead!

xoxo

Shelly