Aging Beautifully With A Little Help From My Dermatologist
Aging Gracefully
Last week I went to see my dermatologist, Sarah Sawyer with Dermatology and Laser of Alabama. I am in search of ways of aging gracefully for you and me.
In the past, I have gone mostly to Plastic Surgeons for botox and fillers. I am always searching for the best way to age gracefully. I started botox when I was in my 30’s but I really haven’t been consistent. I had my first filler when I was in my 40’s. However, I didn’t have one doctor that I was going to on a consistent basis. Until last week, I didn’t realize the necessity of it.
First of all, why a dermatologist over a plastic surgeon. This totally depends on the plastic surgeon and dermatologist. However, a good dermatologist is someone you need to see on a consistent basis for all of your skin needs even hair loss which will be in a later blog post. The other plus is a good cosmetic dermatologist has different options to help you to put off plastic surgery or maybe to never have it.
Botox and Filler
My first question to Dr. Sawyer was why didn’t Botox work as well as it did the first few times. It seemed to me that when I first starting getting Botox it worked better. Dr. Sawyer explained to me that part of it was when you have never had it done before it is such a big improvement that maybe after time you don’t notice such a big change. The one mistake I have been making all these years is not being consistent with getting botox. Dr. Sawyer recommends getting Botox every 3 months. Over time you will save money because you will get fewer units each time and the lines will never have the chance to get deep.
As we talked about the different options for me to age gracefully, Dr. Sawyer noticed that my face had some lax to it around the jawline. She recommended using a filler called Voluma. Voluma acts as a “thumbtack” to lift and add volume. I had a couple of areas around my mouth that needed some filler as well. She also put some botox around my eyes and around my forehead in the brow area to lift my brow. I had no bruising at all.
Dr. Sawyer also recommended adding SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic to my morning skin routine. If you are in Birmingham you can purchase this at her office. Click here to read my post about my morning skin routine.
December 18, 2017 @ 5:49 pm
I love Sarah! Great post and I love your site 🙂
December 20, 2017 @ 7:19 am
Thank you so much, Alison! Sarah is wonderful!
December 19, 2017 @ 8:55 pm
I wish we could all- me especially— just be content with wrinkles and all that goes with the aging process. We can’t look or be 25 anymore. Gifts such as wisdom and gratitude come with getting older. These shells are passing away- rapidly! – so I try to focus on what is not deteriorating by the day.
December 20, 2017 @ 7:21 am
Kathy, I totally agree with you! It’s much more important what is on the inside. Frankly, I don’t even want to look 25. My hope is to not look 65 when I am 55. ;-).
December 19, 2017 @ 8:58 pm
I try to focus on what isn’t rapidly deteriorating ( our faces and bodies } because we can’t control it and we aren’t meant to look 25 in our fifties!
December 20, 2017 @ 7:23 am
Katherin, I agree we are not meant to look 25 nor do I want to be 25. I love being 52 and I am embracing every year. Thank you for reading and commenting.
July 13, 2018 @ 2:46 am
My aunt wants to age gracefully and have a younger looking and firmer skin. It was explained here that she can try various treatments like botox. Moreover, it’s highly recommended to go to trusted dermatologists for quality dermatology services.
September 4, 2018 @ 6:28 pm
That’s interesting to learn that it is recommended to get Botox every 3 months. My wife and I are starting to notice wrinkles in our faces, so we have been wondering if there is anything in our budget we could do about it. We should speak with a dermatologist to learn more about what we can do about our wrinkles.
September 5, 2018 @ 7:11 am
Hi Larry,
Thanks for reading. I have been doing what she says and it really has helped me.
January 21, 2019 @ 2:42 pm
Yes, I agree with Larry. That’s never been a recommendation I’ve heard from any practitioner I’ve ever met. Start with less units and over time you can modify that. The muscle has memory, so over time you will need less and less. Go for a natural filler, that dissolves over time, and can be undone if necessary. PRFM is a healthy alternative that uses your own blood for skin rejuvenation.
January 21, 2019 @ 2:35 pm
You’re beautiful and I do love your look, however, it’s perplexing that in your 30s you felt the need for botox. I don’t believe that botox should be in the category of aging gracefully. I didn’t feel the need for anything until after 50, and even then it’s been non-invasive moderate touches. Too much change at once does have an emotional and psychological effect as well. Natural fillers such as PRFM along with micro needling with RF, seems like a better, healthier way to go, especially for mature skin. Empirical studies have proven this.
The real truth is that DNA, genetics, diet and exercise, play a major role in how we’re going to age. My 78 year old mother has supple skin and barely a wrinkle! Skin rejuvenation with lasers and machines will help, but that takes time and patience. We will typically look worse at first, while we await the changes. That can be attributed in part to trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) during these processes. The reason you must drink water constantly. Take vitamin C and use retinol. Research, research, research the heck out of these treatments is the best advice for anyone considering these treatments. Most people administering these treatments haven’t a clue what they’re doing and why, nor do they understand the machines and technology. You’re so right to seek out a dermatologist who will love you and your skin through it all.
January 21, 2019 @ 4:02 pm
Thank you so much, Jill. It sounds like you know a lot about all of the treatments out there. I think everyone is different. I probably would never have thought about having Botox in my 30’s, however, I was married to a perfectionist (surgeon) and he suggested that I get it. We all do certain things for certain reasons and you are correct there are emotional and psychological effects as well. Thank you for your insights.