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My Absolute Favorite Cosmetic Treatments

My Absolute Favorite Cosmetic Treatments

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“I’m no natural beauty. If I’m gonna have any looks at all, I’m gonna have to create them.”

– Dolly Parton

I love how my girl Dolly keeps it real- always remaining candid about the amount of work it has taken, not only internally but externally,  to become the Dolly Parton.  You see..

Just as I have chosen to transform my fixer upper home with clever cosmetic tweaks, I freely admit that I also appreciate cosmetic tweaks for my own, physical self. No shame in my game! 

Today, I am going to share my absolute favorite two tweaks for beauty and anti-aging.

This post is brought to you by Lindsay Bright, Nurse Practitioner​. While this was a partnership opportunity, all content and opinions expressed here are my own.

my favorite beauty treatments

Before my aspirations of professionally blogging full-time were made a reality, I worked as a marketing director for a cosmetic surgeon.

For over a half of a decade, I had an insider’s peek at the latest in medical aesthetic technology. Not only did I get to witness some pretty impressive transformations, I got to experiment, first-hand,  with several different cosmetic modalities (I offered myself freely as a guinea pig).

Out of all of the treatments I received, injectables proved to be the most effective at achieving my goals.

erica van slyke designing vibes

Preventative Botox

While I have always had relatively decent skin, I struggle with what is often referred to as resting b*tch face. Simply put, my facial muscles are prone to excessive frowning, squinting and grimacing (I really cannot help it!)

Not only can this cause one to appear as unfriendly and unlikable, but years of these muscular contortions can form deep lines and wrinkles in the skin.

To prevent this altogether, I have received preventative Botox between my brows, on my forehead and at the outer corner of my eyes, ever since I was in my twenties.

Not only has the Botox prevented the formation of deep lines and wrinkles, it also helps with headaches (I assume these headaches are probably from the frowning and squinting). I can always tell when the treatment wears off (typically after 3 to 4 months), because I find myself getting more headaches and my children tell me I look angry.

Let me just warn you, however, that Botox can be really freakin’ addictive. I love it so much, that I will deny myself basically most other luxuries (bags, shoes, manicures), just so that I can afford it every four months.

Injectable Dermal Fillers

While Botox can be a great way to prevent the muscular movement which often leads to wrinkles and lines, injectable fillers are great for temporarily erasing the damage once it has incurred. Dermal  fillers can also be used to enhance certain features (think lips or cheeks).

what its like to get injectables

While cheeks aren’t much of an issue for me (I have always had chubby cheeks), the lines around my mouth have become more pronounced as I lose weight. To feel a little more sassy and feminine, I also opted to add slight volume and definition to my lips.

All of that being said, I really didn’t want to look “overdone”. Given I have experimented with fillers in the past, there were times I might have taken it just a little too far (or perhaps not used the right kind of filler for my specific needs).

That is when I partnered with Lindsay Bright Nurse Practitioner, who allowed me to try a brand-spanking new filler on the market,  Revanesse.

Revanesse is marketed as not only having more of a natural effect compared to other Hyaluronic fillers on the market, but Revanesse is formulated to last longer than other fillers. In fact, Revanesse can last up to an entire year,while other comparable products only last half of that duration.

To slightly define and enhance my lips and naturally smooth the lines around my mouth, Lindsay used one syringe of Revanesse..

my favorite beauty treatments

Pictured above are the injection sites two hours following the treatment. To minimize bruising and vessel trauma, Lindsay uses a special Cannula technique while injecting the fillers (I have never seen this done before). While you can see some swelling on my lips, bleeding and bruising is minimal.

After a few days, the swelling subsided and I was left with a very natural enhancement…

review of my favorite beauty treatments

Please note, however, that the success of your results will highly depend on the skill of the person injecting you. Be sure to do your research before committing to this procedure. Are they a certified medical professional (Nurse Practitioner or Medical Doctor)?  Do they have verified testimonials and reviews? Do not trust your face to just anyone! (If you live in the Chattanooga area, I highly recommend Nurse Practioner Lindsay Bright at Associates in Plastic Surgery .)

While I realize these treatments may not be for everyone (I can see some of you giving me the judgy eye), let me just say that they are still way more conservative  than invasive surgical procedures. And as a side note, given I worked at a Cosmetic Surgery Practice for years, I can tell you …plenty of women invest in these procedures, yet most aren’t admitting to it (just so you know what is going down behind closed doors) .

Everyone has their “thing” … the “thing” that gives them a confidence boost (I don’t care how spiritually evolved you are). For some it’s manicures, for others it may be lash extensions or designer bags, but for me…well….I am a sucker for injectables.

Regardless of your chosen modality, I  recommend treating yourself to whatever makes you feel like the best version of yourself, because you freakin’ deserve it!

Now get out there and design some good vibes.

 

cosmetic treatments

 

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lisapacello

Wednesday 24th of July 2019

I have always thought you looked beautiful. Your lips looks great! Hey, this is real life stuff and for those that do not like it, they don’t have to read about it. I have dabbled in it for sure, yet botox does not last more than two months on me. Apparantly I am expressive with my face! I admire your honesty and candor and I wanna learn any trick I can to feel and look great as I age. Keep sharing your positive vibes!!!,

Designing Vibes

Thursday 25th of July 2019

Aww...Lisa! You don't even know how happy your sweet words just made me. Thank you so much, girl! As for the Botox, I will tell you that the actual Botox brand lasts longer for me than the other brands (Dysport and Xeomin). But I totally know what you mean...I have been told that my facial muscles are pretty strong and expressive too. Wishing you an incredible rest of your week. xoxo

gabeycat1

Wednesday 24th of July 2019

I agree with above comments, you look beautiful, just enhancing and maintaining what's already there. Would be very interested in more beauty features.

Designing Vibes

Wednesday 24th of July 2019

Thank you so much for your kind words, girl. I plan on doing more beauty posts in the future. With all of the women in my family being make-up artists or estheticians, I definitely have the hook-up on the latest in cosmetics. I really appreciate your feedback and I hope you have a fabulous rest of your week.

Mikki Jacobsen

Wednesday 24th of July 2019

I love your candor & you look beautiful & exude a positive vibe via the internet!!! You go girl. Thanks for sharing all your tips.

Designing Vibes

Wednesday 24th of July 2019

You don't even know how much that means to hear, my friend. I was a little nervous about writing this post, but thought being open about the work I have done could be helpful to some women out there. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to give me your sweet words. Have an awesome day!

[email protected] Stroll Thru Life

Tuesday 23rd of July 2019

You look absolutely amazing. Good for you to keep up with what's new too. For me it's getting my hair done by the professionals every once in a while. The rest of the time, I do it myself.

Designing Vibes

Tuesday 23rd of July 2019

Thank you so much, Marty. And i agree...it is such a treat to have your hair done at a salon. That always gets me feeling like a million bucks too.

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