Want to know how to get rid of wrinkles in 10 days? Not to get all scientific on you, but wrinkles are pretty much determined by genetics. AKA: thanks, mom & dad. After that, the environment can play a part (Looking at you, sun worshipers), city smog and bad habits (sorry, smokers.) Cupcakes and donuts and sugar/spice/everything (not) nice will also destroy the collagen and elastin in your skin. How UNFAIR is that? Even sleeping dominantly on one side does damage. Gah! And happy birthday to you with an added dose of wrinkles. The older you get, the more collagen you lose. Yep – unwrap those added lines and wrinkles. Boo. No lotion in the world will reverse that.
I’ve-tried-EVERYTHING (I think) to get rid of wrinkles. Banana botox, grapefruit exfoliators, essential oils, homemade mish-moshes, drugstore lotions/creams (totally having faith), expensive (It costs a lot, so it will totes work) department store creams, specialty treatment lotions, egg white/lemon juice masks, coconut oil from the grocery store (hidden gem, right?), cinnamon masks… I mean, INSANE.
Wrinkles: 10, Glam Karen: 0.
Onto Plan B.
The very fact that you’re reading this is a sign that you are a little curious about how to end this exhausting wrinkle cycle just like I was.
Let’s talk the REAL DEAL about wrinkles. Cutting through all the egg-wash/coconut oil/lotion fluff and giving it to you straight.
Remember my story about Botox HERE? Wow – did that get the convo going! So many of you posted comments and also emailed me your private questions, asked for advice and wanted more. The curiosity level was at a 10!
What about dermal fillers? Pretty simple – they are a soft tissue filler that gets injected into an area of your skin to help fill in those facial wrinkles. Because the wrinkles are filled in, you get that smooth appearance. It adds a bit of volume and fills out any hollow areas caused by wrinkles or even acne scars. This is the MOST noticeable when your face is at rest. The procedures for fillers is the same as with Botox. A few injections into the areas that would benefit from greater volume. Minimal pain (think of the pain level as the same as getting a flu shot).
Awkward Moment Ahead: Normally my Glam Karen photos are shot with natural outdoor sunshine, NOT taken <literally> 5 inches from my face, and NOT with <unflattering> bright, fluorescent office lighting. I’m funny that way. Only because I love you am I showing you BEFORE & AFTER photos – done in a medical office.
Did I mention fluorescent lighting, 5 inches from my face? Ok.
But I mean… the differences of these <untouched/unedited/unfiltered> photos. Wow, right?
Do I have your attention? Interested? A little intrigued to find out more… see what might be a good fit for you?
Next Steps?
- Do your homework: Talk to your dermatologist. Get their recommendations like I did. Research your local MedSpa locations. Google their reviews. Find their social media. Snoop. Ask around about them. Do hours and hours of homework.
- Avoid: NEVER get any work done at a “Botox party” or from an untrained medical professional. This goes back to point #1 of doing your homework.
- Creds?: Only a doctor, nurse or dentist can administer dermal fillers. Check their medical history.
- Baby Steps: Start small. You can always add treatments… you can’t take away. Quality MedSpas always keep it looking natural…since that IS the goal, right?
Finally – Hocus Pokus – A photo of HALF of my before face with HALF of my after face. Whaaaat??
Can’t get over this improvement! What do you think?
I didn’t know that dermal fillers could address acne scarring as well, but I’ll definitely keep this in the mind the in the future! I’d just have to get over my fear of the idea of needles going anywhere near my face. 🙂
Wow you look incredible. I can’t believe how amazing the fillers work. I’ve always hated the wrinkles around my eyes – maybe it’s time this tired mama – sleeps facing the other direction and calls a dermatologist!
Wow, that is quite a difference. It looks like this would be worth the minimal pain for those with lots of facial wrinkles.
OMG, I didn’t know fillers could do so much to make you look younger. I am going to probably get it in the next couple years. This past year I can really see the aging in my face. 🙁
I have forehead wrinkles too and if they get more prominent I think I would consider getting dermal filler. Yours turned out brilliantly.
They don’t do fillers in the forehead. I was surprised to learn this, and that is how I ended up trying Botox! Botox is the forehead, then fillers are used in laugh lines, under the eyes, etc.
I didn’t know that dermal fillers could address acne scarring as well, but I’ll definitely keep this in the mind the in the future! Must forward this to doctor for future reference.
You can definitely see the difference on the photos. I’m still not sure about botox though as much as possible I’d like to stick to the non-invasive treatments. But hey, doesn’t mean it’s not effective because it’s obvious that it is!
Wow! That is incredible! It sounds like it was a great experience, with amazing results. I haven’t thought about it before, but I probably ought to since I am moving in the latter part of my 30’s…tear.
Oh my god you look incredible! Well, you looked in credible to begin with but I can’t believe the results! I’ll have to ask the dermatologist about this.
Wow dermal fillers look great for help with scarring. Thanks for sharing your story!
Thanks so much for showing me what this was all about. I never would have known without seeing the pictures and the first hand experience.
You look fabulous girl!!!!! I’m all about the Botox!! I say do whatever makes you feel great about yourself!
I just wish it didn’t cost $3,000. That’s if you opt for annual injections as opposed to every 6 months. It can get expensive!
I totally understand what you’re saying. So many variables in place about cost and duration and packages – also dependant upon where you get the services done. But, always good to do your homework and then (after the consultation) determine if it fits into your budget and lifestyle.
You look like yourself just well rested. Bold of you to try this and post it. I appreciate your vulnerability. Great post
Thanks for your informative post! You look fabulous by the way! Personally I would not choose Botox because it is a maintenance expense. I am okay with wrinkles and will just face them head on when they come. 🙂
Those are some amazing results! You look beautiful in your before and after photos, but you can definitely see the difference!
Ummmmm so I never thought I needed botox but man are you inspiring me. What a difference! Good job girly, you look fab!
Thats amazing!!! For the record — you look gorgeous BOTH ways!!!!
What a great outcome you had! I was also so scared about these type of things but they are becoming easier to do and not a lot of recovery.
Can you tell me which dermal filler was used and also was dermal filler or botox used on your forehead? I am super curious! Gorgeous!
Hi Shantel – the Botox is the official Botulinum toxin and the filler is Juvederm.
How many units/ syringes were used and where please? You have similar issues to me and I really want this!
Hi Kara – I don’t recall the exact number of syringes they used on me, but that determination is based on your consultation with a medspa specialist. It’s not a “one size fits all” type of procedure. I would recommend visiting a local medspa to get more information that would be personalized to your needs. Hope that helps.
You look AMAZING. I’d never go anywhere but there. You found your place, and you’re right. That’s not easy to do, and it is so important. I have a Dr I love, but can’t afford to do any tweaking right now. I’ve done both fillers and Botox with her, and had beautiful results. The goal is to turn the clock back a bit, not redesign the thing, right? You really do look great. Isn’t that fun?? I wanna go tooo!! 😩