By: Laura Hunnewell
I wasn’t really sure about dermal fillers – in fact, I had seen a few people overdo it with Botox and knew what I did NOT want to look like! I was open to smoothing out my skin’s surface and adding some fill to the creases around my mouth. I am a 38 year old Esthetician who is always eager to read up on and test out new procedures for the skin, but mostly I love seeing results! Dr. Derick has been suggesting I try fillers in my face for 2 years, and now I was ready to get started.
Would I plump up my lips? Should I try Botox? I started to worry about it before I even set my foot in the office! Images of celebrities who have permanently surprised looking glares were popping into my head.
Dr. Derick analyzed my face shape and skin condition and she drew some lines on my face with a marker indicating where injections would happen and what her plan was. She also explained to me that my upper lip was in proportion with my bottom lip and was in fact the correct size for my face. To add filler into my top lip would give me an unbalanced look. She discussed with me a few options that might add some smoothness to the skin around my mouth and between my eyes. My face was flat and narrow which made me a prime candidate for Voluma – a new product made by Allergan. A dermatologist is the perfect partner to work with you on fillers. I trusted her recommendations as she truly has an eye for creating an aesthetically pleasing look. My worries were put to rest as I looked through the book of before and after pictures of her work.
We started with Juvederm Ultraplus XC around the mouth and I had minimal discomfort. Angela, the medical assistant, applied numbing cream prior to injection and performed gentle massaging to properly distribute the filler. Ice packs were provided in the office along with some time to relax before driving home. Voluma was injected into my cheek area to give a slight plumping over my cheekbones producing a more rounded and lifted look to my face.
Finally, Botox was injected in between my brows at the frown lines. I was sent home with extra ice packs and home care instructions which were simple such as icing the face to help prevent bruising. After 2 days I no longer saw any lines when I frowned and honestly I really liked the way it made my forehead feel.
My changes are subtle – exactly what I was looking for. I noticed results immediately and am definitely interested in repeating the procedures. I had minor bruising/swelling around my mouth for only 1 day. Botox lasts for about 4 months, Juvederm for 1 year and Voluma for 2 years. Thanks to Dr. Derick and her amazing team for making me feel comfortable, confident and at ease with my filler choices.
To inquire about dermal fillers, call the Derick Dermatology office and ask for a filler consultation or filler appointment. Every face is different and will require a custom plan. I am pleased with the results and look forward to keeping it up!
