Priority: ME

Today's post is sponsored by Juvederm.

If you, like me, rarely find time for yourself? Put your hands up.

If you, like me, have a never-ending to do list that rarely includes any "me time"? Put your hands up.

If you, like me, put your children in front of yourself ALWAYS? Put your hands up.

And if you, like me, wonder when exactly you went from 28 to {ahem} 48? Put your hands WAY up.

Today?

Today I made myself a priority.

Today I put aside my busy life and focused on making myself feel great.

Today I put myself first and did something that I feel good about.

And today? Today I refuse to feel guilty about it.

Can I get an AMEN?

I'm not sure I ever gave much thought to whether or not I would age gracefully.

To be honest, I'm not sure I ever thought I would age at all.

Somehow I would defy this process. 

In the midst of raising 3 children, working full-time and getting nowhere near enough sleep?

I would surely become the next Benjamin Button.

Alas, this was not to be.

And I, like you, began to investigate.

What could I do that was more than a face cream but not as invasive {or expensive} as surgery?

What had little to no down-time and could leave me looking refreshed but still like myself?

All roads led me to cosmetic injectables.

And those roads led me to Juvederm.

Not only is Juvederm the number one doctor-recommended facial filler here in Canada but worldwide, having been used in over 32 million treatments. The line provides a suite of products that can be used alone - or in conjunction depending on the look you are trying to achieve.  AND, it contains lidocaine, a painkiller that aids with any discomfort both during and after treatment.

SOLD. Results can last up to 24 months (!).

On treatment day, I travelled to Dermetics, located in Burlington, and one of the fastest growing dermatology clinics in Ontario.

With two globally known doctors on-site, I knew I was in great hands. For my initial consultation, I met with a registered nurse who guided me through not only what the process would be, but also, how I felt about what I was about to do.

We spoke at length about what I have been doing with my skin to date AND what I hoped to achieve with regards to the injections.

The goal was still me, only better.

I hoped to look softened and well rested.

She told me about the importance of sunscreen and how, in fact, it remains the single most important thing you can do for your skin.

I was SO glad to already be on board that train!

We took a series of "before" photos and before long, it was time to meet with Dr. Rosen.

The doctor was nothing shy of gracious and a true professional. He took time to get to know me - my goals for treatment and how I felt about about the outcome he proposed. He too touted the virtues of sunscreen (!) before thoroughly explaining the procedure while allowing me to use a mirror that he guided me with.

We agreed on natural but better. He would soften the marionette lines on either side of my lower nose area towards my mouth. Add volume to the sides of my forehead and in the hollows of my eyes. And a little extra in the side cheekbone area which would provide a "lifted affect" overall.

He then drew all of this on my face {so.much.fun} and prepared the product that would be used.

During the treatment, which I would equate to a little stronger than a pinch, he made sure I was comfortable and provided step by step commentary. 

Which I love. 

When I was halfway done {read: half of my face was complete} he allowed me to see the difference.

WOWZA. 

I could literally see one side raised higher than the other. Just uncanny.

 

photos above taken 4 weeks post-procedure

Once the entire treatment was complete, I left with a concise list of what to expect and what to do if I felt any discomfort. I experienced a slight headache that day - used one regular strength Tylenol - and by the evening, felt completely fine. The results are immediate.

And I began to immediately get compliments from colleagues and family asking what I was doing differently. I looked well-rested. And, refreshed.

I love my results.

Have you tried facial fillers? I would love to hear about your experience.

xo