There’s hardly a thing that scares me more in life than getting older, and with my birthday just a few weeks away I’m even more anxious about it than normal. After a certain point, birthdays become less and less of a celebration and more of just an uncomfortable reminder that time is whizzing by and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. However, I will do everything within my power and finances to slow the cold hands of time so that I may hold on to my looks so long as god and modern medicine will allow me.
I get work done. I know many people, especially women, don’t prefer to divulge this information. But I have no problems discussing the cosmetic enhancements I make to my face and hopefully the little bit of insight I can provide might help an interested party. Basically, as long as I can afford it, I will be filling, paralyzing, painting and spackling this melon of mine into a permanent state of youth, or at least some freak show that resembles it. Honestly, it’s probably a good thing I have no money. God only knows what kind of trouble I would get myself into left to my own devices. Thankfully I turn my face over to an amazing professional who would never let me do something that was going to provide anything but beautiful and natural results. I would recommend Brooke Bentley and her staff at Advanced Medicine to anyone without hesitation. For the past 6 years I’ve turned to her and her team of specialists for everything from injections to lash extensions, facials, waxes, skincare and so much more and I’ve never been disappointed. Whoever you go to, make sure you do your homework and ensure the doctor comes highly recommended and is certified.
With all that being said, not all these procedures are a walk in the park. Believe it or not I am probably the most needle-phobic human being on the face of the planet. I have fainted every time I’ve gotten pierced or tattooed. The first time I went for Botox I passed out cold in the chair and that needle is miniscule. After 6 years of quarterly treatments, I have finally gotten past that but I still get anxious. Probably the worst experience I’ve had so far was when I did filler in my cheeks. My face was completely numbed prior to the procedure, however, like a moron I took a look at the needle as it was coming toward my face. She may as well have been holding a butcher knife. “Is that the needle??!” I stuttered. “No. This is the needle that makes a hole for the other needle full of filler.” That did it. As soon as I felt the pressure of it going into my skin I started sweating profusely. Then I felt dizzy. “I need a trash can,” I mumbled as I was clumsily trying to remove my jacket. They handed me something that I knew was not going to be able to withstand what was about to come out of me. So, here I went jumping out of the chair, white as a sheet and fighting back nausea between seeing black spots dancing in front of my eyes. I took off toward the hall, just thinking if I made it to the bathroom everything would be ok. The last thing I remembered is everyone trying to stop me from doing that and the nurse yelling SHE’S NOT GONNA MAKE IT! I came back to life with my feet in the door of the bathroom and my head in the same nurse’s lap in the hallway while she waved actual smelling salts under my nose. I could see Brooke standing over me. “Did you at least finish the right side,” I asked hopefully. “No. We didn’t even start it.”
Please understand these instances are unique to me. I’ve seen my other friends go in and not bat an eye getting lip injections and those are way more intense. I am just sincerely more terrified of needles than you could possibly imagine. And at least it makes for humorous and humiliating stories like the one above. And yes, I will be getting that procedure again because my results were fabulous. That’s the price of beauty.
It’s not all about needles and injections. I highly recommend aesthetic procedures like dermal planing, microderm and chemical peels as well. A skilled professional will be able to consult with you and recommend a plan that will fit your budget and get you the exact results you desire. The way I see it, if I start tackling the old age monster now by doing little things (i.e. skincare, a little Botox and filler here and there, facials, etc) I won’t have to have a full-blown, behind-the-ears face lift-n-tuck when I’m older.
No matter your feelings on the subject, we all want to look and feel our best. If you are comfortable growing older naturally I applaud you. But every person has the right to do what makes them feel beautiful. If that means filling your head like a pinata and buffing out every wrinkle and age spot, go for it. Do what makes you feel confident and happy with your body! And if anyone was asking, I am now taking donations for my face fund in lieu of birthday presents. 😊
XO- Kathie
