Hi Bare-
After watching and listening to my friends share their experiences with botox and fillers, I decided to give it a try. I am pleased with the results however, none of my friends seemed to notice. I was hoping someone would say "you look great" or "have you lost weight?" The botox only lasted for 3 months and is about a $1000 a visit. The fillers cost about the same however, they do last longer. To maintain the botox I would need to go at least twice a year. That would mean about 3k a year to maintain the fillers and botox. For me, that is quite expensive. I'm wondering if in the long run a facelift would be less expensive. However, I am always afraid I will end up looking like a martian.

Would love to hear about others experiences.

Bravely done Lisa, thanks for sharing. :highfive:

Did you find the botox and fillers to be painful? I've heard that the thick kind of filler can be a bit painful, but I have friend who gets botox and she doesn't even feel the needle at all. I'm not sure if I'd pay $3K a year to avoid looking like a granny. I guess I might if it came with a "guarantee". I just struggle with the whole idea of vanity when there are people who don't even have clean drinking water. Still, injections aren't any more sinful than buying unnecessary shoes!

A good friend of mine has fillers redone every year or so (I think that's what she said)...she looks great! I asked the doctor about getting it before I went on my last cruise, they said to wait because there can be some bruising. Heck, if I could, I'd have everything nipped, tucked, sucked out, tied up and spray painted. (ok, maybe not the paint part!:) )

Here is a PM I received .... in confidence. It is from someone who has had a lot of experience in working with injectables. She provided some very good information .. this is just one paragraph from her note:

"I don't mind fillers so much because most like
Juvederm are made from Hylaruonic Acid which
the body makes on its own. They usually
last from 9-12 months depending on your own
body chemistry. Always get someone who
has been trained to inject as it is kind of like
the wild, wild west. Anyone
can inject and that is where you will run into
problems."

:clap2: Trish, thanks for the honesty! I'm still laughing about the nipped, tucked, sucked out and spray painted!

Now that I'm asking friends questions, I'm finding all kinds of people who will privately admit "off the record" to having had injections, it's amazing. I had no idea. The women I know who have had injections have been pleased. One friend swears by Arnica (homepathic) to eliminate bruising. She says you also have to avoid Vit E, Aspirin, Alcohol, anything that thins your blood. (For 48 hours prior to injections).

ok..you had me until you mentioned the 48 hour alcohol issue...that's TWO WHOLE DAYS!!! Just kidding...:D

Hi Girlfriends!

I am a newbie and hope to be moving into St. James by November. Two months ago, I had a lower face and neck lift. I have also had a filler with botox injected between my brow area above my nose to fill a deep frown line.

The work was done here in the Baltimore area so I can't recommend a Plastic Surgeon in TV. My goal was to look refreshed and well rested. When my PCP saw me yesterday, she said I look like the same me only a little younger. That was exactly what I had hoped for.

They were running a special for the injectables - one vial of the injectable, one vial of botox and a free package of Latisse cost me $800. The filler should last for a while but the botox will need to be injected again in about three months.

Latisse if you are not familiar with it is applied nightly to the eyelash area. It helps you grow longer and darker eyelashes in 16 weeks. I have only been using it for about four weeks and I can tell a difference.

I am willing to answer any questions anyone has. :wave:

question...the commercial mentions brown pigmentation in the eye....that made me afraid to try it since I have blue eyes and I'm not sure how this possible side effect would affect my eyes. Did your Dr. address this?

I know 3 women who had full face lifts. On two of them, I really didn't notice a whole lot of difference. They were somewhere in their 50s. Honestly, I could only tell a small difference, and one said if she had had any idea of the amount of pain involved, she never would have done it.

The 3rd one just looked totally different. She was also in her 50s. She was not a close friend that I saw every day, but I did see her across the table at cards or at social things occasionally, probably once a month or so. Then I moved to a different city and didn't see her for a year or so, during which she had her face lift. I did not recognize her the next time I saw her - she looked that different! She was a person who had very delicate, redhead-type skin that was more than usually wrinkled for her age (early 50s). She fixed that, but it took everyone a while to get used to her new appearance. I will see her next week for 2 solid days, and she's not shy talking about it, so I'll report back if I get any new info.

Then of course, there was the write (Olivia something)? I think the one who wrote First Wives' Club. She died, remember? Surgery always has risks. I guess if you can afford botox and/or fillers, it's safer, but there are still sensational stories about failed procedures.

Bare- Thank you for the compliment! I know women don't really like to share about the botox and juvaderm. However, I believe we can all learn from each other. No, the botox and fillers don't hurt. You are a little bruised (makeup will cover it). The problem is the botox wears off in 3 months and the cost of keeping up the botox gets expensive.

QUOTE=LisaJ;383175]Bare- Thank you for the compliment! I know women don't really like to share about the botox and juvaderm. However, I believe we can all learn from each other. No, the botox and fillers don't hurt. You are a little bruised (makeup will cover it). The problem is the botox wears off in 3 months and the cost of keeping up the botox gets expensive.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, but we're worth it, right?:mornincoffee:[

Good question! I wondered that myself, since I have green eyes. It is a stated side effect and like all pharmaceutical products must be declared even if it is a very small percentage. So far no notice of color change, but if I do see any . . . I will discontinue use.

I tried it
 

My dermatologist offered it, and used it herself. She had lots of curly lashes and used no mascara. (she was a very attractive, young black woman)

I gave it a go. My results were:
Individual lashes grew long, but not with any symmetry. Some sprouted above my lash line, some got much longer than others and looked odd. (They recommend use on top lashes only. I can see why.) Applying mascara (which I still felt I needed) became a daily adventure. It wasn't easy making them look 'not weird'.

The brushes that come with the liquid are awful... makes it very hard to be precise. (You are instructed to use a fresh brush each time) For the cost of the liquid( mine was $125 a pop @ Costco pharmacy) I would have gladly paid an extra $10 to have decent brushes.

My lash line skin began to stain to a darker color where the liquid touched it. It was not a precise line, as you re-apply the liquid daily. Soon it looked like I hadn't gotten old makeup off completely. (That did dissipate a few months after I discontinued use.)

My eyes are brown, but I began to see them get darker beneath the lash line. I am told that does not go away. That's when I stopped. I used the product for three courses.... however many weeks that covers.

i haven't mentioned itchiness, but had that too, low level, but continual. Looking back on it now, it was NOT worth the expense, side effects or diligence of application. I was kind of relieved when my lashes started to LOOK like my own lashes again. Looking back on it now..... I think I was goofier than batsh*t to do such a thing. I was newly in love at the time.
If I had that money to spend over again on a luxury, I'd spend it on massage, pamper myself THAT way, and live happily ever after.

I agree with uptown girl. Latisse made my eyes itch and I started to get brown lines around my eyes. I have brown eyes and I started to look like a racoon. Stopped using it and the discoloration went away as well as the itching. Wish someone would come out with something else.

Here is more information I received from one of the girls in a PM ....

"There is a permanent injectable called artefill - used primarily for the lines between the nose and louth, and the sides of the mouth. It works great, based on my experience. There is an excellent doctor in the Jacksonville area who is very experienced and skilled with it. Another thing to consider is eyelid surgery if you have droopy upper lids or baggy lower lids"

I have two comments:

I'm not sure if Artefill is the same filler known as Artecoll, which was a permanent filler used about seven years ago. I thought it was off the market, a lot of people had problems with granulomas, and since the filler was permanent, it caused quite a mess. Perhaps Artefill is a new and better version of Artecoll. If anyone wants any more information about the Jacksonville doctor, please PM me, and I'll find out the information for you.

Re droopy upper lids, my girlfriend had this done. It was paid for by her medical plan because it wasn't considered cosmetic surgery. She was really having vision problems because of the droopy lids.

Artefill
 

Here is a little more info on Artefill, and how it works. They do skin tests before any treatment, to reduce the risk of any adverse reactions. It really helps to have a doctor who is experienced with it. I had it done 4 or 5 years ago, and am very happy with it.
http://www.pearsonfaces.com/florida/...-juvederm.html

Well, you're a good advertisement for Artefill, you look fabulous now. But I have a feeling you probably looked fabulous all along! :D

i agree..... lovely photo!

Thanks!
 

Thanks so much! I will be 61 this year, and I do really appreciate things like artefill that work for me without being overly invasive. I can hardly wait to get to TV to be friends with everyone (two years down the road!)

OK, you look 20 years younger ... You're a poster girl for Artefill! But somehow I think it may be the great cheekbones!

Hi all! I recently had the eyelid surgery done. Upper paid by insurance and just decided to do the lower (bags) as an add on. I would do it again, but was not prepared for the fairly difficult time I had during recovery. Friends who had it previously had told me, so not sure why I wasn't prepared. Just thought I would bounce back as if I were 25 - don't bounce as high now! So for anyone thinking about it, it is worth it - can see much better, eyes not nearly as tired and heavy feeling by day's end and bags are essentially gone. Eunice

I'm just wondering if any of you gals are on Warfarin pills. This isn't something I like to talk about on the general forum. Somehow it seems more private on Girl Talk. I was thinking about the possibility of getting some botox shots, but I think being on a blood thinner makes that impossible. Which is probably for the best!

I have to be on Warfarin for the next five months, but not for life. I had knee surgery on both knees which went OK. But as a result, I developed blood clots in my lungs and spent 8 days in hospital. Now I have to take warfarin. And have blood tests often (now twice a week).

I hate taking drugs, and especially rat poison, but I guess it's a necessary evil. I'm just wondering if any of you have experience with this drug.

I was on Warfarin and often the generic since I developed blood clots in my lung and leg after my ovarian cancer surgery. Just recently my oncologist suggest that I stop taking the drug. While you're on this blood thinner, one must NEVER undergo any procedure that may cause bleeding.

One can stop taking Warfarin for three days and then have the surgery. Since you're only taking it for a short period of time, my opinion would be to wait on the Botox until you're off the Warfarin.

You could question your blood draw person who does your INR testing 2x/wk.

Good luck....barb1191

ps: I can't imagine that you want to do Botox, you're adorable as is!!!

Hi Barb .... Thanks for the info! How long did you take warfarin? I can't help feeling there is something unhealthy about ingesting rat poison. But I guess it saves lives! Did you have any side effects? I have less energy than before my knee surgeries, but perhaps that's a normal reaction, while I'm still recovering. My blood clots started in my legs and moved to my lungs. Did you have your INR levels checked twice a week through blood tests. When you had blood clots in your lungs, were they painful?

I've been told I'll be on Warfarin for six months. I've decided that taking blood thinners is way more important for me right now than having any vanity procedures. Even tho I see my grandmother when I look in the mirror!

I took it for about five years....no side effects. Wasn't pleased to learn the composition of the med, but when blood clots are there, what's the alternative? If the rat poison keeps you alive, then there's no choice, yes?

My CA125 this test was too high so I must go back on chemo. Again, chemo not only kills cancer, but it can also be destructive to other parts of your body. Scary, but there isn't really many choices. I stopped chemo five yrs ago (my choice). Was never in remission, yet the cancer growth slowed down for me to be able to refuse the chemo. Now that the count in so high, it's back to chemo again.

I never suffered any pain from chemo or blood clots but was wiped out of energy and strength which never returned as I'm still very weak.

My INR tests were twice a month after having been taking it for so long.

Maybe you should get a new mirror <grin> because from what I see, you're very attractive. Forget about the Botox...it is so disfiguring and looks so fake. You have excellent genes and don't spoil your good looks with that junk. IMO.....b

Barb, thanks for the info. I'm so sorry to hear you have to go back to Chemo. You have a great attitude, a lot of courage, and great family support. That means so much!

I figure that as we age our bodies will start disintegrating. It happens to us all, even if we've lived healthy lifestyles. We just have to live life with as much optimism and courage as possible. Good luck, and please keep us updated!

Barb,
I'm sorry to hear that you are having to go back on chemo. I'm sending you my prayers and a heartfelt hug.

I agree with you that Bare is most attractive! Not to mention, kind and fun.

Thanks PT! :mademyday: That was much appreciated. I've been feeling a little blue lately because I'm not medically stable enough to qualify for travel insurance . Our home in TV sits empty while I'm here in Canada watching the lake freeze over. Sometimes I need to slap myself and remember the blessings I have in life!

I keep seeing ads for Lifestyle Lifts where you can go in during your lunch hour and emerge an hour later looking 40 years younger!

Soon they'll have drive-by locations where you don't have to leave your car!

For those people who've been wondering how Boomer is doing ... I just got a PM from her and she is fine, just not posting a lot lately.

I'm wondering if anyone has heard from K-9. I miss the animal posts.

Well, you're here in spirit... while meantime we are holding thoughts for you to get better and better!
deb

Thanks so much. That means a lot to me. I'm hoping to get clearance from my doctor to travel in late Jan. :pray: I'm sure we'll meet up then!

Hang in there!
 

Hang in there, Bare! We're all wishing you the best!

[QUOTE=Barefoot;429069]For those people who've been wondering how Boomer is doing ... I just got a PM from her and she is fine, just not posting a lot lately.

Really glad to hear she's ok - I miss her posts! Maybe she's just busy writing her column or book - not kidding, I think she has the talent!

[quote=Ohiogirl;429180]bump. Whew.

Boomer, come back.

[quote=graciegirl;436609]Ditto! Boomer, we miss you!

I was just rereading your post. You probably weren't prepared for the aftermath of the surgery because on TV, they make it look so easy, especially the Lifestyle Lift. Whatever that is. How are you doing now?

Bare,
Does your prognosis still look good to come down in late January? I hope so! How are you feeling? How are the knees?

Boomer,
Yes,we've missed you so! Glad you are well.

I'm happy to report that Mr. and Mrs. K-9 are doing quite well. Saw them last month. Would LOVE to have them back on TOTV.

I'm so happy to hear that Mr. & Mrs. K-9 are well. Such nice people. I really miss posters when they disappear. Unfortunately this website can get very addictive! I often think of how much time I would have in my day, if only I could kick my addiction to TOTV.

Thanks for asking about my knees PT. As a result of my bi-lateral knee operations, I got pulmonary embolisms in both lungs, and that is what has been creating the travel delay. The Travel Medical Insurance Companies aren't too keen to offer insurance to someone who just got out of the hospital.

However things are now looking much sunnier. Yay! I hope to get approval soon to travel south! And then I'll be singing "Happy Days are Here Again".