Taking the Plunge - Part Three

By: Katharine Griffiths
Created on 09th February 2012

In our ongoing series, Vicki, a 43-year-old cosmetic nurse, has embarked on a series of anti-ageing treatments. We catch up with Vicki to find out how things are progressing

Since completing the peels and laser treatment programme I’ve seen an ongoing improvement in my skin condition. Dr Piper wanted me to finish the programme before embarking on any injectable procedures for two reasons; firstly, the laser might affect the longevity of any Botox that is injected and, secondly, the laser stimulates collagen production so it is often the case that the patient will not need as much filler as they would have without the laser treatment.

So four months ago I had another consultation with Dr Piper and she analysed my face and worked out where to place dermal fillers to get the best anti-ageing effect. She felt they should be placed in the nasolabial folds that run from the nose to the mouth and also a small amount in the creases to the side of my mouth.

I’m incredibly needle phobic and also suffer from allergies so I was nervous before having the procedure but it was much better than I’d though it would be. Dr Piper didn’t put any topical anaesthetic cream onto the area because the Restylane dermal filler contains a local anaesthetic.

First, she did my right side which was absolutely fine but the left was more painful. I suffer from a rare ongoing migraine condition which affects the left-side of my body so that might have been why.

I had the injections done half an hour before going out to meet my boyfriend after work so I was also apprehensive that he’d instantly spot that I’d had it done – information I hadn’t shared at that point. However, I hadn’t needed to worry as my face wasn’t red or swollen and there were no obvious marks at the injection sites so he didn’t notice anything amiss.

The effect was very natural and subtle. I know I looked better but got used to it very straight away – I’ve been very pleased with the dermal fillers and I’m looking forward to having them repeated.

I’m still using the at home NeoStrata skincare products which are having a fantastic effect on my skin – I’m a complete evangelist when it comes to these products and lots of friends and family are now using them. From the beginning of the process I’ve been using a cleanser, a night cream and a day cream with SFP 15 but have recently also added NeoStrata Active Eye Serum which is lovely.

Another big improvement has been with my migraines. I read that Botox can possibly cure the type of migraines I suffer from so went to my GP but learnt that they don’t offer it in our area. To have it done privately would be prohibitive because you need a lot of product and it has to be repeated every three months.

So at my consultation with Dr Piper she recommended that I have a food allergy test done. I’d already eliminated the usual triggers from my diet – such as oranges, red wine, caffeine and chocolate – but the test revealed that I also reacted to wheat, rye, barley, egg white, egg yolk, cow and goat dairy. Once I eliminated these I’ve seen a noticeable improvement which has contributed to my feeling of well being.

The next stage is to have Botox on the crows feet and the lines across the forehead. Then eventually I will have a few more laser treatments and skin peels. It’s lovely to have more confidence in the way I look and I’m looking forward to the final stage of my revamp.