Anyone who has followed me for a while knows how I feel about needles, neuromodulators (Botox) and fillers. Short story: I was over-injected once causing my eyelids and brows to droop dramatically changing my face. This really put my on a path of researching, and trying, the best non-invasive ways to combat aging.
I have become dedicated to anti-aging as naturally as possible. You can read all about my approach to anti-aging here. At the same time, at 47, I am of course experiencing changes in my face. Mostly that I am starting to not look like the self I remember– a common complaint heard from women in their mid to late forties.
Our face changes, yes, but I want to look just like myself, just a better version of myself than I remember.
Say what you will, but as women we have the right to age however we would like, whether that means doing injectables, having a facelift, or just aging naturally. I respect everyone’s right to o what is right for them.
That said, I wanted to share what I am experiencing, at age 47, as my guess is you may be experiencing some of the same. I also want to share today a summary of everything I have done to date so that it may be helpful for you.
My skin concerns
My main skin concerns are lines and wrinkles on my forehead and undereyes (crow’s feet). Then there’s the under eye hollows – while some experience under eye bags, I have had more of a shadow and hollow in my eye socket which happens as a result of losing fat and collagen from the face. Then there is the sinking of my lower face, this started happening in my mid 40’s- I started to see skin laxity in my lower face or jowls area.
Overall skin goals
My main goals with the skin procedures I have done is to enhance my appearance and help to slow down the clock a bit. These procedures use non-surgical techniques to improve the appearance of the face and body. They have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their natural-looking results, minimal downtime, and discomfort.
Today I will discuss some of the non-invasive cosmetic procedures I have done over the last 10+ years and explore their benefits, and results. I hope this will be helpful and give you some options to consider. I also will be sharing my routine to recuperate from these procedures, utilizing Furtuna Skin and their tried and true regimen that will make sure that you heal quickly, with minimal downtime which is key. Everyone is so busy today and most of us cannot afford significant downtime, especially in these days of constant online meetings!
Let’s dig in…
What are non-invasive cosmetic procedures?
Non-invasive cosmetic procedures is any treatment that uses non-surgical techniques to enhance the appearance of the face and body. They are an alternative to invasive surgical procedures, such as facelifts, eye lifts and threads, and injectables like neurtoxins and fillers. These procedures have gained popularity recently due to their ability to provide natural-looking results with minimal downtime and discomfort.
Benefits of non-invasive cosmetic procedures
Non-invasive procedures offer many benefits including:
- Minimal recovery time: Non-invasive procedures do not require extensive recovery time, and people can usually return to their normal activities soon after the procedure.
- Less pain and discomfort: Non-invasive procedures are usually less painful and uncomfortable
- Less invasive: Non-invasive procedures do not involve incisions, cutting, or stitching.
- Lower risk of complications: Non-invasive procedures have a much lower risk of complications
- Lower cost: Non-invasive procedures are often less expensive than traditional surgical procedures, or in the case of injectables. Injectibles usually require visits 3-4x a year, adding up to significant cost over time.
Summarizing the treatments I have done over the years
Pelleve
My journey through non-invasive treatments started with Pelleve, a radiofrequency treatment I still love after all these years. I started this in my late thirties, completing about 4 treatments. The heat causes the collagen within the treatment area to contract and tighten, which causes a reduction of wrinkles. Fun fact, the amazing Beauty Sandwich treatment, popular in Hollywood, utilizes this modality. It’s often hard to find these days. Read about that here. Treatment was about $275 per, at that time.Final verdict, love, but the effect is temporary.
Clear + Brilliant
At about 39, I also tried Clear + Brilliant. Clear + Brilliant is a gentle laser resurfacing treatment. I had a bad reaction to this treatment. My face swelled to several times its size. I know people swear by this treatment but it isn’t for me. It is a nice resurfacing treatment to consider with minimal downtime and cost. Cost is about $500.Final verdict, people love this treatment and I think I need to give it another try.
Picosure
I completed a Picosure series in my early 30’s. PicoSure is a laser treatment that delivers ultrashort pulsed energy to create targeted (and intentional!) injuries under the skin, which stimulate collagen and elastin production. I think this is best for someone with hyperpigmentation (sunspots, melasma, acne scarring) – the wavelength of the laser is attracted to the pigment, destroying those skin cells so new, healthy ones can take their place. This was nice in my early stages of aging, but I didn’t have any hyperpigmentation and I would reserve this for those that do. Read about that experience here. Cost is about $500 per treatment with a series of 4 recommended. Final verdict, love, but effect is temporary.
Microneedling with PRP
Next I tried microneedling with PRP. Sometimes referred to as a vampire facial. This a treatment I did several cycles of in my late thirties. I try now to complete one treatment a year to maintain results. Cost is about $500. Read about that here. Much more effective these days is PRFM. Final verdict, skip, newer technology (PRFM) is better.
PRFM platelet rich fibrin matrix – injected
PRFM is the next gen of platelet-rich plasma. Your own blood is drawn isolating the plasma or “liquid gold”, then a fibrin matrix is added. To be technical Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation PRP where autologous platelets and leucocytes are present in a complex fibrin matrix to accelerate the healing and to be used as a tissue-engineering “scaffold”. I love PRFM after micro needling, or injected, specifically for under the eye, to generate your own collagen. This is my top, absolute favorite treatment. Read about it here. Final verdict, favorite non-invasive treatment.
Morpheus8
Regular microneedling, or the “vampire facial” evolved into radio frequency microneedling. This is probably the hottest treatment right now. Microinjuries are created to induce anti-aging of the skin and stimulate natural skin rejuvenation. There are several brands of devices on the market including Potenza, Pixel8, Vivace, The Secret and more. Morpheus8 has been considered the gold standard. I did a series of 3 at age 44 and 4 at age 46. Read about that experience here. My first experience was great, I saw noticeable tightening and reduction in fine lines. But my second series, at age 46, left some scarring on my face which is now evident as a texture that I am still trying to correct. It’s very important you see someone who is well qualified. Final verdict, it’s a yes, but only with a qualified professional.
Ultherapy
Next I tried Ultherapy, at age 45. Ultherapy is the only FDA-cleared, non-invasive procedure that lifts the neck, chin and brow, and improves lines and wrinkles on the face. I think this truly lifted my brow and softened the jowels on my face, but it is very painful. I encourage you to read the full review here. This is probably the closest I experienced to the “mini face lift” so many of these procedures promise. This treatment runs about $3,500. Final verdict, I recommend this, between ages 44-48.
Softwave
Up next, at around 45, I did Sofwave. This is a skin-tightening ultrasound device. I completed one treatment. and then another at age 47, two years later. There is no downtime or recovery because the Sofwave device is completely non-invasive; that is a real selling point. But to get to the depths you need to see results it is quite painful. I did notice some slight tightening of the lower face/jowls with this treatment but for the investment, $2500-$3500, I think Ultherapy is more effective. Read about that experience here. Final verdict, nice if you can afford it.
Fraxel
At 46, I did a Fraxel treatment. Fraxel lasers can resurface the skin to get rid of hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and wrinkles. This had significant downtime with swelling for 5 days and red, textured skin for about two weeks. My skin was softer and smoother after but I felt like this treatment compromised my barrier. I personally would not recommend it. The payoff wasn’t worth the fact that it took me about a year to restore my barrier. (Your skin barrier is basically your outer layer of the skin. Using Furtuna products really helped restore my barrier, bring back vital moisture my skin needed). Fraxel is about $1,500-$2,000. Final verdict, skip.
Chemical Peel
My worst experience was at age 45 when I did a deep peel. I visited a Medspa, and I wouldn’t recommend visiting a Medspa for any treatment, let alone a significant one. They used a SkinCeuticals Advanced Corrective Peel– the most advanced professional peel offered. This is considered a deep, superficial, medical-grade chemical peel. This peel actually is applied in layers and left on, you leave the office with the peel on and it self-neutralizes. I had an allergic reaction with my eyes and mouth swelling closed. The Medspa really missed the warning signs that my skin was not tolerating the peel. They should have administered a patch test first. A significant lack of knowledge on their part. I ended up on prescription steriods and had significant damage to my skin for about a year. The peel was about $500. Instead, I recommend a gentle at-home peel, done weekly. Final verdict, skip, you need to maintain your precious skin barrier as you age.
Emface
This past month I tried once cycle of Emface. I noticed no noticeable results. I also thoroughly examined pictures of patients after 4 cycles (the recommended) and deemed it not worth the investment. At about $4-$5000 a treatment cycle, the results were not that noticeable and I think the money is better spent elsewhere. Final verdict, skip, results aren’t great, even the best before and afters show minimal result.
Aquagold
I have also done a few Aquagold treatments throughout the years. This is a microneedle device that contains 24 karat needles – each of which is smaller than a hair follicle. It creates small channels in your skin for the product to penetrate more deeply. The device delivers products such as Retinol, Vitamin C, growth factors, antioxidants, Botox, or dermal fillers directly into the skin with virtually no pain or downtime. It is basically stamped on your face lightly. These run about $500, and while nice, the results are very temporary, you get nice glowing skin about a week or so. Perfect for pre-event. But at this stage of life, I prefer to save my money for bigger treatments. Read about my experience here. Final verdict, nice, but effect is temporary.
Next Up
Next on my list to try is Forma; which uses radiofrequency to increase collagen production in your face; Jena of Agent Nateur turned me onto it. I would also like to experiment with more radio frequency devices and maybe a different radiofrequeny device, like the newer Vivace Experience or Pixel8. I hear the newer devices offer much more precision in the depth of the needles, which suffice it to say, may help control some of the issues I had in my last Morpheus8 treatment series, some of which I am still dealing with.
In short, the truth is many of these devices promise a “non-surgical facelift” and generate a lot of buzz but they fall short of their promises. They are nice to offer a little rejuvenation but it’s important to know what you are getting into and decide if the investment is worth the payoff. In the long run, a healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise is the best long-term approach, as is quality skincare.
Heather, the glow wellness
My recommendation- map out a plan
First off, I would never see an RN or cosmetic “injector” for these services. I would seek out a qualified MD who is certified by the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and/or The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.
- Before you visit a doctor, read reviews online.
- Then, before your appointment, think about your expectations. What do you want out of the experience? Many people want to fix several problems related to aging: wrinkles, sagging skin, volume loss, changes in skin quality, and/or pigmentation issues. Write down our concerns.
- Think about developing a treatment plan for the next 1-3 years with your doctor.
- Consider combination treatments. Different cosmetic treatments are optimized for different cosmetic problems and may not provide your desired results by themselves. Often, it’s necessary to combine procedures to reach your aesthetic goals. Combining cosmetic treatments gives you the option of getting more significant results. A favorite follow is Dr Frank who often shares Q +A ‘s live online addressing the best treatments for patient concerns.
- Learn from my example….if you are receiving a topical treatment request a patch test of the topical first.
A no-fail post-procedure plan
There are a few steps you should take to care for your skin in the days following a treatment to make sure you’re giving your skin the nourishment it needs to recover. The first week after your treatment is crucial.
Start your morning and evening skincare routine with a gentle cleanser. I like the Furtuna Cleansing Oil Balm. This cleansing balm has been proven to soothe stressed skin, encourage moisture retention, and support skin repair after treatment.
Follow this with a revitalizing moisturizer like the Daily Renewal Cream. This moisturizer features scientifically-proven ingredients like microalgae, and pre- and post-biotics to moisturize and soothe your skin, as well as wild organic nettle leaf, wild organic water celery, and wild organic fennel seed to infuse your skin with protective antioxidants.
Seal the moisture with the Biphase Moisturizing Oil. This hydration-infusing oil helps lock in moisture and support the skin’s natural repair process.
The vitamin-rich Face and Eye Serum to help brighten your skin and minimize the visible effects of sun damage.
The transition into night signifies a time of rest and repair for nature, and your skin is no different. For your next step, our Fior di Luna Nightly Renewal Cream can help you lock in your after-treatment glow. Featuring bakuchiol and ashwagandha to soothe and brighten your skin, this cream can extend the life of your treatment results.
Finally, finish up with the Replenishing Balm. This soothing balm features wild organic carrot, wild organic dandelion, wild organic St. John’s Wort, spirulina and wild organic hawthorn to gently support your skin’s natural moisture barrier and help soothe any irritation or redness that may occur after your treatment.
As your skin navigates its healing journey, you may want to avoid potentially irritating ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, retinoids, and beta hydroxy acids. Synthetic ingredients aren’t inherently bad, but they may be a little too intense for your skin as it’s healing.
This routine significantly helped my downtime, replenishing the ever-important skin barrier and leaving my skin fresh and glowing.
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- Replenishing Balm: This soothing formula envelops skin in moisture and helps repair surface damage to illuminate dull, drab, fatigued skin
REAL RESULTS
- Face & Eye Serum*: 89% said it nourishes skin
- Nightly Renewal Cream**: 86% said it soothed skin
- Replenishing Balm*: 88% said it rejuvenates stressed skin
ABOUT
- Made with over 20 wild-foraged plants, hand-picked from the hills of our certified organic farm in Sicily. View all ingredients.
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