I think everyone has that one spot on their body that they would love to change if they had a chance. Mine is my nose. I always cringed when I catch a glimpse my profile. Logically I know that it isn’t that bad…but emotionally, that bump on my nose bothers me.
For others, it may be their teeth. Maybe some facial hair. Someone else may be bothered by wrinkles creeping up all over their face as they celebrate more birthdays.
A little over a week ago, I sat down with Dr. Ginnan at Medalase Aesthetic Centers. I wasn’t sure what to expect from our initial consultation. Before I headed in to the office, I checked their website and scanned through some of the services performed at the office:
Here are just some of the services offered at Medalase:
- Juvederm
- Botox
- Laser Hair Removal
- PhotoRejuvenation
- Fractional Resurfacing
- Skin Tightening
- Tattoo Removal
- Chemical Peels
What would YOU chose?
As I sat with Dr. Ginnan, I admit that I was pleased to hear that I would not be an ideal candidate for Botox since my wrinkles are minimal. I guess my focus on sunscreen (because of my fair skin and family history) has paid off so far. But when he asked me that question – “Is there anything about your face that bothers you?” – I jokingly said to him, “Well, I’ve always hated the bump in my nose, but I’m guessing this is the wrong kind of office for a nose job…”
To my surprise and delight, Dr. Ginnan said that he actually COULD help. Without surgery. Over the next few days, I did a little bit of research on Juvederm, the treatment that Dr. Ginnan suggested and then returned to the office last Friday afternoon.
What is Juvederm?
Made of stabilized hyaluronic acid, Juvederm is a filler that is injected into and beneath the skin to restore lost volume plump that has led to the development of folds and depressions. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is found naturally in the human skin and muscles. This element is extremely absorbent and is known for its hydrating and volume enhancing properties to the skin. Juvederm is a non-surgical procedure that is administered by your provider. By injecting this uniformly textured gel into strategic areas of the skin and underlying support structures, Juvederm can replace volume that has been depleted as we lose facial fat, muscle, and bone, quickly restoring a more youthful appearance. Juvederm is designed to last 6 to 12 months, while providing the benefit of stimulating your own natural collagen production for even longer lasting results.
The procedure itself was relatively quick and painless. The only mistake I made was keeping my eyes open while he was working on my chin (yes, he touched up a little more than just my nose). It didn’t hurt that much, but apparently, my stomach did not enjoy the visual…
Ready for the before and after reveal? Be warned that I was not wearing any makeup….but I was shocked and amazed by the immediate results. The second picture was taken less than an hour after the first!
After Juvederm
I was warned to expect tenderness and possible bruising in the affected areas. While I only had one bruise on the left side of my chin, I did notice lingering tenderness. I had to be very gentle when applying makeup and washing my face at night. Luckily, though, both the bruising and tenderness have subsided each day since the procedure.
I hadn’t told anybody about going in to Medalase or what I was planning on doing. When I got home that evening, I showed my teens, who noticed the difference in my nose immediately (their reaction was “Wow!!”). I waited an extra day to say anything to my husband, just to see if he would notice the difference. He didn’t…until I pointed it out. He was shocked. He said it looked great and then said, “You know, the bump never bothered me.”
Love that guy.
My next step – Laser Hair Removal!
Today, I am heading back to Medalase to begin laser hair removal for my armpits, something I am beyond excited about. Can you imagine never having to worry about shaving again? Dr. Ginnan mentioned that laser hair removal works on the hair’s pigments, so (sadly) my blond leg hair was not a good fit for laser hair removal. The darker the hair, the better the results. I’m hoping that my hair is “dark enough.” I’ll keep you posted on how it works!
About Dr. Ginnan
Dr. Ginnan attended Binghamton University in New York during his undergraduate years, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. During this time he also began focusing on medicine by acting as a University athletic trainer. He received his degree in Medicine from Syracuse Medical Center, and completed his training as a General Practitioner at a regional health care center in upstate New York.
Dr. Ginnan is a fellow of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery and was a member of their Research and Development Committee and Government Liaison Committee. As a result of his passion for understanding the bio-physics that govern clinical procedures, Dr. Ginnan was named as the Chair Person for the Research and Development Committee. Dr. Ginnan is also a board-certified diplomat of the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine.
He was also recently named one of the top health and beauty experts in the DC area.
I’d love it if you’d follow Medalase on Facebook (where they *may* be posting about my progress!)
Disclosure: I am receiving treatment in exchange for blog coverage and local work. All thoughts and opinions are my own and photos have not been retouched. Results will vary with each patient.
© 2013, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.
Juvederm is great. Personaly we performed it hundreds of times and to be hones I don’t remember a patient who would regret it. Also, they often come out with new products that tend to provide even better results.
Think right about Juvederm, Ultherapy and Botox because these methods really work without any problems.
I’ve always thought laser hair removal would wonderful. I can’t wait to hear what you think about it.
Wow! I never noticed the bump, but what a difference after the treatment. Looking forward to hearing about the hair removal. Keep smiling pretty lady.
Like others said it’s not something I would notice but seeing the after I can tell a difference.
I would definitely do the hair removal and fractional resurfacing to help with my skin issues.
Never having to shave your armpits again…. awesome.
I know! Shaving is evil! ;)
Thank you for the compliment and confidence boost. My nose never bothered me when looking straight on (and of course, that’s how most people would see me, too) but the profile was a completely different story. Now if I can just lose some weight, I’ll be on the top of the world!
I really should replace the photos above with profile pictures with makeup ON. lol. But, yes, I totally understand what you mean about being nervous about fillers. This was the first time I ever considered them. So far so good!
I would totally get laser hair removal on my armpits. I hate shaving so much.
The bump wasn’t really that noticable to me either….but if you are confident and like it, then that is what matters :) You are so pretty, Lolli!
I am Still TERRIFIED of fillers– but this post made it really easy to understand the process and I have to admit-there is DEFINITELY a difference in the before and after- just a fresher look.
I won’t know the results for a while now (I go back in for another treatment in 8 weeks) but supposedly I will start noticing that my hair takes longer to grow and is thinning out. Eventually, I’ll have next to nothing. As far as how it felt yesterday…it was totally painless (just hot) and very quick (about 15 minutes total).
Great post.
Can not wait to read about the hair removal process…how did that go??!!
So envious of you right now!!