Too often, getting your nose done comes with pressure to keep your lips sealed—cosmetic procedures can be a hush-hush matter. But we say, there should be no shame in the beauty game. Whether you’re curious about injectables or surgery, let’s just talk about it, already. We asked seven women who’ve been there, done that, to get real about their experiences.

BOTOX

What is Botox?

This wrinkle-smoother works by blocking signals from nerves to specific facial muscles—so the latter won’t contract until the Botulinum toxin A (Botox) wears off. Discreet results are increasingly in demand: “I’m using a lot less Botox [in terms of dosing] than when I first started, and using it more strategically,” says Dr. Julia Carroll of Compass Dermatology in Toronto. You can even get “micro Botox,” injected more superficially, to shrink the look of pores and acne scars.

How much does Botox cost?

Botox treatments can range from $300 to $1,000 per visit, depending on dose, and patients typically come in every four months.

What’s it really like?

Andrea:

When? “I did Botox at 28 and a half and again at 30.”

Why? “I was getting annoyed by a single line between my brows and a few fine lines on my forehead. I felt like they made my skin look old and dehydrated.”

What was the process like? “Both times I injected three areas: brows, forehead and crow’s feet. It takes maybe 15 to 20 fast pricks max and only a few minutes.”

On a scale of 1 (paper cut) to 10 (pain and suffering!), how much did it hurt? “Probably a 1 or a 2. I have anxiety about needles, so it was still stressful. I recommend bringing juice or candies to keep your blood sugar up and squeezing a stress ball.” 

Were you happy with the results? “I’m surprised by how much I love it, because I was a little wary. But I love it. My forehead looks flawless. My upper face is mostly frozen, though I can slightly move my eyebrows.”

Did anyone notice the difference? “No one has ever commented or asked, but I do tend to tell people. I get complimented on my smooth skin quite often and people ask me which products I use.”

Any side effects or other cautionary notes? “I haven’t had any problems.”

LIP INJECTIONS

What are lip injections?

These days, lip plumping is often done with fillers made of hyaluronic acid (a sugar that’s naturally occurring in your body). “Some fillers are like honey, and some are like gummy bears,” explains Dr. Carroll, “so it depends on whether you’re looking to smooth the area or project it.” Some clients want what she calls a “glossing” effect—keeping lips the same shape, but making them look more hydrated—while others want the more dramatic bee-stung look.

How much do lip injections cost?

Lip injections can start around $600 and last six to 18 months.

What’s it really like?

Jessica:

When? “I received a half-syringe ‘mini plump’ when I was 28. I decided to get a full syringe about five months later.”

Why? “For years, I was self-conscious about the way my upper lip seemed to disappear whenever I smiled. It was very thin and also asymmetrical, which prevented me from wearing bold lipsticks because I didn’t want to draw attention to them.”

What was the process like? “It takes about 20 minutes and for me involved around 20 to 25 small injections. Each felt like a sharp pinch, like squeezing a pimple on the edge of your lip.”

On a scale of 1 (paper cut) to 10 (pain and suffering!), how much did it hurt? “The first time, a 7. The second time, the nurse used a new numbing cream, so the pain was around a 5.”

Were you happy with the results? “With the half-syringe, the plumping effect was minimal. But after the full syringe, my lips had noticeably more volume and looked very symmetrical to me. Even though it was such a small change, it made a huge difference in my self-confidence.”

Did anyone notice the difference? “I told a friend I got it done and she had a feeling I had but wasn’t positive since it looked quite natural.”

Any side effects or other cautionary notes? “The swelling and bruising was pretty bad for a few days afterwards.”

RHINOPLASTY

What is rhinoplasty?

With the nose, you can go surgical or non. The latter involves filler, which adds volume to mask any irregularities. If your goal is to reduce the size of your nose, however, non-surgical rhinoplasty won’t fit the bill. While surgery is an option for a bigger range of concerns—whether you want to fine-tune size, shape or symmetry—what each person can achieve is highly personal. “Rhinoplasty is one of the more complex procedures we do as plastic surgeons, just because it’s so individualized. There are a lot of subtleties, and it’s a very thin area right in the centre of your face,” explains Dr. Ryan Austin of The Plastic Surgery Clinic in Toronto. Though it’s a day surgery, the swelling can take up to a year to fully go away.

How much does rhinoplasty cost?

Rhinoplasty surgery can vary significantly in price, from around $7,000 to $12,000.

What’s it really like?

Julia:

When? “Seven years ago, at 26.”

Why? “I hated my nose; it didn’t look like anyone else’s in my family. I was a ski racer and had broken it several times. I had a ‘beak nose’ with a lot of cartilage buildup because of the injuries.”

What was the process like? “On the scale of nose jobs, mine was very subtle. I didn’t want a Barbie look. The doctor did the surgery through the nostril and shaved down the cartilage buildup in the centre, so there was no skin removed.”

On a scale of 1 (paper cut) to 10 (pain and suffering!), how much did it hurt? “Coming out of surgery, I remember feeling no pain—it was probably the morphine—but I looked like someone had hit me with a truck. For the recovery, it was a 6 to a 7.”

Were you happy with the results? “I achieved exactly what I wanted. It cost around $5,000 and I’ve never missed that money. I wish I had done it younger.”

Did anyone notice the difference? “No. [laughs]”

Any side effects or cautionary notes? “I was surprised by the healing time. With nose jobs, there are different kinds of swelling, so it actually took a year before I got ‘my nose.’”

MICRO FILLER

What is micro filler?

Traditional dermal fillers are injected beneath the skin to restore volume—making them a go-to for lifting cheeks and smoothing wrinkles. New to Canada (though it’s been approved in Europe for 12 years) is a “micro filler” called Restylane Skinboosters, which involves injecting teensy droplets of a unique, stabilized hyaluronic acid that can integrate into skin. The result: The micro filler helps plump in a subtler way, evening out texture and improving elasticity. “It’s a hot area, and I think it’s going to be very up-and-coming in the next six months,” says Dr. Carroll of the technique.

How much does micro filler cost?

For best results, a course of three treatments (from $800 per session) is recommended, and the effects last up to six months.

What’s it really like?

Eden:

When? “At 46. I did three treatments, each spaced one month apart.”

Why? “From years of regular acne breakouts, the texture on my chin was bumpy, so I wanted to smooth it out.”

What was the process like? “My doctor did it a bit differently than others. She used a needle to make a hole and then she went in with the cannula [a thin tube] to inject the filler and moved it all around to different spots.”

On a scale of 1 (paper cut) to 10 (pain and suffering!), how much did it hurt? “Maybe a 7, but I’m wussy. There were a few moments where it felt really sharp. If you don’t like needles, you’re not going to love it.”

Were you happy with the results? “Totally. It’s not perfect, but my skin in the area is much smoother and more even. It definitely worked, 100 percent.”

Did anyone notice the difference? “No. Although they noticed the swelling.”

Any side effects or cautionary notes? “I bruised a bit, but that’s pretty common with filler.”

CHEMICAL PEEL

What is a chemical peel?

Acids in skincare—lactic, glycolic, salicylic—have been around for ages, but they’re trending again. Yes, you can find them in over-the-counter peels, but you can get a more potent dose of acids in-office. What’s the diff between the most popular types? “A lactic peel is best for treating age or sun spots. Lactic acid is less irritating and more moisturizing than glycolic and can be used at higher concentrations,” says Dr. Austin. “A glycolic peel is best for treating fine lines and improving skin tone and texture. Glycolic acid contains the most active alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs).” Lastly, “a salicylic acid peel is an excellent option to reduce acne breakouts, oily skin and inflammation.” You can also alternate peel types with each visit to reap multi-benefits.

How much does a chemical peel cost?

Lighter chemical peels can start at around the cost of a spa facial, approximately $125, and you can go once per month.

What’s it really like?

Wing:

When? “38.”

Why? “My skin is forever moody like a teenager, so I’m always trying to get it as clear and glowy as possible.”

What was the process like? “It didn’t feel drastically different than getting a spa facial. After the aesthetician cleansed and manually exfoliated my skin, she wiped down my face with the actual peel, which stayed on for just two minutes. Afterward, she put on a hydrating mask and of course applied sunscreen before I walked out the door.” 

On a scale of 1 (paper cut) to 10 (pain and suffering!), how much did it hurt? “Mine was on the mild side, so 1 to 2—just tingling. If you’re new to pro peeling, they start you off with a lower concentration of acid, and you work your way up over subsequent visits.”

Were you happy with the results? “I can’t say I noticed a dramatic change after one treatment—you have to do peels on the regular to max out the benefits—but my skin did look glowier in the days right after.”

Did anyone notice the difference? “Nope.”

Any side effects or cautionary notes? “Immediately post-peel, my skin was ever so slightly pink in some spots—and I’m not sensitive. So if you are, you might react even more.”

ANTI-AGING LASER TREATMENT

What is an anti-aging laser treatment?

The most aggressive laser resurfacing you can get (i.e., the ablative type) works by burning off your outer layer of skin (ouch!), causing it to heal smoother and tighter—but the downsides include looking red/raw/scabby for two to three weeks. A far less intimidating option is a non-ablative “starter laser,” like Clear + Brilliant. “It’s like mini Fraxel,” says Dr. Carroll, who recommends a course of four to six treatments for best results. “It does a great job at getting the first signs of aging, like improving pores and pigmentation.”

How much do anti-aging laster treatments cost?

Clear + Brilliant typically costs around $400 per treatment and results can last for months.

What’s it really like?

Adele:

When? “I’ve done four treatments of Clear + Brilliant, starting at 45.”

Why? “I wanted to firm my skin, stimulate collagen and have a fresh, youthful glow.”

What was the process like? “The medical aesthetician drags a laser wand on your skin starting at the hair line to your jaw line. It feels like the laser is scraping your skin, and your skin does get hot but not unbearable; there is a hose with cold air to blow on your face, to help with the heat.”

On a scale of 1 (paper cut) to 10 (pain and suffering!), how much did it hurt? “I had numbing cream on my face, so 1. There was no downtime.”

Were you happy with the results? “My skin was glowing, firmer and fresher. It looked like some fine lines and wrinkles disappeared and the overall tone improved. I loved the results.”

Did anyone notice the difference? “Several people noticed it.”

Any side effects or cautionary notes? “Post treatment, your skin is extra sensitive to the sun. Being prone to dark spots, I had to be extra diligent about wearing and reapplying sunscreen.”

NON-SURGICAL LIFT

What is a non-surgical lift?

For skin lifting without going under the knife, an ultrasound-based procedure called Ultherapy can do the job on your full face, including the jawline and neck. The device takes ultrasound energy down into the deep layers of the skin and the SMAS (the area just above bone) to create little channels of tightening, explains Dr. Carroll. “With three to six months, your body will kick in with its own collagen production.”

How much does a non-surgical lift cost?

The cost for Ultherapy depends on the area being treated, ranging from around $3,000 (just the lower face) to $5,000 (full face plus full neck).

What’s it really like?

Catherine:

When? “46.”

Why? “I started noticing that my jawline wasn’t as tight as it used to be. The area under my chin was starting to look loose and slightly saggy.”

What was the process like? “The treatment felt like warm, sharp prickles on my skin. Every now and then, a little ‘zinger’ of heat crossed my face, but the sensation was momentary.”

On a scale of 1 (paper cut) to 10 (pain and suffering!), how much did it hurt? “Mostly a 2 or a 3.”

Were you happy with the results? “I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of tightening under my chin, which was better than I expected! I was less self-conscious about wearing my hair pulled back.”

Did anyone notice the difference? “My friends and family noticed about one month after the treatment that something had improved, but could not put their finger on the change—which to me was the ultimate compliment.”

Any side effects or cautionary notes? “I knew I could get a small bruise or slight swelling, but neither occurred for me.”

 

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