Laser Vein Removal

Long time no blog... I have been taking a post holiday break from group discount coupon purchases, but I am very glad I did squeeze in one last Groupon before the purse strings tightened - laser vein removal!

I researched the procedure and learned it may take 3 session to rid myself of the giant squiggle road map of veins on the back of my knee. I purchased a Group for  two sessions ($99) and I am ecstatic to report that it worked in one session and my second session was used to clean up the remaining stragglers. Overall a super positive experience with a fantastic staff! 

Here are the words of warning: this is a painful procedure- endurable, but painful; you must avoid the sun before and after the procedure; you will be bruised afterwards; avoid exercise for 24 hours . The laser opens the veins so the trapped blood inside can be reabsorbed by the body. This process takes time, but can be accelerated by applying Vitamin E oil twice a day (the AHS Laser Salon recommends 70,000 IU).  

I am now this much closer ( || ) to being a super model. Not really, but I may wear shorts in public this summer. 

Hair there, gone in 6 months

Here is a laser hair update- underarms and pubes are much less hairy but with 2 more treatments to go, not yet hairless. It's working, just slowly.

I thought you should know.

Smile! Photofacial

I am obsessed with lasers! They can do so many wonderful things: zap veins, tighten skin, melt fat and clear complexions.

Through Living Social I purchased a photofacial (for $49)- no scrubs, no lotion, no 30 minute face and neck massage, just a few quick zap with a laser all around my face (eyes are covered and protected). It didn't hurt, it was just a few flashes of heat. One week later I can see that my skin seems more even and the broken capillaries around my nose are less noticeable. Brilliant!

One drawback - the beauty mark on the left side of my nose is lighter as well. Still, I'm a fan!

Undefine the Line- Botox is good!

I'm sorry I've been away so long. I purchased a Living Social for 20 units of Dysport (Botox) for a Dermatologist in NYC for $149.00. I had the injection just after Christmas, but was embarrassed to say anything. Who am I kidding? Nobody reads this away, right?! 

I had a large crease running along my entire forehead. It looked like a Frankenstein scar. That was embarrassing! 

First of all, the boutique doctor's office was adorable and the doctor looked amazing! She looked 27... 28 tops and I'm sure she was in her 40s.

The procedure wasn't too painful and it took a few days to take full effect. It did feel very strange for about a week, but after that I forgot about it. After 2 months, I only realize that my forehead is smoother. 

Since I had the injection (actually a few injections into my forehead), I love it and I feel better about the way I look. After the injections, I went back to work. I was self-conscious about the needle marks in my forehead, but no one seemed to notice.  

The injections need to be administered every 3- 4 months to keep the muscle paralyzed. Overtime the Dysport will last longer and the muscle will grow weak (in this instance weak muscles are a good thing). I don't know that I would do this to any other part of my face, because I can see how if this goes bad- you are screwed for 3 months! 

Twenty units should be enough to do one area of your face (e.g. eyes, forehead, etc.). It should cost between $150 - $200. If you see a good Groupon: check out the doctor (try healthgrades.com or doctorscorecard.com), Google their office and make sure you are comfortable with the doctor before they begin the procedure.

If only you could see how enthusiastic I am... you know, if my forehead moved.