This post is sponsored by Sculptra® Aesthetic. However, the thoughts and opinions are my own.
As I am rapidly approaching the big 4-0, there have been quite a few big changes in my life. As if turning 40 isn't enough of an incentive to start getting my body back in shape and take better care of my appearance, I am also recently divorced (or, almost divorced, which is even more stressful!) and struggling to find my place as a 30-something suddenly thrust into the dating scene.
The dating scene? It's not pretty. It's also not easy, especially for a woman who spent the last 15 years never trying to attract the attention of any man, save for the one she already had at home. You take a lot of things for granted when you're happily married, and when the marriage ends, you realize: HOLY CRAP. I have let myself go! Then the race is on to fix all of the things you've let slide as you mistakenly allowed yourself to age gracefully.
Aging gracefully? It's for the birds. If there is one thing that my divorce has taught me, it's that you must take care of yourself. I never used moisturizers, night creams, any type of cosmetic help - the only thing I ever did to combat aging was dying my gray hair.
Now? Now I am all about doing everything in my power to look as young as I feel, or at least look as great as I can for my age.
My age, by the way, is 37. I'm happy to report that I am often told that I look great for my age, or that I look younger - so I hope that it's not too late to start taking the necessary measures to preserve my youthful appearance and fight off the signs of aging.
I was invited to attend an event to learn more about Sculptra® Aesthetic, an injectable that assists in the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles. The most common side effects after initial treatment include injection site swelling, tenderness, redness, pain, bruising, bleeding, itching and lumps. The All of this medical jargon can be confusing, so I will share the layman's terms that were shared with me during the presentation I attended: Sculptra® Aesthetic basically helps boost collagen production to help prevent the face from getting that drawn, sunken look that inevitably happens as we age. Once we hit a certain age, our bodies begin producing less collagen, and that full look in our faces that symbolize youth begins to deteriorate. I had no idea that there was a product out there to help boost that collagen production and help us look our best...I learn something new every day!
There were a few before and after photos on display at the event, and I was honestly pretty amazed by the results! When you see the results of Sculptra® Aesthetic on real patients, there's no denying it - this is something that many a woman can benefit from!
The before and after really speaks for itself, doesn't it? As I stood there, listening to the Doctors – Dr. Shino Bay Aguilera and Dr. Flor Mayoral - speak and watching the images on display rotate to show the effects after treatment, I was a little astounded...I was shocked to learn that this change wasn't due to a face lift or some other invasive cosmetic surgery!
What I loved about Sculptra® Aesthetic is that it's a realistic approach to aging gracefully - it doesn't have to be all or nothing when it comes to looking your best as you age. You can use helpers like Sculptra® Aesthetic to help fight off the signs of aging, or use it to help get back more youthful-looking appearance if you've waited a while to worry about these things, like I have! There were bloggers of all ages in attendance that night, and we all stood in rapt attention. No matter how young or old you are, image means a lot in this world, and we all want to look our best for as long as possible!
I plan on meeting with Dr. Shino Bay Aguilera soon for a consultation about Sculptra® Aesthetic for myself, because while I might still have a healthy, youthful fullness to my face, I know that it won't last forever, and like with most things appearance-related, prevention is far easier to handle than correction! I know that while these chipmunk cheeks might make me look young NOW, I am already beginning to lose the fullness in my face and I'd rather get a handle on it now than wait and see what damage time and Mother Nature does to me!
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. MP-SCA-00069a
Important Safety Information
Indication: Sculptra® Aesthetic (injectable poly-L-lactic acid) is indicated for use in people with healthy immune systems as a single regimen for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles in which deep dermal grid pattern (cross-hatch) injection technique is appropriate.
Sculptra Aesthetic should not be used by people that are allergic to any ingredient of the product or have a history of keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring. Safety has not been established in patients who are pregnant, lactating, breastfeeding, or under 18 years of age.
Sculptra Aesthetic has unique injection requirements and should only be used by a trained physician. Contour deficiencies should not be overcorrected because they are expected to gradually improve after treatment.
Sculptra Aesthetic should not be injected into the blood vessels as it may cause vascular occlusion, infarction or embolic phenomena. Use at the site of skin sores, cysts, pimples, rashes, hives or infection should be postponed until healing is complete. Sculptra Aesthetic should not be injected into the red area (vermillion) of the lip or in the peri- orbital area.
The most common side effects after initial treatment include injection site swelling, tenderness, redness, pain, bruising, bleeding, itching and lumps. Other side effects may include small lumps under the skin that are sometimes noticeable when pressing on the treated area. Larger lumps, some with delayed onset with or without inflammation or skin discoloration, have also been reported.
Sculptra Aesthetic is available only through a licensed practitioner. Complete Instructions for Use are available at www.SculptraAesthetic.com.
Kathleen Kennedy-Leon
I hadn't heard of the sculptra technique before. The side effects seem to be minial--so it looks like the risk benefit is a good one! Looks like there are some good results
Melinda
I'd be open to try non surgical cosmetic enhancements. I like what I got but I'm open to a little boost.
Jacqui Odell
I need to try something like this. My face has changed a lot over the past few months and I don't really like it.
Heather Johnson
I would probably never even consider something like Sculptra Aesthetic. I personally am more of an age naturally person. But you do you 🙂
Michele
That is a lot of changes for you!! I can't imagine having to go from being married to dating. This sounds like a great way to look younger.