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*Treatment results may vary

I never, ever thought I would do anything to my...

I never, ever thought I would do anything to my face. Then came middle age. Gamechanger. I work in the corporate world, which can be very unforgiving to us women as we age. I was born with a tired/mad face that I inherited from many generations of women in my family, and it has gotten worse with volume loss. (Doc said people refer to this as "resting b*tch face" which is so very apt.) I was also cursed with a down-turned smile, which I had hoped could be corrected too. I have pale, ruddy and thin skin.

Almost had this done at a Medi-spa, but several signs along the way led me to realize that I needed to go to a true expert. Did my research and found Dr. Palm, which was a blessing. Watching her videos on YouTube and reading her reviews reassured me that she was the Doc for me. Her education and training are top notch.

I was really impressed with everyone at this office. They were all kind and professional. I was seen promptly, and was guided every step of the way. Doc carefully and patiently spoke with me before the procedure, and after studying my face and asking me about my concerns, we decided on Voluma, Juvederm Ultra Plus, and botox. (I had gone in knowing I likely wanted Voluma and Botox). Dr. Palm really took to heart my wishes not to do anything that would be too noticeable right out of the gate. I did not want to look like one of those "blowfish" faces. I would rather have no perceptible results than to have people know immediately that I had "work done". She was happy to accommodate my wishes and clearly hit the mark. She also noted lesser volume on one side of my face, and worked to incorporate a solution into my treatment.

I was given a topical numbing cream, and about 30 minutes later, the injections began. The fillers have more lidocaine in them as well. Doc kindly informed me of every step, and what to expect, which was very comforting. (I was anxious). Although you can definitely feel the needle pricks, it was completely do-able. Doc also started working on my down-turned smile. All in all, I think I was done in less than an hour. I went on to have dinner with a friend immediately following the procedure. My experience at this practice was nothing less than stellar. Every team member was awesome.

My face was sore/tender for the first 3 days, and I did have some bruising that popped up intermittently in different spots, but I tend to bleed and have a low platelet count, so this was not surprising. I had some mild swelling, not noticeable to anyone but me. I also felt like I was getting ready to come down with the flu for the next 2 days, but it did not impact my activities, just felt a little "iffy". I think this might have been a typical reaction to botox. I was not impacted in any other way, and did my regular activities all weekend. One day after the procedure, I could see a benefit, and felt happy with the results.

Doc recommended that we try Sculptra on the next round, and also recommended Ultherapy. I am booked for my next visit, and will start slow with the Sculptra first.

I really believe that you get what you pay for, and when it comes to your face (or any other part of your body) you should go to the expert, which in my case, was Dr. Melanie Palm. She is highly trained (and in fact is a trainer) and knows what she is doing. Save up and go to the expert. I highly recommend this practice to anyone.

Update on my flu-like symptoms...

I am happy to say that after 10 days post treatment, I am starting to feel better. It could have been anecdotal, and I could have actually been fighting the flu but I was just not feeling well. I do still have some bruises visible on my face, but I do bruise really easily, so I was not surprised by this. Stay tuned!

Update 3 weeks out

I am really happy with Dr. Palm's work. And they have been spot-on with all the guidance, and I am feeling great. The results were very subtle, just as I requested. I can see a difference in the overall quality of my skin, and my wrinkles are diminished, but the work does not look "obvious", I just look refreshed.

Provider Review

Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
437 S. Hwy. 101, Solana Beach, California
Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
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Absolutely everything I look for in a doctor. Extremely knowledgeable, kind, informative, strategic with the treatment, mindful of my budget. She was very patient and answered all my questions. The entire team was great, and they clearly enjoy working for Dr. Palm.