I am 28 years old, an age I thought was too young to consider any type of procedures. After recently losing 20 pounds and back to the weight I was in my early twenties, I was shocked at what the fat loss did to the contours of my face! I have been feeling SO desperate and wanting to return to how I once looked. I look SO GAUNT now.
After much research I finally pulled the trigger with injectables. Dr Echavez seems almost indifferent and business-like, he was not pushy at all. He is not what you would call warm. I felt like I had to ask a lot of questions he should have offered up, but thankfully I had done my research. He was honest about his opinions; consultation very brief.
I relied on his expertise on my hollow tear trough for recommendation: Restalyne. I had to be the one asking about Sculptra and Juvederm Voluma, but he probably would have recommended. He told me both would end up having the same results.
At the last minute, I changed my mind about my appointment for Sculptra (they need to know in advance because it takes a day to mix the Sculptra) and switched to Juvederm Voluma. Sculptra provides gradual results and I honestly want immediate ones. I hated looking in the mirror.
Procedures:
The doctor was professional, though once again I had to ask and ask nervously about the procedures. It didn't take long at all and didn't really hurt that much at all. Just pokes, and he numbs you before the HA filler. He used one syringe per cheek.
Very pleased with the Juvederm Voluma results on my cheeks! He rounded out the apples of my cheeks, near my nose which I wasn't expecting but I'm not the expert; I would have just filled in the sunken hollows. The effect has the area around my nose and upper lip thicker than I'm used to but ultimately I'm happy. I was told there shouldn't be much swelling, so I will update and be hopeful for the following days. No bruising. Am able to put on makeup and am going to work 3 hours after.
As for the under eye tear troughs, his expertise led him to use not even a full half-syringe for both. He is saving the rest for when I come back again, which I'm certain I will.
Well....It is less hollow under my eyes to be sure, but it's hard to tell with the light bruising. So far, the results aren't dramatic but improved. I didn't expect to be blown away, recalling other reviews of under-eye fillers used for volume. I'll keep updated.
He also did inject under the muscle! I've read terrifying reviews about doctors who injected too shallowly, and not under.
I will see how it is after 2 weeks of settling. I am still considering a couple rounds of Sculptra as well. He explained the longevity of Sculptra but also how many sessions it would take. I'm glad I decided to get the results today instead of being disappointed about Sculptra after the first week's swelling went down, and having to go back again and again. Definitely returning as needed, though.
Updated on 4 Oct 2018:
So happy I made this decision. So worth it. I feel so much more confident! I had looked so wasted! Let's see how it is after settling for a week or two. I am expecting the swelling? to go down but hopefully not much.
Updated on 15 Oct 2018:
Still happy with my face! I've been socializing again the past 2 weeks and feeling much more confident. I truly have no regrets. I even told my parents of my decision and showed them pictures and they approved- they are oldschool people who were once very against the decision in theory.
My under eye areas do the best when I get a lot of sleep. It is pretty crazy how just one day with less sleep can wreak havoc now. That's aging for you.
Updated on 16 Apr 2019:
It has been six months, and the Juvederm ia still holding up! About a month ago I started noticing my undereyes being more hollow. It is probably time for another Restalyne injection.
Ultimately, I still have zero regrets getting these procedures.
Updated on 6 May 2019:
I set an appointment almost exactly 6 months to the day, it turns out, for my under eyes. It turns out that I still had Restalyne left over from the first procedure, so the entire thing was FREE! I appreciate that of Dr. Echavez. As usual, he did no upsell attempts when I asked questions about other potential procedures.
I wish that there was a way for my under eye troughs to be more full, but it's pretty impossible with fillers. Restalyne is the best bet, slightly plumping out and smoothing out wrinkles- it's mainly for wrinkles, which I don't actually care about that much. There is a difference with the wrinkles for sure, I'm not sure if I'll spend the money again for it again since my issue is more with the hollows.
AFTER: PLEASE READ
After a couple hours afterward, there was dark bruising as to be expected. HOWEVER, I want to note that I noticed a lump at the injection site which freaked me out. The doctor made sure to massage the areas afterward, and I also had been (stupidly!) vigourously rubbing my eyes because of allergies all day after,. I don't know if that affected it. I was very worried. It didn't look noticable or anything, but I could feel it. However, I alcohol swabbed the site and my fingers and massaged the area and it's gone down. So make sure not to rub the area afterward, just in case!
I am still happy with Juvederm. I am thinking of Sculptra next time, since Juvederm I just wanted instant results and Sculptra is supposed to build up on itself over a series of months. I've stopped working out every day and losing weight, and having more rest, so I'm sure that plays a huge part with how sunken my face looked.
