40 and Looking Tired - La Jolla, CA

I smoked for 20 years, though I haven't in over a year, and I've had some stress and trials over the my life. Abuse, divorce, weight fluctuations, loss of loved ones. Those things left their mark on my face. Deep under eye hollows, lined forehead, lined upper lip. Plenty of smiles though too, but they also left a few tracks.

I have been wanting to do this for several years, I've been researching and researching. Waiting until I could afford it. Right around the time I could I found Dr. Kolstad, and if the awards and certifications weren't enough, his humanitarianism and excellent reviews sealed it. Add in the fact that he is the first doctor I have seen that actually lists the costs of procedures and I knew where I would go. You're buying a product and service, what's with the mystery!? My alternate choice refused to tell me costs of units and syringes, I was told that they would be disclosed as a quote, during a consult. Well her consults cost $150, which is deducted from the cost of procedure if you decide to have them done with her. What if I decided not to? I don't know, that doctor seemed great otherwise, so I won't say names. But it bothered me. I'm very happy though, it turned out well. Because I adore doctor Kolstad.

As others have said, he has a very soothing and even voice. He looks impeccable, invites you to speak first, then offers choices based on your perceived issues and his expertise. (I interrupted a lot, and he's so nice, I hate that I do that but it's kind of my thing. Almost involuntary.) He said a few times that we would be working together, that it was an effort between us for the best possible outcome.

I chose the option of 30 units of botox, two syringes of restylane, and one syringe of juvaderm. The botox went into my forehead, focused in the center to avoid upper eyelid droop. Most of the restylane went under my eyes and most of the juvaderm into my smile and smokers lines. In two weeks I'll go back and we'll evaluate the results and most likely place the rest of the product.

Through no fault of Dr Kolstad's, I had a strong reaction under my eyes. Swelled up quite a bit, it was very painful and I slept maybe an hour or two that night. I had been told that I could call any time, leave a message if it was after hours and I would get a call back from the doctor. I called at 5:30 am and it took about 2 or 3 minutes for him to call me back. He asked questions, expressed genuine concern, and offered me a 9:30 am appointment. When I saw him he assured me he had seen swelling of that type before, though from eye surgeries. I was given a prescription to help with the swelling, and at this time it's gone down dramatically. There's no more pain, and I am not at all worried. And while the botox is not showing yet, and there is still some swelling well beneath my eyes, I am very happy with what I see so far. My smile lines are smooth, and directly below my eyes is lovely and even. (The swelling now is relegated to yellowy pink lumps at the bottom of where the depression used to be.) And speaking of botox, I was told that if something was uneven or I got the dreaded spock eyes, he would fix that at no additional charge to me.

Dr Kolstad called me that evening to ask how I was doing, and his wonderful assistant called me the next morning to ask the same. I know you're looking for someone you can trust, I've been all over this site for some time now. This story is still unfolding, but from where I am now, I'm telling you this office is it. They are good people, knowledgeable people, and you'll be safe there- and your money will be well spent. I'll keep you posted.

...and I am going back next week. The botox has been gone a long time, but when it was actively working, my forehead was very smooth. I'm looking forward to seeing that happen again. My under eye hollows have also re-emerged to some small degree, and I'll see if the doctor thinks it should be touched up. (I trust him completely.)
I think I am going to inquire about having some volume added to my lips this time. They were never what could be considered full, but at 41 they're more like negative lips. Even a little would help, and his work in this area is gorgeous! No free roaming land locked trout, not that I've seen.