I´d still like to try fillers but am scared!

[anne]

Hi,

I still hate the way my mouth looks unhappy and like my lips curve downwards. Also, the beginnings of marionette lines, deep naso-labial folds, etc etc etc.

I´d still like to try fillers, but I am a scaredycat.

The cost is not VERY much - last time I asked, it was 150 euros, or 216 $. Doable once, or even once a year, I think, IF it made me look happier and feel happy with myself when I look into the mirror.

But, I hear of lumps and granulomas - horror!

I don´t want to look like a freak and be unhappy after having spent money.

Have any of you tried fillers in that area? Pros and cos, please?

I´d love to look cxompletely natural...just like I had turned the clock back a bit, not like I´ve had something done, obviously.

Oh and I am not considering having something done to my lips, I hate that unnatural trout pout. I feel such pity for many beautiful actresses who have gone that way, when they looked charming with their natural lips!

[milla]

I wish I could advise you, but I have no idea of how these things work. I am very mean when it comes to that sort of thing and, whereas I have no problems in spending a bit of money on a cream, lipstick or a facial, I would not part with my cash for anything involving needles. You are right, trout pouts are beyond horrible.You say that it might  make you feel happier with yourself... are you sure? When we are fed up with things in general, it affects our looks and the way we feel about ourselves. It has been a long winter and you've had a lot to deal with.Anne, from the photos I have seen,  you are a very pretty lady and you don't need 'procedures'...by all means, find out about the fillers, but if you're not convinced , just use the money to buy a flight on Ryannair and come to London!!! the weather today is better than in the south of Spain ( I went to Covent Garden yesterday and it was great).

[Poppyfields]

I´d love to look completely natural...just like I had turned the clock back a bit, not like I´ve had something done, obviously.

Of course you would, so would everybody.  That's entirely understandable.  But I feel there is a real, valid reason to be scared.  I'm too scared.  Plus, these procedures, being temporary, often lead down a slippery slope to pathetic-ville.

Honey, if you are fixated on tiny perceived flaws on your lovely face I'd wonder if there were not a deeper discontent somewhere?  Rarely do changes to our hair, clothing, makeup or face result in a new and happy life.  I have no doubt you need some TLC right now.  Milla has a great idea, I wonder if a good experience (trip, massage, etc.) would make you feel better than a procedure.

Not trying to be judgmental.  Only you know what is best for you.  But you asked, and I'm definitely in the too chicken to try it camp.

[Tupelo]

Anne, I think if you want to do fillers you'll have to do some detective work. Finding the right doc/esthetician would be foremost, then having the temerity to ask for actual client referrals and/or photos. Real live customers of the practice. I think you need to be able to gauge how competent they are before you give your lovely face to them.

[makinalist]

Count me in with the too-scared-to-try-it bunch!  I figure it would only postpone the inevitable anyway.  We are meant to acquire wrinkles as we go, and I don't expect to be any different.

I like the idea of spending the money on something relaxing.  We all look younger when we are feeling pampered.  And don't forget to smile a lot - that makes the lines turn up instead of down, and it's free.

Of course, the ultimate choice is yours alone.  If you can afford it and think you would be more satisfied with your appearance, then start doing your research.  Maybe someone here will say she has done it and loves it!

[makeupmaven]

You definitely need to find the right doctor if you are seriously considering fillers. Also, there are several different types of fillers, with new ones on the market constantly. Just be forewarned that it is not a one-time thing; you will have to continue doing this for continued results. So it becomes and investment in money, time, and emotions. If you stop, you will go back to your "unhappy" look, as you say.

I'm too chicken and too cheap. I find that the more I smile, the less my mouth droops. So I walk around with a grin on my face as much as possible.!

[anne]

Milla, your advice was just great! 

I truly appreciate everybody´s well-thought comments! I am not offended in any way, I do want to hear what you really think!

Looks like no-one here has tried fillers, then? Makes me feel like a heretic, even asking about fillers.... 

So, I feel like this one part of my face looks decades older than the rest of my face. But, of course, after filling in one part, who knows if I then thought the other parts look worse, compared to the mouth area,...and so on.

And, of course, my hooded eyes bother me. I´d like to have the upper lids done, but
1) cannot afford it
2) am afraid it would go wrong and I´d bitterly regret having it done

Oh well!

I am continuing Avene Diacneal and Eluage, plus recently Neutogena Healthy Boost something for my eye area (like it!!), PTR AHA/BHA.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me!

I think I´ll continue in the members´area about the other issues mentioned, it is true I feel I need some TLC right now!

[Poppyfields]

Looks like no-one here has tried fillers, then? Makes me feel like a heretic, even asking about fillers.... 

   More like you are brave compared to us chickens.    brock, brock.

Yes, I wish you some great, affirming TLC this spring.    You have earned it.   

[Ammie]

I'm with you ladies in being too scared to try them.

[makinalist]

Who knew what a bunch of scaredy-cats we are?

[LemonMyrtle]

Add my meow to the scaredy-cats! The long-term commitment and the fear of being unable to keep it up also terrify me. I'd hate my face to crumple within a few months. Gradually, over years, I think I can handle.

There have been stages in my life where I've just had to get used to how I look, because yes it's changed, and sometimes it's taken a while. Late 30s was one stage. Late 40s another. But I gave myself time and became comfortable in my skin again.

And sorry to digress, but I wonder what my decision would be if money were no object and I had a crystal ball that told me all would be well and I'd look fabulous? I'd just want done whatever it is that Helen Mirren has done. All my scruples would fly out the window if I were guaranteed her results for the rest of my days.

[ILuvLucy]

Hey Anne,
Sorry, I have no experience with any type of fillers, but I totally understand how you feel.  You don't like how your lips make you seem unhappy.  I hate how the vertical lines (11's) between my eyebrows make me look angry all the time.    I assume botox would be the thing for me, but like you, I'm scared.  AND, I bet, if I got that taken care of, I'd want to go on to fixing my hooded eyes, and beginnings of loose skin around my chin (jowls!?)

I  have lots of sh*t stress going on in my life.  I think what I really need to work on, is getting happy on the inside, so that it won't matter so much that my face looks angry. 

[Angelcat47]

I hate my '1' between my eyes too and I'd get Botox in a flash,if I could afford it.I also have major stress:kid problems,health problems and money problems(plus,a BF 800 miles away),but these are things I must deal with;it's not so much about happiness.When I was little and things were scary in my house(a pretty frequent occurence),I'd take a book,a flashlight and hide in my closet.The book helped me escape and the closet was quiet and warm and I couldn't hear the fighting.I wish that worked now.

[makinalist]

Bless you both for finding the strength to go right back at it each and every day.  I hope you can find your grown-up version of a book and a flashlight.  Try to carve out a little "me" time when you can.  Learn relaxation techniques or do yoga.  Sometimes I massage that spot between my eyes when I feel I'm permanently frowning.

Stress is definitely hard on our skin.  We probably do need to combat the source more than the symptoms.

[cara4art]

"Bless you both for finding the strength to go right back at it each and every day.  I hope you can find your grown-up version of a book and a flashlight.  Try to carve out a little "me" time when you can.  Learn relaxation techniques or do yoga.  Sometimes I massage that spot between my eyes when I feel I'm permanently frowning.

Stress is definitely hard on our skin.  We probably do need to combat the source more than the symptoms. " - makinalist

Couldn't agree more! Personally I'm barely in the market for even the skin care that I SHOULD be using, let alone anything invasive like needles and fillers. Another "too chicken" here LOL!

But here's another point to consider - just how SAFE are stuff like Botox, and the other fillers? That stuff just doesn't disappear from the body you know, even though the effects on the face wear off. We're talking slow accumulations of potential poisons, and our bodies have enough to deal with with what's in the food, water supply and air as far as having to detox stuff. Why add to the load?