Well for those of you that follow my Instagram stories then you know the secret is out. I recently got lip fillers. There’s a lot to cover in this post. Where I go. Why I did it. And what you need to know about cosmetic medicine.
So let’s start off with the obvious. I know this is not for everyone and that is totally ok! This is something I’ve never talked about with you before because it can be a controversial topic. However, I did a poll on my IG stories before going in for fillers to gauge your interest. I had asked if you either A. love getting beauty enhancements (Botox, fillers, etc), B. if you are interested but don’t know enough about it or C. if it’s not for you. A good majority answered A or B. This got me thinking that I wanted to take this opportunity to be a honest resource for those that are interested. I want to be 100% honest with you about what procedures I’m having done, what it’s like and debunk any myths or bad stigma that people may have about the topic.
I’ll be honest. Rewind 5 years ago and I NEVER thought I would be interested in Botox or fillers, but turning 40 this year really changed things. I started hearing of more women I know getting it and then I started to do my research. It was only just this year that I started getting Botox in my forehead.
Beauty enhancements can come in all shapes and sizes. Some of us love getting facials (I just shared all about Hydrafacials in this post). Some love getting peels and some love incorporating cosmetic medicine into their regimen. Beauty enhancements are a personal choice and whatever makes you feel good is what’s important.
All About Étoile Cosmetic Medicine Studio
But for those that are interested in cosmetic medicine my biggest advice is going to a reputable doctor. Dr. Dawn Gangi of Étoile Cosmetic Medicine Studio has won best MedSpa in Morris/Essex County, NJ consistently since 2014. Their philosophy is not to change how you look but to enhance and make you the best version of yourself. They will not give you Angelina Jolie’s lips. That is not what they are about. Their goal is to keep you looking naturally beautiful and enhancing your beauty, never changing it.
Étoile Cosmetic Medicine Studio offers an array of services such as:
- Botox
- Fillers
- Microdermabasion
- Microneedling
- Laser Hair Removal
- IPL Light Therapy
- Chemical Peels & Facials
- VISIA
Dr. Gangi not only has decades of experience but her warm, honest and gentle approach puts you at ease from the moment you meet her. It’s no wonder they are the #1 MedSpa in Morris/Essex County. They really are a special office.
For today’s post I will be focusing on what I had done on my recent visit. Easily what sets Étoile Cosmetic Medicine Studio apart from anyone else is that they offer VISIA which I highly recommend to anyone.
What Is Visia?
VISIA is a camera that provides multi-dimensional imaging of your skin to obtain information regarding spots, pores, wrinkles, textural variations, UV spots and photo-damage and porphyrins (bacteria in pores.) You then receive a percentile score for each of these indications based on age, gender and skin type. The results from VISIA help to provide the framework for creating a customized treatment program designed specifically for each patient.
I think the craziest thing about VISIA is you are able to see exactly what you will look in 10, 20, 30 and 40 years based on how your skin is now (see photo above). Once I got to 70 I literally looked just like my mom! It was also reassuring to know that my UV spots weren’t as bad as I thought they would be considering how much time I spend in the sun.
Once I was done with VISIA my skincare regimen was assessed and suggestions were made as to what I could incorporate into my regimen to help with the issues I was having. Étoile Cosmetic Medicine Studio offers both organic skincare products as well as medical grade. Julie who BTW is just the loveliest woman) was able to incorporate products from Neocutis and Environ with some of my existing products I’m already using. That’s another reason I love Étoile. They not only offer treatments such as injectables but they can also tailor a results driven skincare regimen for you.
Lip Fillers
Next we proceeded with getting lip fillers. Was there anything wrong with my lips? No but I’ve always had naturally smaller lips. I personally wanted them to appear more plump and full.
Dr. Gangi used Versa for my lip fillers. The needle had lidocaine with the Versa so while I felt the pinches going into the lips it was not super painful or uncomfortable. The injections were done on both my bottom and top lips and once done Dr. Gangi kinda molded/shaped my lips and even made the sweetheart bow in my top lip a bit more pronounced.
As for swelling — my lips were most swollen right after my lips were done. I did drive home with ice packs to help reduce the swelling. I was also advised to take Arnica Montana tablets starting 3 days before getting fillers and to eat pineapple and take Vitamin C. Some women will bruise slightly after getting fillers but I had zero bruising so I’m thinking the combination of Arnica tablets and pineapple really helped with that. But most importantly — I had zero pain or discomfort that night or the next day.
Above is the transgression of how my lips healed beginning right after treatment up until day 5. I’d say by day 3 or 4 they really were completely healed. Also, the Versa fillers used in my lips will last about a year.
Anyone that has seen me has said my lips look super natural and bonus is any fine lines I had in my lips are also gone! You would never suspect I had fillers done as they just look naturally plump and that my friends was the goal!
Again, if cosmetic medicine is not for you that is totally ok, but for those that are interested I hope this was informational for you. I will be visiting Étoile Cosmetic Medicine Studio for other treatments and hope to be able to show you more closely the different services they offer as I have them done. I want you to see that if you should opt for cosmetic medicine that it can be done to just enhance your natural beauty.
Honestly I could not recommend Dr. Gangi and Étoile Cosmetic Medicine Studio enough. They align with everything I preach around here. To feel and look your best every single day while not changing who you are.
How To Book at Étoile Cosmetic Medicine Studio
If you are ready to incorporate cosmetic medicine into your beauty regimen Dr. Gangi has been kind enough to offer my followers 15% off injectables for new clients only. Just mention House of Leo Blog when booking. You can find their contact information here.
And remember friends. You are beautiful. No matter what you choose to do or not do. You are beautiful.
*In collaboration with Étoile Cosmetic Medicine Studio. As always all statements and opinions are my own.
Leave a Reply