This post is sponsored by JUVÉDERM®. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own
A few months ago, I entered into a partnership with JUVÉDERM®. You may assume that the motivation behind my collaboration was to explore cosmetic dermatology, and if you did, you’re not wrong.
At 41 years old, I’ve thought about it, talked about it, and now, have taken the next step to see if facial fillers are right for me. But before I divulge the details, and my ultimate decision, let me take you back to Beauty Decoded Live, an event in Toronto that aimed to decode the science behind JUVÉDERM® facial fillers and debunking medical aesthetics myths once and for all.
BEFORE BEAUTY DECODED LIVE
When I first heard about Beauty Decoded Live, I was more than intrigued. The chance to meet leaders in medical aesthetics (many local!), understand the difference in facial fillers, and of course, learn what to look for when selecting a practitioner was very attractive to me. Admittedly, while my curiosity propelled me to sign up for the free event, I truly didn’t believe facial fillers were something I was ready for.
You see, I like my face. There are very few things I’d like to change, and my biggest fear was falling victim to “LA Face”, a term coined by Lainey Lui of Lainey Gossip (who also happened to be the host of Beauty Decoded Live!), which essentially refers to the exaggerated cheeks and lips seen on women all over la-la land. While I was ready to attend the event with an open mind, I’ll admit that I did arrive with a few preconceived notions.
AT BEAUTY DECODED LIVE
Remember those prejudices? Whoosh – right out the door. Within minutes of arriving, I realized I was surrounded by women of all ages, races and sizes. In other words, looking and feeling your best is universal; there’s no such thing as a “typical” candidate for fillers. The night began with a chance to mingle with experts in the field of cosmetic dermatology; I was able to connect with doctors, skin care experts and other relevant exhibitors. The best part? No LA Face could be detected! I don’t know why I assumed that I’d be in a room with obviously “worked on” women, but it was just the opposite – real people who could have been my friends, family or co-workers. Were some of them JUVÉDERM® customers? Undoubtedly! Could I instantly identify those that were? No, not at all.
The highlight of Beauty Decoded Live was a chance to learn from Dr. Mauricio de Maio and watch him perform a live demonstration with JUVÉDERM® fillers. Here’s what makes Dr. de Maio the authority on facial fillers:
Dr. de Maio pioneered a method called MD Codes™, which is exclusive to JUVÉDERM® products. Rather than trying to achieve results with “quick fixes” to certain areas of the face, Dr. de Maio’s filler treatments are developed to strategically divide the face into different anatomical areas to guide the use of injectables. Think of it as a totally customizable plan to make you look – and feel – better, all while ensuring that the real you always shines through. Treatment with MD Codes™ may help you achieve natural results. To date, Dr. de Maio has trained thousands of top injectors around the world who are now using this revolutionary approach.
The live demonstration was breathtaking! The patient (whom I now think of as the luckiest woman in the room) was in her mid-40’s. Like many of us, she simply wanted to look less tired, more refreshed, and ensure her appearance on the outside matches the energy she has on the inside. Dr. de Maio showed utmost respect to both his patient and the audience by communicating the reasoning behind his injection sites, and what he was aiming to achieve.
Was he successful? I’ll let you take a look at the before and after photos so you can be the judge.
AFTER BEAUTY DECODED LIVE
I walked into the event thinking facial fillers likely weren’t for me, and then proceeded to be blown away with the information provided for the attendees and the results of the live demonstration. Post event, I’ve switched teams – more than ever, I’m ready to explore the possibility that JUVÉDERM® is part of my beauty regimen. Hearing from Dr. de Maio and seeing, with my own eyes, before and after results that are natural, almost instant and with less invasiveness than I had perceived, has me wanting to learn (and experience) more.
Are you curious, too? Find a Beauty Decoded event near you. You’ll learn about aesthetic treatments, debunk myths and receive relevant information on safe practices. You’ll also meet an expert and learn about the right JUVÉDERM® product to help you make an informed choice about treatment.
Last week, I visited Dermetics, a local cosmetic dermatology clinic. I made an appointment with Dr. Rosen, one of the most respected doctors in the field, intent on discussing JUVÉDERM® and how it can help me achieve the natural, long-lasting results I am looking for. Stay tuned for a summary of my appointment, and my five top learnings when it comes facial fillers!