Why are women so reluctant to admit we treated ourselves and got a little Botox to ease those forehead worry lines (directly attributable to our children) or an injectable filler for the thinning lips we’ve continuously pursed in disdain of politicians?
“Perhaps it is because women, especially mothers, rarely put themselves first,” says board-certified Nurse Practitioner Laura Avanesyan. With 25 years of aesthetic experience, she is the Clinical Director at MyImage Skin and Body Clinic in Pasadena, a full-service aesthetic medical clinic offering everything from body contouring to cosmetic treatments.
“Self-care is the most important part of being a mother,” says Avanesyan. “Self-care is giving the world the best of you instead of what’s left of you. It’s okay to take a little break from putting everyone first, especially on Mother’s Day.”
A gift certificate for an aesthetic procedure is a great way to support Mom with something she may never do for herself. Acknowledging she could do with a little work is more of a way to make her feel good about herself than a criticism. Alternatively, moms, you can drop a sufficient number of hints to let your beloved children know you are open to restoring the upturn to your downturn.
Once you’ve decided an aesthetic visit is right for you, the next step is to choose the correct treatment. Self-care can encompass a wide range of therapies, including Botox, dermal fillers, skin tightening, and micro-needling, a cosmetic procedure that encourages collagen production using tiny, sterilized needles. Treatments for spider and varicose veins can restore health to your legs. Permanent fat-freezing, laser hair removal, chemical peels, and acne scar treatments are also part of a rejuvenation routine. The most popular procedures now are weight-loss injections and vitamin B-12 injections (worthy of a separate essay). Want to get rid of that mole, skin tag, or wart, then Mother’s Day is the time to do it. There are many other medical-grade skincare procedures available.
Secondly, when it comes to your aesthetic needs, it’s crucial to choose a clinician who understands your unique requirements. Look for a Nurse Practitioner or doctor with years of aesthetic experience. This way, you can be confident that you are getting individual, personalized care that meets your expectations. Ask for a recommendation from those friends who you suspect may have had a procedure!
Thirdly, prioritize the clinician’s reputation over your budget and the amount of work you need. Remember, the clinician’s work should be of the utmost importance because you are paying for their expertise, not just the product. Ask if they are using well-known and quality products. Avoid unauthorized or off-brand versions from abroad. A WhatsApp vendor is most likely illegitimate and uncredited. And remember the warning on hemorrhoid cream packaging: ‘not recommended for use around eyes,’ no matter how many times you see the transformation of the undereye bags of that old guy on TV.
And don’t always take the word of celebrities. Celebrities can take the term “self-care” to extremes. Admit it; we’ve all chased those online tabloid click-bait postings of before and after fiascos resulting in joker smiles, a bunny nose or chipmunk cheeks.
“One of the biggest misconceptions in this field is that injections change how you look,” says Avanesyan. “Sometimes less is more. It’s better to enhance your natural beauty and keep everyone guessing. Do procedures gradually. Having an honest clinician is imperative to getting the results you want.”
Mother’s Day is May 12, but remember, men need self-care, too. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16.
MyImage Skin and Body Clinic, 119 West California Boulevard, Pasadena, 91105
Phone: (888) 955-4664.
