As many of you who follow along over on instagram already know, I am doing some minor enhancements to deal with some cosmetic imperfections. I want to start this post by noting that you should never get any cosmetic procedures or plastic surgery for anyone but yourself. If you have an insecurity or something that to be candid “Hasn’t quite held up to the test of time,” that you want to fix… do it! There is absolutely nothing wrong with investing a little TLC into yourself in whatever way you see fit and that is still within your healths best interest. Just make sure it’s something you, yourself have decided to do to make yourself feel better, not to meet a standard of beauty that someone else has placed on you.
Often times I think that cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery get a bad rep. So many people hide their procedures because they are ashamed. Think of the numbers of celebrities who shut down rumors for years about their nose jobs, breast augmentations, and lip filler. Here’s the deal ya’ll, plastic surgery isn’t a dirty word. It’s something that not only has helped thousands over the years overcome obstacles after accidents or health issues, but also that have helped balance out a facial feature and give that much needed confidence boost someone needed.
When you see my before and after images I truly think you will be shocked. Why? Because I look better, but still like ME.
Injectables or plastic surgery procedures are meant to enhance your own personal features. If I had walked in to see Dr. Lucas and demanded to walk out looking like Kim Kardashian he would have kindly told me that I’m not Kim Kardashian… and I’m not meant to be either. A reputable Dr. would never suggest you do something that would make you look less than your best. I think it’s also important to note that most surgeons are truly trying to achieve the most natural results possible.
I am so pleased to let you guys know that I will be working with Dr. Lucas and his team at The Lucas Center for the next few months to shed light on common procedures and take the fear out of the conversation of plastic surgery.
So let’s get to the good stuff: under eye filler!
Should you get it? Does it hurt? What does it cost? I got you girl!
Should you get Under Eye Filler?
This totally depends. People get under eye filler for many reasons. For me, I’ve had what is called a muscle track under both eyes since I was little. It never really bothered me until I hit 30, and then I felt it pre-maturely aged me. That’s why I decided to get under eye filler.
People get under eye filler for lots of other reasons though. Some have permanent under eye bags they want rid of. Some people see a hollowing under the eye that is either hereditary and due to aging or even due to weight loss. Those are all great reasons for getting it. You just have to ask yourself if it’s something that bothers you and that you think might boost your self confidence. If the answer is yes, you are a great candidate.
What products we used:
Dr. Lucas has a favorite within the Juvederm line. For my under eye he used the Juvederm Ultra Plus XC. This product is a little more firm and works to create a defined look. Think of it like sculptors clay. He’s able to truly smooth, lift, and define the treated area with this and give you that boost you were looking for with filler.
Since I have had under eye filler before, I can speak to the fact that I have a more defined look now than before. I previously had Juvederm Voluma XC in my under eye and it was not as defined and metabolized much more quickly than I would have preferred. I do think the Voluma gives a pretty and soft look, but I like longer term results and think the Plus XC is a much better fit for me.
Procedure:
After your consult, you can either move forward same day or schedule another appointment time to come in. I would recommend just getting it over with. Actual procedure time will vary based on how much you’re having done and how many areas you are treating, but for me it only took 30 mins.
You will start with numbing cream (filler only, botox does not require local numbing). This is what takes the most time because you will usually let that sit for at least 20 minutes while also applying ice packs to the area to prep. Having your under eye area numb is certainly a strange feeling, but I personally prefer numbing. My friend Bailey immediately texted me after she saw my stories and said and I quote “Girl don’t numb, I like to feel that burn because I know it’s working.” Major LOL. I personally would recommend it, but to each their own!
The actual injection procedure is short lived. Botox is incredibly quick. It may have taken two minutes max to do. My under eye area took maybe 15 minutes. I would say about 5 minutes per eye and the prep time in between to get the syringe ready.
I wanted to state specifics on what Dr. Lucas did for the procedure. He added one CC of lidocaine with epi to make it more comfortable, flow easier into the area, and minimize bruising. I had only one small bruised area under my left eye. He uses a blunt cannula to reduce bruising and eliminate the risk of injecting filler into a vessel under the eye that would affect eye sight.
Cost:
This will vary patient to patient. The main reason for that being that everyone will need a different amount of units based on line definition, how deep your areas to be treated are, age, and more. You will get all of this information during your consult.
For Botox, Dr. Lucas is well below industry average at $10/unit. This will change from time to time as specials come and go. This is an incredibly fair price. Filler is quite different. It depends on the product line used. For me, we used 1/2 syringe under each eye meaning we only used one syringe total. That cost would have been $677. Surprise though! Dr. Lucas will be doing BOGO 50% for filler meaning you can treat multiple ares and drive down your syringe cost. Voluma is a bit pricier at $808 per syringe.
Recovery:
Something that makes filler much different is recovery. You may bruise with both, but it is more likely with filler. You are safe to return straight back to work, apply makeup, etc. The only thing to note is that you may want to sleep at a 45 degree angle to keep the filler from settling and you would not want to sleep on the treated area as you can shift the filler and affect results.
With Botox you can return to normal with all activities immediately after and don’t have to worry about changing your sleeping position or applying pressure to the area.
Before and Afters:
I’m not sure about you, but this blew my mind. The vector imaging at The Lucas Center is out of this world. You can see every angle and every detail. These photos show the proof that a little boost can go a long way.
From using just a 1/2 syringe under each eye I achieved a fuller and more youthful under eye area. You might also notice that more defined cheek bone. Wow. Filler truly can work as a mini + temporary face lift ya’ll. I truly feel like I lost 10 years in these photos. (I’m also aware that for being 32 I look much, much younger).
I’ve often gotten a little pushback about Botox and filler because of my appearance and the fact that people think I’m much younger than I am. I am in a place of learning to love myself, and never want anyone to feel that I don’t or that I think I NEED this to be beautiful. I truly appreciate the body that God has given me. I simply wanted to give a little more definition and smoothness to my face here.
Important Details:
I cannot express the importance of using an experienced injector like a board certified plastic surgeon who knows surgical anatomy to maximize not only your results, but also your safety. I’ve heard horror stories from Botox parties, going to a place for botox or filler because they simply had a special, or from not doing your research.
Never ever sacrifice your health and safety to save a dime. You are better off going without than going to see someone who isn’t trained thoroughly enough in this area.
Thank you so much to The Lucas Center for partnering with me for this post. I received these procedures in exchange for my full review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more information about The Lucas Center head here.
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