What I’ve Actually Done to My Face: 43 Years, A Little Botox & A Lot of Trial and Error

From lasers and microneedling to Botox, PRP, skincare, a nose job, and a whole lot of trial and error.

If you read my recent blog about my Korean-inspired skincare weekend in Atlanta, you already know that I have become a little fascinated with skincare, beauty treatments, and, quite frankly, figuring out how to keep my face looking like my face while slowing down the aging process.

Because here is the thing…

I am 43.

And while I am absolutely not trying to look 25 again, I would also like to look in the mirror and think, “Okay girl, we are doing alright.” 😂

I want to age naturally, but I also want to take care of my skin, improve what bothers me, and maintain the best version of what I already have.

I am not interested in looking like a completely different person. I definitely don’t want to be one of those people whose face looks permanently surprised, overly puffy, or like they have random little nodules appearing everywhere.

You know exactly what I mean.

So, over the years, I have tried quite a few things.

Some I absolutely loved.

Some I would do again in a heartbeat.

Some I probably won’t repeat.

So I thought I would share what I actually did, what I thought about each treatment, approximately what I paid, and what I have noticed along the way.

One important disclaimer: I am sharing my personal experiences, not medical advice. Treatments, prices, results, risks, and recommendations can vary significantly from person to person. Do your own research, read reviews, and talk with a qualified professional before deciding what is right for you.

My Most Recent Favorite: Oligio

Let’s start with the treatment I was probably the most excited about from my Korean weekend in Atlanta: Oligio.

I had the treatment done at Med Spa RAUM in Atlanta, Georgia, by the wonderful Katharine.

And I am just going to be honest with you…

It burns.

😂

Not unbearable, but it definitely feels like someone is taking a hot iron and doing a little branding session on your face.

Beauty is pain, right?

Thankfully, I found that taking deep breaths really helped me work through it. Once I got into a rhythm of breathing through each pass, it became much more manageable.

The entire treatment took around 30 minutes and covered my entire face and neck.

Katharine did the right side of my face first and then handed me a mirror.

I could see an immediate difference.

And THAT is what got me excited.

My biggest goals going into this treatment were my tear troughs and getting a little more lift through my face. At 43, I am noticing a little bit of sagging that definitely wasn’t there ten years ago.

The right side looked lifted and tighter, and I was thrilled with what I could see immediately.

The other thing I loved?

There was no downtime for me.

My face looked completely normal that same day, which is a huge win in my book.

I was also told that Oligio works as a natural collagen booster, meaning the results aren’t necessarily just about what you see immediately. Your skin continues working and producing more collagen over the following weeks.

So this is one I am particularly excited to see develop over time.

Would I do it again?

Absolutely.

Of everything I have done recently, this was one of my favorites.

YAG 3000: Brightening & Tackling Those Spots

Another treatment I had done during my Atlanta skincare weekend was the YAG 3000.

The goal here was primarily brightening my skin and helping with some of the spots and discoloration that have accumulated over the years.

And let me tell you…

I have some spots.

Some of them are probably souvenirs from my younger years when I thought having an unlimited monthly tanning membership was a fantastic idea.

We are talking about the years of lying out with my mom, using iodine mixed with baby oil and thinking we were doing something wonderful for ourselves.

Fast forward a few decades and suddenly those little sun spots are showing up in photographs and making me look older than I would prefer. As well as a couple of bouts with skin cancer that required some lovely chemotherapy cream to stop them in their tracks.

So yes, I am now trying to undo some of the things 25-year-old Tiffany thought were a great idea.

My Eyebrows: Let’s Talk About That Experience

While I was at Med Spa Raum, I also had my eyebrows nano-bladed by Miss Stella.

And I really loved how she did them.

The thing that stood out to me was that she did every single hair by hand, which gave the brows a much more natural appearance.

This treatment was around $450.

For about a week afterward, I had to keep my eyebrows dry and follow the aftercare instructions while they healed.

And I was very motivated to follow those instructions because…

I have been down the eyebrow road before.

And it was not a pretty road.

I previously had my eyebrows done in Tulsa, and I spent somewhere around $700–$800 and approximately eight hours on the process.

And today?

I basically have nothing to show for it.

Eight hours.

Hundreds of dollars.

And the task of still drawing in my eyebrows every morning.

So I was especially pleased with how natural these turned out!

To see Stella’s Instagram & my brows in the spotlight (🫣😬), see link: 

View this post on Instagram

IPL: Probably One of My Biggest Wins

If you are dealing with sun damage, this is one treatment I have personally seen excellent results from.

I have had IPL done probably four to six times on my face and around three times on my chest.

And the difference has been significant.

The IPL treatments have been wonderful for helping with my sun spots, freckles, and discoloration.

I typically have these done at Skin Care Institute.

Pricing varies, but treatments have been around $400 +/- per treatment (don’t quote me on this pricing), with packages for the face, neck and chest available at a higher overall price but at a reduced rate per treatment.

And what does IPL feel like?

To me, it is mostly a series of very bright flashes.

It doesn’t hurt terribly much for me, although I have friends who absolutely cannot stand it and say it is too painful.

Everyone’s experience is different.

The downtime isn’t terrible either.

For me, the spots essentially look like little bits of dirt or coffee grounds on my skin for a few days as they darken and eventually flake away.

Except…

It’s not dirt.

It’s all those little freckles and spots saying goodbye.

And I am perfectly okay with that.

Clear + Brilliant: The Easier Laser

Another laser treatment I have had quite a bit of experience with is Clear + Brilliant.

I have primarily had this done at Blank Med Spa, and I have always really liked it.

Clear + Brilliant is what I would consider a lighter, easier laser treatment compared with some of the more aggressive treatments I have tried. It is generally less intimidating, and for me, it seemed to brighten my skin and give it a really nice glow afterward.

I typically see pricing starting around $300+ per treatment, although that can vary depending on where you go and what you are having treated.

The recommendation I have typically heard is around four treatments per year to maintain the results.

Over the last few years, though, I have gradually shifted more toward microneedling and IPL.

That doesn’t mean I didn’t like Clear + Brilliant. I did.

I just started feeling like if I was going to spend the money and take the time to do a treatment, I wanted to focus on the things I was most concerned about; particularly my sun damage, skin texture and overall skin quality.

For me, Clear + Brilliant has always felt like a nice “let’s brighten everything up” treatment.

It gave my skin that fresh, healthy-looking glow without feeling like I had gone through something incredibly intense.

Would I do it again?

Absolutely.

In fact, if someone was looking for a relatively easy way to give their skin a little refresh without jumping straight into more aggressive treatments, this is one I would personally consider.

But once again, I’m learning that the beauty-treatment game is a lot about figuring out what your particular skin needs.

What works beautifully for one person may not be the thing that makes the biggest difference for someone else.

And unfortunately, there isn’t a magic button you can push that says:

“Make me look 32 again.”

Microneedling + PRP: The Vampire Facial

Another treatment I have done probably six to eight times is microneedling.

And if you have the option to add PRP, I personally really like that combination.

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Basically, your own blood is drawn, processed to concentrate the platelets, and then used as part of the treatment.

Hence the glamorous nickname:

The Vampire Facial.

🧛‍♀️

I have had these treatments done at places including Blank Med Spa and Skin Care Institute.

What I really like about microneedling is what happens after the healing process.

For me, my skin tends to peel about a week afterward.

And once the peeling is over?

My skin has a glow that I really love.

I have been told that microneedling is typically recommended to be done around two to four times per year, depending on the person and the treatment plan.

I have also added Exosomes to some treatments because they can be used as part of the post-treatment healing process.

Those have been around $350 and up, depending on the treatment.

Again, I would definitely discuss these options with a qualified professional rather than assuming every add-on is necessary for everyone.

Botox: The Treatment I Never Thought I Would Do

This story still makes me laugh.

Several years ago, I dated a man who had what we jokingly called “white teeth, Botox guy”. 

His skin was smooth, firm, and practically wrinkle-free.

I had never really thought much about Botox.

Until one night.

We were having dinner with about ten friends, and one of the doctors we knew was talking about Botox.

Somehow, the conversation turned toward me.

And this doctor basically said something along the lines of:

Tiffany could use Botox, and we could get rid of those wrinkles in her forehead right now!

Everyone looked at my face.

I later went to the bathroom.

Looked in the mirror.

And thought…

Okay. Maybe it is time.

😂

That was probably about nine years ago.

And now?

I get Botox approximately every three to six months, depending on how my face is looking and what I feel like I need.

I typically spend somewhere between $400–$700, and I have received approximately 40–70 units, depending on the injector and what we are treating.

I have gone to places including Skin Care Institute, Blank Med Spa and Glow.

But I am VERY particular about who injects my face.

And for good reason.

I have had Botox done incorrectly twice, resulting in eyebrow and eyelid sagging that I was absolutely not a fan of.

So please don’t just pick someone because they are offering a deal.

Read reviews.

Ask questions.

Make sure they understand facial anatomy and that you trust the person doing the injections.

And I usually don’t even schedule my Botox until I look in the mirror and think:

“Oh my God. It is time.”

Then I make the appointment.

My Nose Job: The Most Permanent Thing I’ve Done

Okay, let’s go way back.

Back in 2015, my brother once told me that if I got a nose job, I would go from a six to a nine.

I mean…

What a lovely thing for a brother to say. 😂

So naturally, what did I do?

I booked a nose job.

I did a TON of research beforehand, read reviews, and eventually went to Dr. Ivan Wayne in Oklahoma City.

At the time, I paid approximately $8,000 upfront, with no financing.

That was eleven years ago, so I would assume pricing has changed significantly since then.

And honestly?

I could not be happier with my results.

Did I go from a six to a nine?

I don’t know about all that.

But what I do know is that I felt better about myself afterward.

And it gave me a tremendous boost in confidence.

Sometimes a treatment isn’t just about what other people see.

Sometimes it’s about how you feel when you look in the mirror.

And that matters too.

My Teeth: A Little Help for My Smile

I have also had composite bonding done on my front teeth to help straighten and brighten my smile.

My dentist, Dr. Megan Hodges at Elan, has been fantastic.

I had the front four teeth done about a year ago, and at the time the cost was approximately $600 per tooth.

Again, prices can change, so definitely check current pricing.

I was recently told they now offer newer veneers that don’t require your natural teeth to be shaved down in the same way traditional veneers can.

I’ve been looking into those recently, and the pricing I was quoted was approximately $1,700 per tooth, plus or minus, depending on what is needed.

I’m still researching that one.

Because apparently I have decided that my face and my teeth are now ongoing research projects. 😂

Skincare: What I Actually Use at Home

Of course, treatments aren’t everything.

A huge part of maintaining your skin is what you do every day.

Right now, I have been using Musely skincare for about two months.

I use the Cell Repair, along with the anti-aging and spot cream, and so far I have been really happy with what I am seeing.

My Korean bestie, of course, would tell you that I need to use ALL the Korean skincare.

And honestly…I have thoroughly enjoyed what all he has recommended in the past.

He is a huge believer in Korean skincare, including:

• Korean sunscreen every single day
• A good moisturizer
• Toner
• Hyaluronic acid
• Consistent skincare rather than constantly chasing the next miracle product

I also absolutely love the Medicube pore disappearing pads.

Those have become one of my favorites.

And every morning I use vitamin C.

I originally picked mine up while I was in Italy, although you can buy similar products here in the United States. It just tends to be more expensive.

I also use a peptide B serum that I purchased in Italy, morning and night as well, but consistency is key, as I am told. But consistency with my skin care is not my strong suit.  Hey, we can all improve, right? 

The Beauty Treatments That Don’t Cost Me a Fortune

Not everything I do involves a laser or a needle.

I have also gotten into red light therapy.

Crunch Fitness offers red light therapy with my membership, so when I have time, I try to get in a 10–15 minute session.

I recently talked with a professional model who highly recommended red and blue, or possibly red and purple, light therapy mats for the skin.

She told me that many models are using them.

I am still learning about the different types of light therapy, but I am definitely intrigued.

And honestly, if something is included with my gym membership and takes fifteen minutes?

I’m willing to try it.

Lash Lift: Beautiful… But There Was a Catch

I also tried a lash lift after seeing influencer Alix Earle talk about hers.

And I really liked it.

The treatment took about an hour and cost approximately $100–$125.

It made my eyes look more open and lifted, and I thought my lashes looked really nice.

The only problem?

You are supposed to avoid steam and sauna exposure afterward because it can cause the lift to fall faster.

And that is a problem for me.

Because I love my sauna.

I have seen claims that regular sauna use may be associated with substantial reductions in mortality risk, but I think it is important to be careful with those numbers because the research is more complicated than the social-media version of “sauna equals 40% less mortality.”

What I do know is that I enjoy it, I feel good afterward, and I try to make it part of my routine.

So the lash lift was pretty…

But the sauna may win that battle 😂

Gua Sha, Facial Massage & My TikTok Experiment

And now we get into the category of:

“I have no idea if this is actually working, but I’m going to keep doing it because it’s FREE.”

Enter:

Gua sha and facial massage.

I have been learning how to use a stone tool and move it around my face in specific directions.

The idea is that facial massage and techniques like gua sha may help with circulation, relaxation, and temporary puffiness, although I am not going to sit here and tell you that rubbing a stone on your face is going to permanently move your facial structure.

I am still very new to this.

I’ve also been following some women on TikTok who teach facial massage techniques specifically targeting areas like the nasolabial folds and jawline.

Do I know if it is working?

Nope.

Am I going to keep doing it?

Absolutely.

Because number one, it’s free.

And number two, those ladies’ results look pretty darn good.

But we all know the internet comes with a giant asterisk.

What you see on TikTok and Instagram isn’t always the complete story.

Lighting matters.

Angles matter.

Makeup matters.

Filters matter.

And sometimes a woman simply has incredible genetics.

So I am keeping my expectations realistic.

And Yes… I Exercise My Face Too

I have also been doing more yoga and recently added weights into my practice.

I’m hopeful that building strength throughout my body will help me maintain muscle tone as I age.

I’ve also become fascinated by how much attention we give to the muscles in our bodies while completely ignoring the muscles in our faces.

We think nothing of getting a massage when our shoulders are tight or when we have knots in our backs.

So why wouldn’t facial muscles also benefit from relaxation and massage?

I am still learning about all of this, and I am not claiming that facial exercises are going to magically lift my face.

But again…

It is free.

And I’m having fun with it.

Hydrafacials: The Glow Is Real… But How Long Does It Last?

Another treatment I have had multiple times is a Hydrafacial.

And I really, really like a Hydrafacial.

There is something about walking out of one with your skin feeling incredibly clean, hydrated, and glowing that makes you immediately want to take 47 selfies.

Okay… maybe not 47.

But definitely a few. 😂

The immediate results are probably my favorite part. My skin feels plump, fresh, and dewy, and I love the way my face looks right afterward.

But here’s where I am still undecided:

How long does that glow actually last?

For me, I feel like the noticeable results disappear fairly quickly.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the treatment isn’t doing anything beneficial for my skin long-term, but I personally notice the “Wow, my skin looks amazing!” effect more immediately afterward than weeks later.

Hydrafacials are designed to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin, and that combination can give you that fresh, dewy appearance. But I don’t personally think of them as a treatment that dramatically changes the structure of my skin the way something like IPL, microneedling, or a tightening treatment can.

So, are they worth the money?

I’m still undecided.

They generally start around $250 and up, depending on where you go and what you add to the treatment.

For me, I think a Hydrafacial makes the most sense when you have something coming up and want that extra glow.

A vacation.

A wedding.

A big event.

A photoshoot.

A date.

Or just one of those days when you look in the mirror and think, “I need a little help, please.” 😂

I have also had plenty of other facials over the years: diamond facials, anti-aging facials, traditional facials, and probably several others that I can’t even remember the name of.

And honestly?

They can all start to sound pretty similar.

At the end of the day, I’m not someone who gets a facial every month.

Not because I don’t enjoy them.

I absolutely do.

But let’s be real:

All of this adds up.

No one else is paying my bills except me, so I have to be strategic about where I spend my money.

I know people who get a facial once a month, and their skin absolutely shines.

So maybe there really is something to the consistency.

I just haven’t committed to that level of facial maintenance yet.

And I also think a HUGE part of the experience comes down to who is actually doing your facial.

We’ve all had that esthetician who seems like they are just going through the motions, thinking about what they’re having for dinner and counting down the minutes until they can get out the door.

You know the one. 😬

Then there are the estheticians who take their time, actually look at your skin, listen to what you’re concerned about and customize what they’re doing.

That makes a completely different experience.

So if you have a facial that you swear by, especially one that you think is actually worth the money, I want to know about it.

Because I am always willing to try something new.

Just preferably something that makes me look fantastic without requiring me to sell a kidney. 😂

What Has Actually Worked for Me?

After all these years and all of these treatments, I think the biggest lesson I have learned is that there isn’t one magic treatment.

It is more about maintenance.

For me, that has meant a combination of professional treatments, skincare, sunscreen, exercise, sleep, hydration, eating well, and taking care of myself overall.

The treatments that I have personally been happiest with include:

Oligio — for tightening/lifting and helping with the appearance of my tear troughs.

IPL — for my sun damage, freckles, and pigmentation.

Microneedling + PRP — for overall skin texture and that post-healing glow.

Botox — when I feel like my wrinkles are getting a little too comfortable.

Nano blading — because apparently I want eyebrows.

Red light therapy — an easy addition when I have the time.

And good skincare every single day.

But Here’s What I Really Want You to Take Away

I am not writing this because I think everyone should run out and get Botox, lasers, microneedling, or a nose job.

Quite the opposite.

I am sharing this because these are the things I have personally tried, and I know how helpful it can be to hear someone’s honest experience before spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on something.

Some treatments have worked beautifully for me.

Some haven’t.

And even after all of this, there are still days when I look in the mirror in certain sunlight and gasp.

Because apparently the sun has a very different opinion of me than my bathroom mirror does 😂

Photos don’t show everything.

Lighting doesn’t show everything.

And aging is going to happen whether we like it or not.

So I am trying to find the balance between taking care of myself and not becoming obsessed with every little line, wrinkle, spot, or change.

I want to maintain my natural beauty.

I want to look like myself.

I want to look as young as I reasonably can without looking like I have had so much work done that my face no longer moves in a recognizable way.

But most importantly, I want to remember that what is on the inside matters so much more than what is on the outside.

I have to remind myself of that pretty much every day.

Because at the end of the day, if I look in the mirror, get myself fixed up, smile, and think, “Okay… we’re doing alright,” then I think that’s pretty darn good.

At 43, I am learning that taking care of yourself isn’t necessarily about trying to become someone else.

Sometimes it’s simply about looking at the person you already are and saying:

“Let’s take good care of her.” ❤️

And if that means a little Botox, a laser treatment, some Korean skincare, a little gua sha, and occasionally standing in front of the mirror wondering what happened to the girl who used baby oil to tan…

Well…

Welcome to 43.

We’re figuring it out together.

Want to Know What I Learned From My Korean Skincare Weekend?

If you haven’t read my previous post about my Korean skincare weekend in Atlanta, start there.

I walked you through the treatments, the Korean beauty philosophy that inspired the trip, and why I have become so interested in the Korean approach to skincare and aging.

[READ: My Korean Skincare Weekend in Atlanta → https://myheartfeltliving.com/my-korean-anti-aging-weekend-in-atlanta-food-friendship-beauty-finding-my-glow/

And if you are coming from that post, now you know the rest of the story:

These are the things I’ve actually tried.

Some I loved.

Some I didn’t.

And there is still plenty more I want to learn.

Because apparently at 43, I have decided my face is a long-term research project. 😂

With Love & Light,

Tiffany