Okay, so maybe I'm vain.
Today is the day that I’m going in for injectable cosmetic filler. And, although needles don’t normally bother me… I’m a bit anxious about this one.
The reason? I’m getting “Restylane
Home trailer ” injected into my cleft lip scar. Granted, since the scar was revised back in 2001, it’s appearance has been greatly minimized (and some friends even say they don’t notice it at all… Although, seriously, how can you not?) but it’s been six years, and the scar has sunken in a little, and it’s noticeable to me. And, I’m quite sure those that have never met me do notice it as well.
But, it’s for me. I’ve lived with this birth defect all my life, and after a total of 18 surgeries (yes, 18), I think I earned the right (without the label of ‘vain’) to pay (*gulp* $600) to have something done to greatly reduce my scar’s visibility.
Eventually, I’ll have fractional laser work done as a more permanent way to minimize the appearance of the scar, but, this procedure over lunch today is about as drastic as I want to go for now. It’s a needle, and it’ll be poked into my scar many times… hopefully restoring and repairing the area where my skin lost some of the fullness I had back after my surgery — and that area is already very sensitive without messing with it with a needle.
Wish me luck!!
UPDATE: No go. The dermatologist discussed the treatment with me, and said that the Restylane wouldn’t be the right option, and that currently, there are no fillers he can do that would be strong enough to stay in place. Uh, okay… Why didn’t these people just say that on the phone when I told them specifically what I was coming in for? And, what do other people who have facial scars do… And, why does the Restylane site say that the product is good for scarring, if it isn’t. *annoyed*
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hey there …
haven’t been here for AGES!
18 operations? oh no! yes, you have earned the right, and the right to be driven there in a limo and come back to a home filled with red roses!! geesh.
sending you lots of good thoughts and wishes for a supple upper lip.
isabella mori’s last blog post: frozen pea friday: researching tamoxifen
I don’t think you are vain at all. I think you are brave to endure a neeedle like that. I think you are very smart to do something that will make you feel better. Who cares what others think, its how you feel about your self that is important. I’ll be thinking and squirming for you.
I hope it’s not too painful!
And yeah, that’s not vain. If you were getting a boob job, then maybe
And actually I didn’t notice anything until a bunch of years back when I first read that you’d had those surgeries. Maybe I’d been too busy staring at your boobs or something.
gillian’s last blog post: Friday Cat Blogging: hearts
You *are* indeed brave, and I am here keeping my fingers crossed for you. But just one word before you enter that room. In my view, you are BEAUTIFUL, no matter what. And you know me well enough to know that I don’t just say that, I really DO mean it
Hugs, and see you tomorrow!
Raul’s last blog post: Restaurant review – Tequila Kitchen (Yaletown)
Aww… thanks guys.
I was denied, though. Apparently, the Restylane just isn’t strong enough to “hold up” the scar, and I need to reconsider options.
The dermatologist (wow, young guy) actually said he wouldn’t bother, anyhow. The scar isn’t visible enough. Doh. I think it is.
it is likely that you see it as much more prominent than others.
see what else you can do with the $600
david, 7000 feet up’s last blog post: hehe
You know that us Useless Men love a good scar! We’ll regale each other with them. Sure, your story doesn’t really resonate like the time I went head over teakettle on my bike (bicycle, not motorbike) and needed a skin graft on my arm.
I used to tell people it was a band saw accident. Sounded cooler. Maybe we just a cooler story for the scar, OR a cool nickname for it?
No?
Hello? Anyone?
USELESS MEN’s last blog post: QUESTION # 658: ROYALLY USELESS