40 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com small amount of damage done to my skin by the needles will trigger a healing effect and call on my body’s collagen to regenerate the skin. Sounds like torture, doesn’t it? Truthfully, save for a few “spicy” areas near my lips and on my chest, it’s quite painless. This is my fourth session, spaced four to six weeks apart, the recommended starting point. Since I’ve started, I’ve seen a drastic improvement from my post-cancer treatment skin. I haven’t felt the need to use much Botox, any fillers or other treatments, though nothing is off the table. Look, I don’t expect these treatments to repair psychological issues. Getting zapped, injected, pinched and poked can’t cure those fears in my psyche that are so deeply planted right now. They can, however, help banish the specter of all that I’ve been through these past two years. With a healthy, nonchemo related glow, firmer skin and less obvious wrinkles, I use a fraction of the cosmetics I was using. And though I still show signs of a life well-lived, I don’t look ill. Everyone meets the challenges of their medical treatments differently. You are not required to “be pretty” for anyone. You’re also not required to give in and submit to the side effects of your treatments. There are resources out there that can help. Do your homework. Check out the pros and cons of any treatments you’re considering. RealSelf.com is a helpful resource for that. Investigate and interview providers, too. Take your time to get an assessment before committing to a procedure. While most of these aesthetic treatments can be “undone” in some fashion, it’s better to have a good experience right out of the gate.
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