I was contacted to get a service with a new Dermatologist to the Scottsdale area, Dr. Lal. He recently joined the Affiliated Dermatology practice. Dr. Lal is the only double board certified physician in the US in both Cosmetic Dermatology and Pediatric Dermatology. His experience and training is what you should look for in a medical provider to receive this type of treatment.
I had researched the 2 types of Fraxel Laser as they are commonly known. There is an Ablative version (which is what I had) and a non-ablative version ( a much easier recovery but with less results in the end). So if you know me I figured I’d rather go BIG or go home! Haha!
An ablative fractional laser skin resurfacing procedure is a more aggressive form of laser resurfacing. The ablative aspect makes use of intense heat to vaporize skin cells (versus non ablative lasers which do not destroy skin cells), and the fractional aspect means the laser treatment is targeted to a specific treatment area. Ablative fractional laser skin resurfacing treatments stimulate new collagen production, tighten and tone underlying skin, and destroy old, damaged, or hyperpigmented skin cells. It’s a fractional ablative treatment. This laser creates small channels within your skin and removes a fraction of your skin. This creates a wound that allows for collagen stimulation and improved skin, texture, quality, and tone. It is a high risk procedure and that’s why I sought a board certified cosmetic dermatologist such as Dr. Lal.
First step is to cleanse the skin well.
The next step is the application of the numbing cream. This at the very minimum needs to stay on before the treatment about 20-25 min. I remember waiting almost 45 min when I had my keloid scar lasered years ago. Maybe it would be better to be patient with this a little longer.
And now we laser! It was all coming back to me as we started. It is not for the faint of heart for sure. But nothing good comes easy. If I can do this you can because overall I can be a wimp lol. Dr. Lal made sure to cover all my face. My main areas of concerns were above both my eyebrows on my forehead and of course the dreaded “11s”.
The next day was a bit rough. My skin did feel like my face is on fire like an intense sunburn, which lasted about 2-3 days. I was prepared for this but I did not expect the swelling on my cheeks in some areas to be so puffy. I knew it would go down as time passed but it was a bit more than I expected. Now that being said everyone heals differently and at different rates.
Update Jan 15, 2023: My skin had tiny pinpoint scabs from tiny areas of bleeding. Those channels that Dr. Lal explained were noticeable and the laser tracks could be seen for the next 1-2 days. The nurse had provided me with a bag of CeraVe products for the first several days to use post-treatment. First, I used their Hydrating Facial Cleanser. This really helped to slough off those tiny little scabs. Next, I was given to apply to my face the CeraVe Healing Ointment, which for the first few days I used several times a day (amazing stuff by the way–my face was cooled right after using this). Lastly, I had some of the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen-SPF 30. It is super important to protect your skin from sun exposure after this treatment. So the only thing I needed/chose to buy was some full coverage foundation to go to work on Monday. Overall, on the swelling along my jawline and under my eyes looked much less by Monday morning.
Update Jan 16, 2023 The next photos are some really up close ones of my skin approximately 72+ hours after the treatment.
This next photo was taken 2 weeks after my treatment
And finally about one month after my Fraxel Ablative Treatment. My final thoughts are yes I would do it again in a heartbeat! (ok maybe not that quickly haha). It is easy to be worried the first few days, because it was hard to sleep with my skin feeling like it was burning. Just be patient. The following night was much better already. This is totally doable but be prepared and ask questions so you know ahead of time what to expect.
First was about how long does this last? Typically, it is recommended to get 3 treatments over about 3 to 6 months. After this the results last about 2 years. Also, I am a Latina and you have to be careful with who performs this treatment on different skin types. Another question was how soon after this treatment can you get facials, dermaplaning or other spa grade treatments for your skin. Well usually about 14 days later is what Dr. Lal recommends. So if you are looking to do something amazing for your skin call Dr. Lal’s office. See his contact info below. Make sure you say All The Prettys sent you for 10% off a treatment package.
I am so excited to share with you all my Invisalign journey. I was super excited that in early 2019 I got a message about collaborating with a great local Orthodontics office, called Premier Orthodontics. They have six locations all over the Valley here. I spoke with the owner Dr. Dustin Coles and we talked about my smile goals! Eventually, I was contacted that I was chosen for this collaboration and I could not contain my excitement! And now I can’t wait to take you along with me so let’s go!
Here is my before photo so you can see where I started.
This was right before going into the office for the very first time. I was a bit nervous but also super excited.
This is “my” office located in central Phoenix off Peoria Ave. Super easy to find and parking is never a problem.
They had some goodies waiting for me! I was so surprised by this detail.
After arriving I sat down with Jahaira, the treatment coordinator, who walked me through the process before meeting the doctor which was really a nice step.
I then was led out to the area so I could get my panoramic x-rays done so they could asses my teeth placement as they were in March 2019. Then I sat in a chair and they used a computerized wand to create a three dimensional mock up of my teeth, which was the coolest thing ever!!
The after the modulation was created, Dr. Sharma came over to explain all the images to me and talk about my treatment plan.
This consult time with Dr. Sharma was so great! She shows you exactly what your future progress with be, answers any questions or concerns and gives you a general idea of how long your Invisalign journey would be. This visit is where they order your trays and then set up your follow-up to return to the clinic for your first tray fitting.
Update: Second visit: June 2019
My next visit at Premier Ortho was right on schedule. The office called a few days prior to my appointment to confirm that my trays were ready. I got to the office that afternoon and to say I was excited was an understatement!
When I arrived they sat me in one of the dental chairs and then reviewed my box of trays with me. (my first box contains 15 weekly change out trays). They explained that once a weekly I would change to the next set of trays (the upper and lower set come in a sealed plastic envelope). Then came the surprise part haha! I obviously did not understand the part about the “attachments” correctly. Basically, small almost triangle shaped attachments are glued onto each tooth that needs to be moved or adjusted in a certain direction. I ended up with over 20 different spots on my teeth with attachments.
Later when I placed the first set of trays in my mouth I understood why! The attachments create almost a pressure like tight grip to help the plastic trays “MOVE” your teeth. Whoa! Ok so check out the videos below for my funny surprised reaction and trying to get used to talking with the trays in my mouth.
Update: August 19, 2019
I am on my last set of trays from this first box and have a follow-up later this week. So a few thoughts so far about my journey. First, of all “Owww” haha. Yeah I guess I didn’t expect to be as sore as I have been with some trays certain weeks. Now to be honest it is not all the time. So say for instance it usually lasts on days 1-3 at most with a new set of trays. Also not all tray sets are that tight. If it is too much try OTC Ibuprofen–I think I only took some one time.
Second, I devised a cute little carry case with all my essentials. A foldable, portable tooth brush that I picked up at Target. Then the travel sized tooth paste and some dental floss. I will not put the trays back in after eating until my teeth are brushed and ready again. I also did order a few things from Amazon, such as a tool to remove my trays (one too many times of chipping my nail polish and I was DONE). I also ordered some of the Chewies as spares to have around to get my trays to fit good and tight. Then I got some special sugar free mints that you can suck on while your trays are in place. I always used to have gum to chew during my long commute, but with my alingers in that can’t happen right now. These mints were the perfect solution for this. And finally, I got these dissolvable crystals to clean the trays better in between trays exchanges. Now you DO NOT NEED to buy anything extra. I like to usually jump into something new and go a bit overboard lol.
Lastly, my teeth…well how do they look. I have noticed in the last several weeks a huge improvement already. My appointment is this Wednesday and I cannot wait for Dr. Sharma to check it out for herself. I will also let you know that during this while process you are not supposed to whiten your teeth. This was another surprise to me! I drink red wine and tea all the time. I did ask why and the answer makes sense and is very simple..if you use whitening gel it will whiten your tooth/teeth but where each attachment is sitting will remain covered. Otherwise, you will have two colored polka dot looking teeth! No way! So best advice be patient.
Update: August 21, 2019–Third visit to Premier Ortho
This was a quick visit. They did another set of xrays (panoramic kind) and they used the computerized wand to recreate my smile as of today. All this will be sent to Invisalign to make my next set of aligners. As of right now I am down to my last two–the one I am currently using and one more. I won’t be back for 4 more weeks so I need to make these two sets last lol. Basically, I am to only wear them at night like retainers so the teeth don’t move back until my weekly aligners are ready for my next fitting! Nest appointment is mid September 2019. Sorry no real videos or pics from today’s visit. Next time!
Update: September 18, 2019
Things are moving along well. I am really seeing shifting of my front teeth, but I FEEL shifting in my molars. So as a Marisol Tip to you is get lots of dental floss picks. As you get used to eating with your teeth shifting…well lets say it doesn’t look cute to have food stuck in places. I also will be need more trays soon so those have been ordered. My next appointment will be in about 4 weeks when the new trays arrive.
Update October 2019
This was a quick recheck and tray pick up for me today. Dr. Sharma and I were working at replacing a few attachments that had fallen off. I got to see my latest scans and wow I’m so surprised with the progress so far. I have such high hopes for this all! Check out the latest pics from the visit and my after visit summary down below.
BEFORE
AFTER ( I used a scrolling text on the story oops I shouldn’t do that huh?!)
Update November 2019
Quick visit today and more scans to see my progress. Check out the videos below for the latest visit summary. This was the next morning and I am currently in tray 7 of these new trays!
Marisol Tip#2 WEAR YOUR TRAYS ALL THE TIME!! Haha no for real. Your teeth are really shifting at this point and you can really feel the difference with by this time. So don’t delay the progress and forget your trays in “your face”!
UPDATE DECEMBER 2019
This appointment was a quick recheck with Dr. Sharma again. I am on tray 12 of this set of trays out of 27 at this point. Also I’m wearing them almost one week long here. MARISOL TIP #3–Get yourself some INVISALIGN CLEANING CRYSTALS
This is not a sponsored link just my sharing my find with you all. Here is my Instagram stories from the next morning summary after this visit.
Update Jan/Feb 2020: I continued with the trays through the holidays. I went home for Christmas to Kansas City and of course took all my trays with me for this period.
Update March 2020: This visit I got to see Dr. Coles and I got some exciting surprising news. See the latest stories down below and the video of my progress so far. At this point I am on tray 23 of 27 in this current box.
Ok so this was my last visit for quite awhile. As everyone on the planet knows March 2020 the world changed as we know it. Premier Ortho sent my some refining trays and other things through the mail but at this point we had no idea how long we would be out of the office.
Update September 2020:
Well due to the length of time we we away from the process, a few things changed. Dr. Sharma was no longer with the practice but I started seeing Dr. Kothari (love her too!). They got new scans and and well it was decided to take me back a few months which was just fine with me as long I was able to progress and track again.
So from this visit I got BAGS of boxes of trays lol. I was to change my trays daily at this point. Now sometimes they still prettys tight so I was told it was ok to extend the use for 1-3 days out depending how I felt with the tightness and soreness. I was to continue this for quite awhile.
Update November 2020: This visit was at a different location due to my work schedule. I happen to live pretty close to 3 different locations. This was at their Union Hills new office.
So today I got some updated attachments on my teeth to help along the tracking of my teeth. You can see the new ones that were placed.
Update April 2022
I have been working with Dr. Neves for several months now. It has been so awesome meeting all the different providers at Premier Ortho and seeing how nice everyone of them has been. I was excited to see that I was almost done at this point. Plans were made to order my final retainer for home maintenance. This visit was also the removal of the funny little “knobs” called “attachments” that have been on my teeth. This visit they were removed and final photos were taken!!
And well that was my Invisalign Journey! It was so amazing to be chosen for this. I know I feel very lucky to have gotten this opportunity. A very big THANK YOU to PREMIER ORTHO and all the doctors and staff. Here is a final photo of my smile.
Update 2023
After some time of cleaning my final retainer. I have been using baking soda and white vinegar, but the reatiner remained cloudy. I didn’t want to get harsh chemicals to soak something that i will be putting into my mouth. I happen to be scrolling on Instagram and saw an ad for a ZIMA DENTAL POD. i reached out to the company and they were kind enough to offer me a discount so I could buy one. The Dental pod uses high-frequency 42,000 hz ultrasonic waves to vibrate the solution and produce millions of nano-scale bubbles. These bubbles rapidly expand and collapse, releasing a large amount of energy, continuously scouring and smashing the grime, bacteria and plaque while being non abrasive to your dental appliance.
I am so excited to share with you all my recent visit to Cosmetic Laser Solutions in Scottsdale, Arizona. I made arrangements with Cindy Semerdijan. She is a Certified Laser Technician with more than 20 year of experience. She and I met one week for the initial consult and to discuss the plan for my skin. Cindy looked over my face and after some discussion about my recent sun exposure (yikes I got sunburned) it was decided to postpone my actual laser treatment for a bit to allow my skin to heal. Keep reading!
–This picture was taken 3 weeks after the treatment and my skin is glowing! #nofilter, just the sunset on the beach!
OK, so let me back track a little bit. The first week of July I was home in Kansas City and I spent many hours outside at a water park. Well, I had applied sunscreen and kept reapplying many times during this day. It was almost time to leave and we all decided to go on the lazy river ride one last time –I think this was when it really happened. I am sure I forgot to reapply once again here. I got sunburned–weird patches over my arms, legs, tops of my feet and especially my face ( forehead, cheeks, nose and chin). Now after this I peeled for weeks. Fast forward to my visit visit with Cindy on August 16th. She was so professional and kind. She finally assessed that I could not have the laser treatment on face this day, due to my sunburn history (now in my defense I have not had a sunburn since I was like 12 years old!!)
Ok So let me show you all my visit and the test spots that we did during the first visit. Ready?! Let’s go!!
Cosmetic Laser Solutions in Scottsdale, AZ–Entrance!
The lobby and the waiting area is so pretty, including the peaceful waterfall.
The exam rooms are set up with the laser and all the serums that are used for each treatment
Cindy decided to try a few test areas along my jawline to see if I would have any reaction to the laser. Watch the next two videos. I was given instructions to call Cindy if I had any problems and reschedule in a couple of weeks for the full face treatment.
Before
See the red area on my right cheek. Very mild discomfort and very mild redness really. So far not bad at all! Here are my thoughts after leaving the office. See the videos below!
Continues in the next next video!
Until the next visit about 2 + weeks later due to my crazy schedule lol. Ok here we go!
Each exam room has a different purpose and this is the actual LaseMD room
Ok, I’m ready for my treatment! I was a bit anxious as with any laser treatment that I’ve done, but Cindy was so patient. She explained everything at length and was so nice.
Another BEFORE pic and now you get to see the actual treatment happening! See the videos below and listen to Cindy explain everything!
Here is a photo right after the completed treatment!
Next, Cindy applied a cooling serum, which she sent home with me for me to continue to use on my skin.
Then was a fun mask that also cooled down my skin and helps with the process. The LaseMD creators have designed this entire program for after-care. This is all included in your treatment!
Boo! Haha! Don’t you love a good skin mask?!
Later that night (around 10 pm) I filmed an update. You can clearly see the redness was really minimal after just a few hours.
Oh btw this is with no makeup of any kind!
As a medical provider myself, you definitely want to do your own research about the type of laser which is best for skin. That being said this new LaseMD laser is perfect for all skin types and is more of a smoothing than repairing harsh laser. Also very important to note is to find a specialist as qualified as Cindy that can best guide you and educate you about your skin’s needs. If you live in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area I cannot recommend Cosmetic Laser Solutions enough. Cindy will be your best advocate to make your own skin your very best skin.
—-This post was Sponsored and my treatment was gifted by CSL. All opinions are mine and mine alone of my experience and any products gifted.
I am here to share my experience using two new Neutrogena products. First being their Lightweight Sunscreen and the second being their Rapid Wrinkle repair. Ok here we go!
I’ve been using these products for almost a month now. I wanted to really see if I had any weird problems and if I saw any difference too, before writing up my review. Sometimes as bloggers we have certain deadlines to meet, but I try to give products a chance to have time to work or not to work.
I am really loving my skin with this hydrating cream. I feel it melts my fine lines more subtly away. The product is a combination of three main ingredients. First being a retinol, which smoothes away wrinkles and reduces the discolorations of the skin, next it contains a glucose complex, and lastly a hyaluronic acid which is the major hydrating factor in the cream.
I have always said I use sunscreen, but truthfully I never use a separate sunscreen (just SPF mixed in my mineral makeup). I figured it would be like the sunscreen you wear for pool days; all thick and coconut scented haha, boy was I wrong.
The blendability is really good, the sunscreen does not drag at all. It absorbs really easily. For my concerns, the non-comedogenic factor is super important. This means it does not clog your skin, which for my skin translates into I won’t break out haha. Neutrogena’s sunscreen line contains Helioplex technology, which is a combination of five different sun blocking agents that protect your skin against UVA and UVB damage. The surprising thing that none of these ingredients is zinc oxide, which was the main sunscreen ingredient for years.
So I hope this gives you a good idea about these two products. Feel free to ask me any questions down below. I will do my best to answer them and let you know more in depth what I thought.
I wanted to tell you about a new product that I just received. Its a makeup applicator called Sonicblend. Now this is not just any electronic brush, this has such a superior quality of application! The Sonicblend to begin with has antimicrobial properties so the brush head stays cleaner longer. Now for the application part, the Sonicblend rotates faster than any other makeup brush at up to 400 micro-movements per second. This results in a natural airbrushed look every time!
First, choose your liquid foundation to start. You’ll just need a small dab really. I use the back of my hand, but there are makeup palettes or even a small ceramic dish.
The brush speed is programmed for the easiest of applications. It easily charges for use with the USB cord that it included. This brush stays charged for many uses, not just the one time.
The brush can be used to apply various cream products, such as highlighter, bronzers or a cream blush tint. The brush is so advance that it uses:
“Intuitive patent based technology that uses sonic movements to prevent clumping by dispersing individual granules of makeup into wrinkles, enlarged pores & fine lines for a 3D flawless makeup application”–Sonicblend
The cream blush seemed better to try than a powder version for better refined control. The Sonicblend does apply powder makeup too.
See how natural it goes on!
This is the finished application up close!
I really love the natural looking coverage you get with the Sonicblend beauty brush. I am not a beauty blogger at all. I am actually quite inept at makeup overall haha. I love this brush which helps me make the process fool-proof! I’ll link the brush below.
Its already August! I can’t believe how fast this summer is going by. I wanted to share with all you a few of my summer favorites that I loving right now. Get ready and scroll on down!
Sunglasses: Zero UV These are such a cool iced pink color with a subtle cat eye. This company has really cute styles and most are around $10. Yup, that’s right!!!
Cranberry Sugar Body Scrub: Lather This sugar scrub has pieces of little cranberries in it! Ok so this makes me super happy haha. It leaves your skin soft and smooth and it isn’t overly oily as some body scrubs can be (won’t name which company –it’s one everybody likes, but me).
True Lemon Natural Flavor Packets: True Lemon has many flavors such as lime, orange, wild berry lemonade, and peach lemonade. I am the worst at drinking water and these all natural flavor packets really help my daily intake. No scary chemical fake sugar wannabes here.
Cute flamingo water bottle: Need I say more. Its a flamingo, it has an M, its super cute you can find it at Dawlens
Magazines: I have always had a love of magazines, especially for reading while lounging on my pool float. This 435 Magazine is all about my hometown of Kansas City and the fun new happening things going on there. It makes me miss home, but I love keeping up on how hip KC has become.
Lip Tints & Sunscreen: Babo Botanicals has such great sun protectant products. I love these Lip Tints with SPF 15 and a hint of color. The facial sunscreen is formulated for sensitive skin and SPF 40 for daily wear. Here in Phoenix the sun is why we all live here, but no one wants melanoma or any kind of skin damage. Hence, cover up your lips too–the most delicate skin on your face after your eyelids!!
Gorgeous Gold Tube Cream Blusher: Box of Style This Beauty Counter product is a two in one product for cheeks and lips. This product hydrates and goes on smoothly. It came in my subscription box for the summer from Rachel Zoe. Use this code to get your summer box: PRETTYSSU10
Let me know in the comments below one of your favorite product for the summer!
I just tried a great new product for you skin. I love getting the chance to try a product and report back to you what I think. This is about Simplicity Skincare.
I was intrigued by the bottle design, which has two chambers. One side for the moisturizer and the other for hyaluronic acid. This combination creates a balance for your skin with the accepting of the moisture and the actual adding of moisture.
I’ve been using the superior serum for about a week now and I like how my skin feels smoother and not greasy at all. The flakiness that I have by living in the desert has drastically improved. I’m truly loving this product!
Now the best news ever! You too can try out Simplicity Skincare. They are hosting a giveaway for my readers, which you can enter on the link below!
I wanted to tell you all about this skin renewing complex from Jan Marini. This product is designed to help diminish the damage from sun exposure and the overall aging process.
After cleansing face well, shake the bottle, then apply sparingly to entire face and neck area, both morning and night.
Gently, work in the serum and follow with your favorite moisturizer.
This Hyaluronic Acid based formula aids with the skin’s overall hydration, thus boosting collagen and elastin. Check out the link below for before and after pictures of real clients showing their skin’s improved elasticity and the reduction of fine line and wrinkles. I have been using my product for about 2 to 3 weeks now. I am lucky to not have any major wrinkles although in the last year or two there are for sure fine lines. I look forward to these lessening with daily use! Link below for contest. Enter now!!
I was chosen to try a new product by NeoStrata. The company has been working on revolutionary technology since the late 1980s. The two founding physicians studied the response of the skin layers, with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid. I am very familiar with one of their earlier discoveries. I had even prescribed Lac-Hydrin lotion for patients with Keratosis Pilaris on their upper arms. This calming anti-inflammatory (non-steroidal) shedding if the skin lessens the uneven appearance of the “chicken-like” skin that patients are very self-conscious about.
This same duo designed this at home glycolic wash to be tough, yet gentle for daily use. The directions actually state you can use it twice a day.
The bottle is ready to deliver a generous squirt of a foam that you you will apply to wet skin. It immediately tingles, just like a real glycolic peel. Now the only thing I wasn’t sure how long to leave the foam on or whether or not I should be working into my skin or not.
After, you rinse thoroughly for a minute or two until the tingling of the skin subsides. And its that easy! I have used this once a day for a good week and I LOVE it. I can feel my skin smoothness coming back. It really makes it more even and not flaky. If you check it let me know what you think!
I am so super happy to tell you all about this new hair care collection. I was chosen to try Hask’s newest line and I’m in love! See all that HASK has to offer here.
The new Greek Yogurt Collection comes in three types depending on your hair’s needs. First, is the Fig and Honey for much needed hydration. Then there is the Pomegranate and Cherry for color protection, and the one I chose is the Blueberry and Aćai for overall repair (which lord knows I so need).
The blueberries are full of antioxidants, which helps restore your dry and damaged hair. The Aćai berry contains essential vitamins to prevent breakage. I don’t typically style my hair every day for work to give it a break, but I still get split ends so fast.
The craziest thing about these tubes is that is has two sides or chambers. The one half is the greek yogurt, which helps add moisture. So when you squeeze the shampoo tube, the fruit side ( the other side) and the yogurt side both come out and get mixed together when you lather your hair!! So cool and futuristic huh?!?
The conditioner is for daily use. Leave it on for about 2 min, for my hair like 10 min lol. Oh and I almost forgot the smell is like a blueberry pie, so good.
The deep conditioner works better for my coarse hair type as a daily conditioner. No one else would need to use this more than maybe once a week though. And as with all Hask products, these are free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten (something I look for being Celiac) & drying alcohol (crazy huh that products add this when they are supposed to be helping to add moisture).
So have I peaked your interest or at least made you hungry haha!?! You can find the new Hask Greek Yogurt Collection exclusively at Walgreens for now SHOP HERE.
Photography: Always Avi (a fellow blogger who just rebranded her site–Check her out)!!
