GUEST WRITER SLK

Before Botox

My good friend, Darren, and I were having one of our two martini lunches at Gotham on East 12th Street, a favorite martini lunch spot in New York. As with any martini infested lunch between friends, the subject turned to other friends and although I try not to repeat gossip, I am more than willing to listen. After the first martini, Darren informed me that our mutual friend had begun Botox. Being the inquisitive person that I am, especially when someone’s appearance is at stake, I asked how he looked. Darren rolled his eyes, took a final sip of his martini and indicated he was looking very plastic. Personally, I have not been too eager to indulge in the Botox craze mainly because I love having the ability to raise the corners of my eyebrows to frighten off unwanted suitors. (It can be very effective.) Now, I have seen many people whose faces look measurably improved by using Botox without the plastic look so I am not ruling it out completely. I have decided that, for the time being, a healthier route of youth preservation is the best course for me. I have always been a firm believer that whatever you do to enhance your looks, be it hair color, preserving youth, makeup, teeth whitening or even plastic surgery, you should strive to look as natural as possible.

The thought of removing lines and wrinkles is appealing, however, so when Antonio suggested I speak with Shelly Goldsmith at Eva Scrivo Salon (212-677-7315) about her acufacials, which uses acupuncture to create a more youthful appearance, I was eager to explore the possibility. During my consultation, Shelly explained the art of Chinese medicine which works with your body’s flow of energy to alleviate ailments. She was able to answer all of my questions as well as alleviate any fears I had about needles sticking in my body. She explained that the procedure would help soften some of the wrinkles and lines on my face. She also was clear about lines that could be removed completely and those that could only be softened. She also indicated that she could help reduce the effects of nasolabial wasting, the loss of muscle tone and body fat in your cheeks which causes the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth. Finally she showed me how acupuncture could help me reduce frowning so that the lines between my eyes would not become more severe over time. The procedure included ten weekly one hour sessions after which I reduced my visits to once a month for maintenance. After the first session, I noticed a major improvement and by the end of the tenth session, several lines on my face were gone completely and my face had a more even tone. By building the muscles in my cheeks she was able to reduce the effects of nasolabial wasting. In addition to improving my appearance, the wonderful thing about acupuncture is that it is one hour of pure heaven. As soon as Shelly places the needles in me, which does not hurt at all, I feel my entire body relaxing to the point where I am almost in a meditative sleep. Tragically I consistently wake myself up by snoring. In addition to softening lines and removing wrinkles on my face, Shelly has been able to help alleviate several ailments, including headaches, inflammation and, on occasion, she has reduced the severity of symptoms associated with colds and the flu.

If you decide to visit either Shelly, please tell her you read about her on Hair by Antonio.

SLK