If my math is even close (which, let’s be honest, it probably isn’t), I’ve spent around $56,856 on my face since 2019. That total includes everything—lasers, filler, Botox, the works. For the love of all things, I hope my husband never stumbles across this number.

Was it worth it? Yes…and no. Comparing photos, I can see a real difference in my turkey neck, so in that sense, absolutely. But should I have banked that $56k and waited for a facelift at 55? Probably.

Each treatment helped a little, but none were a miracle on their own. The magic—if you can call it that—came from layering them over time. Together, they were worth it. Individually? Not so much.

Going forward, I’ll only try skin-tightening options recommended by my doctors (bonus points if they don’t even offer the device themselves—those machines cost a fortune, and I’d rather trust a recommendation that isn’t tied to sales).

This year, I even took the hunt overseas to Korea, where I was able to get multiple treatments at a fraction of U.S. prices. Honestly, I may just wait to do most of my future treatments there—it might come out even once you factor in airfare, or it might save me a chunk, but either way, I get glowing skin and a stamp in my passport. The battle continues.