A week later, my husband compliments me: "You're looking so much more relaxed. Your face is so much softer." I look at him suspiciously, convinced he knows my secret and is just being polite. So, I confess. He swears he had no idea, didn't notice any change, and just thought I had a dirty face as you often do when you have horses that you ride through mud and dust.

"I like it. You look lovely." And that's all I needed to hear.

Dr. Brucker says it best: look for a board-certified plastic surgeon, although he says some dermatologists and nurse injectors also do a great job. Talk to your friends -- word-of-mouth can be the best recommendation. Basically, he says, do your research.

You should also avoid aspirin, ibuprofen or any blood-thinning medication for a week before the procedure to help minimize swelling. If you're not told this when you make your appointment, go somewhere else. Take arnica by mouth for a few days before, and use arnica cream on your lips for several days after to minimize bruising.

And if your partner notices and you confess? Have a reason ready to justify your decision. Of course, you don't need your partner's approval, but if you're like me, you might feel better knowing he understands where you're coming from.

Bottom line for me: It really has helped me feel happier about the aging process and better about myself, and yes, I'm very likely to do it again -- this time, without all the sneaking around.