Every bride wants to look gorgeous on her
wedding day. Below are some common options / high-tech procedures recommended
by facial plastic surgeons to help achieve picture-perfect skin:
Option / Procedure: Botox
Downtime: None
Avg. Cost: $497
Description:
Has been called "miracle in a bottle." A very weak solution of an FDA approved
bacterial toxin used to help rid crow's feet, frown lines and fine lines. It
works to lessen the muscle contraction, and it is safe in the carefully
administered low doses that are used for wrinkle removal.
When injected into a muscle, it causes paralysis that lasts for three to four
months. Option / Procedure: Microdermabrasion
Downtime: Can resume normal activities immediately.Patients
with sensitive skin may experience some redness.
Avg. Cost: $238
Description:
A mini-peeling with minimal risk of dyspigmentation or scarring that is
achieved by projecting aluminum micro-crystals onto the skin (also referred as
the "Power Peel," "Euro Peel", "Parisian Peel" and "Derma Peel"). Safe for all
skin types; provides immediate results.
Makes skin acutely softer, smoother, and dramatically improves texture. Can
help prevent pre-wedding breakouts; best results come from weekly treatments
started two or three months beforehand. Option / Procedure: Chemical
Peels
Downtime: Approximately two weeks
Avg. Cost: $510
Description:
Resurfacing of the skin with an acid solution that peels the top layers and
allows smoother, regenerated skin to emerge. The result is that the new skin
that's exposed looks brighter and more uniform in color. Types of peels,
include:
-
Light Peels (for mild sun damage; smoothes rough skin):
Alpha hydroxy acid (glycolic acid), Beta hydroxy acid (lactic) and salicylic
acid peels
-
Medium Peels (to reduce fine wrinkles, brown spots, poor pigmentation):
TCA (Trichloroaetic acid), Jessner's solution
-
Deep Peels (treatment for deep wrinkles, leathery texture): Phenol
chemical peels
Option / Procedure: Filler Injections
Downtime: No downtime - immediate results
Avg. Cost: $371
Description:
Soft-tissue fillers, most commonly injectable collagen or fat, can help fill in
lines and creases, (such as laugh lines, smile lines, crow's feet or deep
facial wrinkles that are often caused by aging and sun exposure). Temporarily
restores a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. When injected beneath
the skin, these fillers plump up creased and sunken areas of the face. They can
also add fullness to the lips and cheeks. Collagen is also often used to
eliminate or reduce scarring from acne and other conditions by filling in and
smoothing over depressed acne scars.
The effects are temporary, as the substances are eventually safely absorbed
into the patient's body. Typically, filler injections must be repeated once or
twice a year to maintain the desired effect. Option / Procedure:
Laser Resurfacing
Downtime: Most patients will take a week off from work during
the recovery period. Make-up can be applied within four to ten days.
Avg. Cost: $3,260
Description:
Another method of resurfacing the skin is by means of a device called the carbon
dioxide laser (CO2) . The CO2 laser is one of the most effective
ways to treat wrinkles caused by excess sun exposure.
The resurfacing is done under local anesthesia. Option / Procedure:
PhotoFacial
Downtime: There is no down time -- patients may return to all
activities immediately.
Avg. Cost: N/A
Description:
A high-tech, effective way for treating aging, pigment changes, moderate
sun-damage, freckles and overall redness that occurs with rosacea. Using the
latest generation of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology,
this treatment also acts on the collagen beneath the surface. Skin improves
with a more even-colored tone, smaller pore size, smooth texture, radiant
complexion, and an overall revitalized appearance.
Generally administered in a series of four to six procedures in three-week
intervals. Option / Procedure: Topical non-prescription
treatments
Downtime: None
Avg. Cost: N/A
Description:
Glycolic acid creams; antioxidant solutions
(such as Vitamins C and E), creams and patches; and retinol creams
are helpful for improving the appearance of fine lines. Option / Procedure:
Topical prescription treatments
Downtime: None
Avg. Cost: $497
Description:
Tretinoin creams (such as Retin-A and Renova) are helpful for
treating the visible signs of aging, by diminishing fine lines and bleaching
brown spots. These treatments also provide a mild-superficial peel to
rejuvenate skin and improve its appearance. Hydroquinone creams
are also helpful for bleaching brown spots. The AAFPRS is the world's
largest association of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons -
with more than 2,600 members - whose cosmetic and
reconstructive surgery focuses on the face, head and neck. Academy fellows are
board-certified and subscribe to a code of ethics. In addition, the AAFPRS
provides consumers with free information and brochures and a list of
qualified facial plastic surgeons in their area by calling 1-800-332-FACE
or by visiting the AAFPRS Web site,
www.FACEMD.org .
* = A survey conducted by International Communications Research (ICR) on behalf
of the AAFPRS, April 2002.
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