|
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.
|
