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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. |
