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:
Botox
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.
Microdermabrasion
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.
Chemical Peels
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
Filler Injections
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.
Laser Resurfacing
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.
PhotoFacial
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.
Topical non-prescription treatments
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.
Topical prescription treatments
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.