Only 7 dermatologists in the world were selected as top cosmetic injectable “artists” for this article. I am very honored to be among only three physicians selected in the United States, and the only one on the West Coast. You can read about it here. I am on page 2.
For those of you who would like to learn more about Artefill and other injectable fillers for facial rejuvenation and the “lunchtime nose job“, you can watch my television interview on the Wellness Hour, channel 31 on Cox Cable, Sunday evenings at 10:30 pm and Wednesday evenings at 10:00 pm. You can also watch a tape of the interview on my website.
I am flattered that so many people recognized me on the cover of October’s OC Health Magazine. If you would like to read the article, click on this link. I was interviewed on topics ranging from my use of fillers (such as Juvederm, Radiesse and Artefill), Botox and lasers to my use of artistry when treating patients.
These are tough economic times. But we still want to feel good about ourselves and to look our best. While many of my patients can still afford to do whatever they want to do for themselves, I have many patients who would love to do more for themselves than they can currently afford. Luckily there are still many great cosmetic procedures you can do as a second choice treatment. You can always put the first choice, best treatment on your “wish list” for the future.
Here are some common cosmetic treatments and their less expensive alternatives:
Instead of a:
Nose Job - get a filler nose job with Radiesse or Artefill (it takes just 10 minute and looks good immediately)
Face Lift - get a Liquid Face Lift or Fraxel CO2 re:pair laser treatment
Botox Crow’s Feet or Frown Lines - just get a Botox Brow Lift
Photo-Facial (IPL) for texture and brown spots- get a series of medical microdermabrasions
Microdermabrasion- get a series of light glycolic peels
Light Peels - use physician-strength skin care products
Vivite Complete Skin Care System - use Vivite Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30
Obagi Nu-derm System- use Vivite Vibrance with Obagi C-clarifying serum
Fraxel CO2 re:pair Laser - get a series of Fraxel re:store laser treatments
Fraxel re:store Laser - get a series of Photo-Facials (IPL)
Juvederm lip plumping - get a half size syringe and just outline and define your lips
Juvederm/Radiesse/Artefill treatment for wrinkles - get a smaller size syringe and treat the most important areas
Laser Hair Removal on legs - just laser your underarms or bikini areas for now
Eyelashes Extensions - use Lumigan at home (it’s also better than extensions since it grows your own eyelashes)
Any comments from my readers and patients?
My story of the week was prompted by several patients I saw this week whom I had treated with Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Artefill and cosmetic lasers relating their stories to me about how their family and friends can’t guess why they look so good. Some say, “did you cut your hair?”, others say “did you lose weight?” Another common comment when they can’t pinpoint why you are glowing is “that is a GREAT color you’re wearing, it really makes you look good!” This is EXACTLY what we want as a result of great cosmetic treatments. When I treat my patients with BOTOX, Juvederm, Radiesse, Artefill and lasers, such as Fraxel Laser, I create a very natural look. I’ll never give a patient fish lips for example, but I can use Juvederm to create subtly fuller (if they desire) and/or younger looking lips! Nor will I give them frozen faces, but I can use BOTOX Cosmetic to lift brows, smooth frown lines and erase crows feet. The biggest compliment I can receive is when a patient comes back to my office, after his or her Restylane, Botox or other cosmetic injection treatment, and tells me that she or he got lots of compliments but no one could guess what they had done.
Remember, up to 90% of your results from these treatments is from the technique and artistry of the physician or medical provider performing your BOTOX, Juvederm, Radiesse or Artefill treatment. Choose wisely, not by price!
I find that when I do injectable fillers, such as Juvederm, Radiesse and Artefill I occasionally have patients who faint or nearly faint. It is common but we do our best to try to prevent it if possible. Before I treat a patient for the first time with a filler I usually ask them if they have ever fainted or gotten light-headed in the past with medical procedures or blood tests. If a patient says “yes” we put their feet up and recline them slightly, which usually prevents the problem from occurring. After treating hundreds of patients with fillers, I have discovered an interesting correlation with other answers to my question. If they give me an immediate, firm “no”, sometimes with a small laugh (as if to say, “me, are you kidding!?”), I know they will be fine and rarely will they become light-headed or faint. If however they hesitate in the least when answering my question, or answer “not really”, 9 times out of 10 they will get light-headed, usually when we are almost done with this quick 10 minute procedure. This was proven to me once again this week and I have decided that “not really” actually means, “I don’t want to, I will try my best not to, I am hoping I won’t, but I will DEFINITELY get light-headed after you start to inject me, whether I think I will or not.”
So, if you aren’t 99% - 100% sure you won’t faint or get light-headed, don’t be embarrassed about it. Tell your doctor. A caring physician will take special care to help you avoid this.