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.
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?
I am very pleased to announce we are the first office in South Orange County and one of the first nationwide to offer the Fraxel CO2 re:pair laser, the most advanced skin rejuvenation treatment available on the market today. Results of a Fraxel re:pair laser treatment approach the tightening and wrinkle removal that we normally see only after a facelift, with very few complications and limited downtime.
While we still love our Fraxel re:store (the gentler Fraxel we’ve been using for over 2 years), this new Fraxel re:pair will help treat deeper wrinkles plus tighten skin!
As opposed to traditional CO2 resurfacing lasers which ablate 100% of the skin (vaporize and remove it all at once), leading to extended downtime, wound care and high risk of complications, the Fraxel re:pair Laser is the first CO2 laser to treat the skin fractionally and deeply. The Fraxel re:pair lays down thousands of tiny microscopic wounds in the skin, penetrating much deeper than traditional ablative lasers, but leaving the cells around these tiny wounds untouched. The tissue in each of the microscopic wounds is removed with the use of the CO2 energy. The healthy tissue surrounding the wounds then contracts which leads to immediate tissue tightening. This spared tissue between treatment zones also promotes rapid healing while stimulating collagen production in the deep layers and new epidermal cells in the top layer.
Fraxel re:pair laser treats:
• Wrinkles- mild, moderate and deep
• Skin tone, texture and pore size
• Skin laxity (tightens and smoothes skin)
• Severe sun damage
• Pigmented lesions and skin discoloration
• Acne scars and surgical scars
We will be having a Night of Beauty featuring the Fraxel CO2 re:pair laser on October 30, 2008 from 6-8 m at the Doubletree Hotel, Doheny Beach in Dana Point. Join us for refreshments, gifts and a chance to win a free Fraxel laser treatment. We will also be offering discounts for treatments scheduled that evening. Attendance is limited so please call to RSVP if you would like to attend: 949-363-1788.