|
Beautiful |
|
|
ME! |
Botox
Micro-Peels
Laser Resurfacing
Botox |
|
| Thirty
Lunchtime chemical peels, rnicrodermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and Botox are becoming a commonplace alterative to cover-up creams for reducing wrinkles and smoothing sun-damaged skin. Last year Americans spent 3 billion dollars on over-the-counter products to fight the signs of aging. Anti-wrinkle agents that contain 5-10% salicylic or glycolic acid are among the most popular products purchased to counteract the signs of aging. Since these remedies do not require a prescription, the strengths of the formulas are substantially lower than those used by doctors. People desiring more intense results are turning to salons or physicians who offer chemical peels and microdermabrasion. According to the Cosmetic Review Board, salons and other non-physicians should use acids with concentrations under 30%. A survey of Albuquerque salons that are performing chemical peels indicate that they are using salicylic acid concentrations between 10-20%. While this will undoubtedly result in superficial improvements and smoother skin, these "lunchtime peels" exfoliate only the superficial skin layers and cannot eliminate wrinkles. The benefit of lunchtime chemical peels is that there is no recovery time and the cost is relatively inexpensive for a cosmetic procedure, averaging $60-$125 per treatment. The results of these lunchtime peels are usually apparent for 1-2 months. An alternative to chemical peels is microdermahrasion. In this procedure. the face is scoured with aluminum-oxide crystals that are vacuumed up using a suction devise, taking with it dead layers of skin and leaving a smoother texture. Clients usually purchase a package of six to eight microdermabrasions at. a cost of between $600-$l000. Dermabrasion, which uses high speed brushes to buff off the epidennis instead of a vacuum, go deeper into the underlying skin layers and cause the generation of new epidermis. Clients must keep in mind that the deeper the peel, the longer the recovery time and the more profound the results. Many physicians prefer Dermabrasion to other peels because they can precisely control the length and depth of the machine, thereby targeting and eliminating deeper wrinkles. Laser resurfacing is the latest breakthrough in skin rejuvenation. In this procedure a beam of concentrated light is focused on the skin causing water molecules on the surface to turn into heat and obliterate unwanted tissue. Lasers are more controlled than even Dermabrasion machines and very precise for delicate areas. Most laser procedures are conducted on an outpatient basis using local anesthetic. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that laser resurfacing is a miracle solution appropriate for everybody! Lasers work by burning the surface of the skin. Recovery time for pulsed CO2 lasers is approximately two weeks, during which time the patient wears heavy bandages and experiences pain, swelling, and drainage. Activity must be limited for the first week and redness may be present for several months although it is possible to wear make-up after the second week. The new Erbium YAG laser has fewer side effects and recovery usually comes in 3-5 days but the results are less dramatic than with the CO2 Laser which removes deep wrinkles, smoothes aging skin, and evens skin tones. Since laser resurfacing causes collagen under the dermis to tighten and rejuvenate, the effects of this procedure last for several years. The cost of laser surgery can run between $2000-$5000 but previous patients say that the results far outweigh the discomfort and financial impact of the procedure. For people that want to eliminate wrinkles from the inside out, Botox may be the answer. Botox is a purified form of botulism toxin that is injected directly under the skin into the problem areas. Some people think that injecting poison into the skin to remove wrinkles sounds crazy! In reality, Botox has very few, if any, negative side effects. When used to reduce wrinkles, physicians use between 30-40 units of toxin. It would take approximately 3,000-4,000 units of toxin to make people sick. Botox was originally approved by the FDA in 1989 to control excess sweating and rapid blinking but has been used to reduce wrinkles since 1990 and has many benefits over other wrinkle-reducing treatments. There is no recovery time with Botox and its cumulative effect means that patients need to return less and less often for the procedure. Botox works by paralyzing the muscles underlying the wrinkles without causing a loss of sensation in the area Since wrinkles form in the creases between tensed muscles, they disappear when the tension in the surrounding muscles is released and the skin is smooth. Botox injections usually last 3-6 months and are most effective on the upper face, although they may also be administered near the mouth and jowls. The popularity of Botox has increased 240% from 1997-2000, thus making it the fastest growing cosmetic procedure. Patients that have had Botox say that it makes them look more relaxed, energized, and less angry. The cost per injection location is $300-600. Patients considering any wrinkle reducing procedure must weigh the risks and costs with the potential benefits. Chemical peels performed at salons are relaxing and provide superficial results. Prospective clients should still verify the credentials of the estheticians performing the peels however, since higher chemical concentrations can lead to bums and disfigurement if done incorrectly. Likewise, laser centers should be approved and have licensed physicians doing the procedures. Questioning the experience of the doctor and asking to see before and after photos is a reasonable request before you agree to undergo any procedure. Since Botox paralyzes the muscles underlying the skin, the practitioner needs to have knowledge of anatomy, facial symmetry, muscles and nerves. Experienced dermatologists and plastic surgeons are probably the best choice of physicians to administer Dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and Botox.
|
||||||
