Lasers
DESCRIPTION: High-intensity lights are used to treat brown spots, redness, age spots and blotchiness from sun damage, reduce wrinkles, even out skin texture and luster, tighten skin and even minimize acne scars. Laser treatments improve skin vitality with computer-controlled peels of the skin’s dermal layers triggering a natural healing response and collagen renewal. They are also used to remove hair on a patient’s face and legs. The Titan skin tightening procedure is a new procedure that uses an infrared light source to tighten skin and reverse the signs of aging. It’s being touted as a non-surgical face lift.
TIME FOR PROCEDURE: Typically 30 to 60 minutes.
RECOVERY TIME: Varies depending on procedure, from little or no downtime to a few weeks.
HOW LONG IT LASTS: Varies widely, depending on the initial number and type of laser treatments and skin issues.
WHAT THE PROS SAY: “The Total FX is one of the most advanced lasers being used for skin resurfacing,” says Dr. Fred Suess, a board certified plastic surgeon and founder of the Appearance Enhancement Clinic. “What makes this laser different is the |
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way in which the laser pulse is delivered. It can minimize deep wrinkles and acne scarring, improve skin texture and remodel collagen.”
“Lasers have come a long way,” agrees Dr. Dean Vistnes, a board certified plastic surgeon and founder and medical director of Skinspirit. “Years ago the downtime for laser treatments was horrific with con |
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consumers experiencing red, peeling skin for weeks. The new Fraxel laser provides significant cosmetic results with little downtime.”
COST RANGE: $200 and up per treatment.
WHERE TO HAVE IT DONE: Skinspirit, Appearance Enhancement Clinic, Encore Medspa |
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DESCRIPTION: IPL Technology is a non-laser, precision light generator that uses bright pulsed light to tighten and smooth skin, eliminate acne and age spots, small surface veins, dilated blood vessels and fine lines. IPL treatments break up small surface blood vessels and reach deep down into the skin to stimulate the collagen producing cells without damaging the outer layer.
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TIME FOR PROCEDURE: 20-50 minutes.
RECOVERY TIME: Results become more visible with the more treatments you have; a series of 5-6 sessions is usually recommended, advises Dr. Vistnes.
HOW LONG IT LASTS: With good sun protection, IPL results from a full series of treatments can last up to a year. |
WHAT THE PROS SAY: IPL is a safe, non-invasive way to improve your skin long-term that can be tailored to your individual skin condition and type.
COST RANGE: $350-$600 per treatment depending on the area treated.
WHERE TO HAVE IT DONE: Encore Medspa, Pure Med Spa, SkinSpirit, Miracullum |
Botox
DESCRIPTION: This popular injectable temporarily paralyzes facial muscles, easing wrinkles around the face, from forehead lines to crow’s feet to lines around the mouth. Too much, and you get that frozen, caught-in-the-headlights look of certain Hollywood stars. In addition to smoothing facial lines and wrinkles, Botox is now being used to smooth neck muscles.
WHAT THE PROS SAY: Despite the emergence of Botox alternatives, Dr. Suess claims Botox continues to yield the best results for those seeking a youthful and fresh appearance.
COST RANGE: $300–$600, varies according to how deep facial lines are and how many units of Botox are injected.
TIME FOR PROCEDURE: One office visit lasting 10-15 minutes.
RECOVERY TIME: None, but effects can take up to two weeks to be seen.
HOW LONG IT LASTS: 4–6 months on average.
WHERE TO HAVE IT DONE: Appearance Enhancement Clinic, SkinSpirit, Encore Medspa |
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Dysport (also known as Reloxin)
DESCRIPTION: The first FDA-approved alternative to Botox (July 2009), this new injectable wrinkle treatment claims to act faster and spread further than its competitor. Dysport, also known as Reloxin in some markets, is derived from cosmetic botulinum toxin (as is Botox), and temporarily smoothes wrinkles caused by facial muscle movement, such as those that appear between the eyebrows, across the forehead, and outside corners of the eyes. In U.S. clinical trials, Dysport was shown to take effect within 1 to 2 days instead 3 to 5 days for Botox; it also may last longer, especially in younger patients.
WHAT THE PROS SAY: “Dysport gives consumers a softer and more relaxed look than Botox,” says Dr. Vistnes. “The cost is the same, but clients tend to see results quicker with Dysport.”
COST RANGE: Approximately $300 to treat an area such as crows feet or frown lines.
TIME FOR PROCEDURE: Typically 10-15 minutes but plan on an extra 20-30 minutes if you prefer a numbing cream administered before the treatment.
RECOVERY TIME: None. You can return to work right after your appointment.
HOW LONG IT LASTS: A large clinical trial sponsored by Dysport’s manufacturer and published in the March/April 2009 issue of Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery reported that effects lasted more than 13 months in some people.
WHERE TO HAVE IT DONE: SkinSpirit, Pure Med Spa
Dermal fillers
DESCRIPTION: Radiesse, Restylane, Juvéderm. Radiesse. These injectables enhance the face-cheeks, chin, nose, jaw line, nasal folds, corners of the mouth and those irritating “lipstick lines.” Perlane is the newest dermal filler used to treat deep wrinkles and facial folds. It is made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that gives skin its volume and shape.
TIME FOR PROCEDURE: One office visit.
RECOVERY TIME: Virtually none, but some bruising and swelling is possible.
HOW LONG IT LASTS: Three months to 1.5 years.
COST RANGE: $575–$650.
WHAT THE PROS SAY: The new fillers are lasting longer and giving better results. Collagen provides the shortest duration with results lasting from three to six months. Juvederm can last from six months to one year, and Radiesse provides results than can last three years.
WHERE TO HAVE IT DONE: Skinspirit, Appearance Enhancement Clinic, Encore Medspa
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FINDING THE RIGHT COSMETIC ENHANCEMENT PROFESSIONAL
While any authorized health care practitioner can administer Botox or use a laser, plastic surgeons, dermatologists and aesthetic nurse specialists are generally more experienced. Before you get an injection or opt for laser resurfacing do some homework on the medspa and medical professionals—ask to see before and after pictures of patients, find out how long they have been practicing and if they are board certified by a recognized medical board. You may also want to ask friends for their recommendations and make an initial appointment to discuss your skin care concerns and determine what procedure will give you the best results. To locate board-certified specialists in plastic surgery, dermatology, otolaryngology or opthamology: www.abms.org. For more information about board-certified cosmetic surgeons, go to Americanboardcosmeticsurgery. org. For the status of a California doctor’s license: www.medbd.ca.gov.
MEDI-SPAS
(Partial List in Walnut Creek)
Appearance Enhancement Clinic
108 Las Casa Via, Suite 104,
(925) 280-9700 |
Skinspirit Skincare Cinic & Spa
1647 N. California Blvd.
(925) 952-9200 |
Encore Medspa
1501 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
(925) 932-1843 |
Pure Med Spa
1333 N. California Blvd., Suite SL-30
(925) 944-6030
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Miracullum Spa
1355 N. Main St.,
(925) 943-6146
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