Makeup

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Cosmetic Procedures 

                                    Plastic Surgery  

La Belleza 

The eternal fountain of youth… anybody know where we can find it?  Right, probably not…well to help your skin stay young and fresh as we age, the good news is that there are numerous cosmetic procedures out there to help.  And the better new news?  Well for Hispanics it is that we have good skin.  It is thicker than European and Anglo skin thus will sag as it ages…but is less prone to wrinkling.  Thank those great genes!

What are cosmetic procedures?  Well the easy way to define them are cosmetic procedures which unlike plastic surgery do not involve “going under the knife”.

We’ll start with some of the basics…this includes:

Topical Treatments 

Tretenoin- (Also known commercially as Retin-A)- It’s a topical prescription cream available in various strengths from a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or other doctor.  I originally was prescribed as an acne treatment, but was discovered to have a unique ability to reduce fine lines.  It is the only prescription treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the indication of reducing wrinkles.  

Topical Vitamin C & E-  These can be used in various strengths to help skin cells repair from UV, smoking, and other skin damage.

Alpha-Hydroxys- These are derived from fruit and dairy products and can be used with other combinations of products to reduce and help repair skin damage.

Botulinum Toxin

Also known commonly as Botox,  this is a quick fairly painless procedure which is becoming more and more common.  An injection can smooth wrinkles in areas including forehead, crow’s feet, laugh lines etc.  It is derived from a neuromuscular toxin,  and “paralyzes” muscles to a certain extent so the body cannot wrinkle areas where the Botox has been administered.  Botox injections are quick, and may take just 15 minutes, with effects lasting 2-3 months.  The cost averages $350.

Soft Tissue Injections

In soft tissue injections, a product is injected into a patient’s skin to plump up fine lines, improve skin quality ( mimicking youthful skin), reduce skin pitting and scarring etc.

Collagen- Collagen is a natural protein we all have as kids which fattens up our skin and makes it look smooth.  We actually have 27 different types of naturally occurring collagen in our bodies.  Over time as we age, our skin loses collagen causing our skin to wrinkle and sag.  Injectable collagen is made of animal proteins and is fairly risk free (although you should check if you are allergic to it). 

Collagen injections can be used to fill out skin as well as plump up laugh lines, wrinkles, creases, crow’s feet, acne scars, and pitting.  Results can last between 3-12 months.  Collagen injections usually take about 30-60 minutes in your doctor’s office.  The average cost of a collagen injection is $250-$500.

Restylane- Restylane is a rather new clear, hyaluronic injectable filler which is acid-based.  It, like collagen is used to plump up wrinkles.  It can be a good alternative for those seeking soft tissue enhancements, but who may be allergic to animal products such as collagen.  The average cost of a Restylane treatment is $500.  

Juvederm- Juvederm was recently approved by the FDA, and has appeared to result in longer lasting results than other skin fillers.  It like Restylane and collagen are used to plump up the face.  Similar to Restylane, it is made of hyaluronic acid.   The average cost of Juvederm ranges from $550-$850 a syringe. 

What is the Difference Between Juvederm and Restylane?

While not proven, it is believed Juvederm lasts longer than Restylane and results can be smoother and more natural looking than Restylane.

Body Fat- Body fat can be harvested from a patient’s own body and be injected to lump up aging, or sunken skin.  Benefits from this are clear, as you are not injecting a foreign substance into your skin, but your own fat.  Facial fat injections also generally last much longer than injectables such as those we spoke about above.  The cost of fat transfer starts on average at about $1,000.