With all of the medical terms that are thrown around for cosmetic procedures, it can be hard to make sense of it all. While you know that you want to improve something about your appearance, whether it be wrinkles caused by age or sun damage from days spent at the beach, you may not know what to ask your doctor for. Gene Rubinstein, M.D., a dermatologist with the Dermatology and Laser Centre of Studio City, breaks down some of the most common procedures so you can have a better understanding of all your options before you book your next dermatology appointment.
Botox: Essentially Botox is the trade name for Botulinum Type A, a purified toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which when distributed in massive doses causes a form of paralysis called Botulism. While it may sound scary and risky at first, rest assured that years of testing has gone into the procedure to make the small doses that dermatologists inject into your muscles completely safe.
Besides undergoing surgery, Botox is an effective way to halt the formation of wrinkles that are caused by muscle movements in the face. Every time you smile, frown or grimace, muscles contract and relax in the face. And overtime, that can cause unwanted wrinkles and creases. But Botox, when injected into the targeted muscle, paralyzes only that specific muscle preventing the effects that the movement causes.
Botox treatments last only minutes and cost around $250 an area. The injections target mainly the upper face and what dermatologists refer to as “dynamic lines.” The three most popular muscle areas that are treated are the horizontal lines in the forehead, the “11 lines” which form between the eyes, and smile lines in the forehead and around the eyes caused by years of smiling and frowning.
Fillers: The name filler pretty much describes its’ basic use—to fill in wrinkles and depressions in the face caused by acne and age. During each session, the filler is injected into the skin in small amounts with a fine needle. Once injected, the gel produces volume under the wrinkle, lifting and smoothing the skin. Results from fillers can be seem almost immediately and last for months to years depending on the type of filler being used.
While Botox targets the upper face, fillers help increase the volume in the lower face and neck such as in the corners of the mouth and around the nose. The price of fillers will depend on the amount of volume used at the time of treatment, but a typical session costs around $500 and upwards.
Photodynamic Therapy: Photodynamic Therapy, often referred to as PDT, is one of the newest ways to help those who suffer from acne scars find long lasting results. By using a combination of topical medications and laser lights, it produces smoother skin. Initially, an agent called Levulan Kerastick is absorbed into acne glands as well as other abnormal skin tissue areas to make the cells more sensitive to light. Laser lights are then used to activate the Levulan Kerastick. Depending on the condition that is being treated, different lasers may be used in treatment. Discuss options with your doctor in advance.
Following PDT treatment, you’ll have to avoid the sun for 40 hours to allow for healing and some common side effects include peeling, redness and dryness but most patients only suffer from these effects for about a week before seeing results. You will need to see your dermatologist for three to five more treatments (depending on your severity) scheduled about a month apart.
PhotoFacial: Anything with the word facial seems to lend itself to a relaxing, soothing experience with a glowing complexion as the final result. And while your dermatologist’s office may not provide sounds of nature or scented candles during the experience, a PhotoFacial will leave you with the clear skin you desire.
Photofacial is a noninvasive procedure that uses lasers to rejuvenate the skin by erasing the signs of aging from the face, hands, neck and chest. While most procedures only target one problem, Photofacial can eliminate many imperfections at once such as broken blood vessels, wrinkles, freckles, age spots and discoloration.
What draws so many people to Photofacial is that each session (there are usually six sessions) lasts about 20 minutes and you can expect to return to your normal activities immediately with virtually no downtime after you leave the office. The cost for Photofacial usually runs around $500.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
