3 Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures

December 6, 2012 | By

By Shoshana Davis, AboutPlasticSurgery.com

There’s an undeniable allure to being able to fix an unwanted bump on your nose, or to remove a little bit of cellulite. In fact, Americans spent 10.4 billion dollars on cosmetic procedures in the past year alone.

Now, what about those of us who don’t have 10.4 billion dollars to spare? Luckily, you can still purchase a nip here or a tuck there on a budget. Here are some of the most popular cosmetics procedures for every budget:

Low: Microdermabrasion – $
Have you ever wanted to get rid of that old acne scar from high school, some lingering wrinkles, or even the often dreaded “crow’s feet”? A rapidly growing trend among the masses is Microdermabrasion. It has been proven effective in reducing the appearance of these and many other unpleasant skin problems. The procedure is non-invasive, quick, and almost always requires no recuperation time. It’s also an extremely cost effective cosmetic procedure, costing around $80 – $200 per session.

Medium: Botox – $
It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that the most common minimally invasive procedure in 2011 was Botox. 363,000 women had Botox procedures last year. The chemical, officially called Botulinum toxin, is used to eliminate and lessen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Interestingly enough, it is also used medically to relieve patients of spasms and headaches. At $150 to $400 per area treated, Botox lasts around 60 days for most patients — an investment many women can afford. With many medical and cosmetic offices offering this procedure, including most dermatologists, it’s an easy in office visit that can make a big change!

High: Rhinoplasty - $$$
While not exactly cheap, rhinoplasty is one the most popular cosmetic procedures of all time. In fact, it’s thought that this type of surgery first began in ancient India around 800 B.C. The “nose job” as we now call it has been a staple for both celebrities and everyday people for years — but it can cost you a total of $4,000 to $9,000. Before signing on for a procedure, make sure to check with your insurance company. Most do not cover any cosmetic procedures, so you’ll want to know in advance just how much of an investment you’re making.

Filed Under: Beauty & Style, Medi-Spa Treatments Tagged With: , , , , ,

A Surprising New Use for Botox

October 19, 2012 | By

What treatment areas come to mind when you think of Botox? We’re pretty sure it’s nothing like what we’re about to tell you.

Loyola University of Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health teamed up to test Botox as a possible treatment for an overactive bladder. Not what you expected? Same here.

According to Medical News Today, about 15.7% of women suffer from an overactive bladder or bladder leakage (reality TV fans may recall Kris Jenner mentioning her issues with the condition on “Keeping Up with the Kadashians” — and later becoming a spokesperson for Poise undergarments).

Until now, the standard prescription treatment involved an oral pill. But Botox may be even more effective: The study found that Botox is two times as effective as traditional medications in treating an overactive bladder conditions.

Curious? So are we. Especially about how the shots feel in such a sensitive area (ouch). There’s no telling what interesting uses they’ll come up with for Botox next…

Filed Under: Health & Wellness, News Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Cosmetic Surgery for Spa Week? Yes!

October 1, 2012 | By

Just when you thought Spa Week was all about spas, we’ve got a surprise for you. Two words, in fact: Cosmetic. Surgery.

OK, so we’re not exactly talking about liposuction here, but we do have a few less invasive cosmetic procedures (on sale for $50!) during Spa Week.

Kay Cosmetic Surgery in Chevy Chase, Maryland is a local go-to practice for all sorts of nips and tucks, and we’ve got 3 that you can book for just $50:

$50 for 10 Units of Botox or Dysport – Perfect for moms new to Botox — or just looking for a touch-up at an affordable price.

$50 Facial Peel, Customized to Your Skin Type – If you wish your pores were invisible (who doesn’t!) you’ll love in-office peels. They make your face look virtually flawless, and the results can last weeks or months depending on the peel.

$50 Laser Hair Removal for Face, Choice of Upper Lip or Chin – Forget those waxing appointments for good by starting a course of Laser Hair Removal. Thanks to Spa Week, you can shave a lot of cash off the total and afford to make this investment.

Which service are you dying to try? Let us know what you end up booking! While you’re there, be sure to check out Kay’s in-house product line, and enter their Spa Week raffle to win 50 units of Botox.

Filed Under: Spa Spotlight, Spa Week Event, Spas Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The Best Time to Get Botox…

September 19, 2012 | By

By Noelle Chehab

By now, you probably know how amazing some of the deals we’re offering during Spa Week are. But one particular treatment we had to point out is Botox!

While most fans regularly shell out $350-$500 per injection, during Spa Week Botox is on sale for… (you guessed it) $50! Where else can you find a deal like that? If you’re ready to rid your forehead of lines and wrinkles, below are the spas across the country that are offering Botox and similar procedures during Spa Week:

Beyond Beautiful Aesthetics  – 50 Units of Dysport

Concierge Mobile Medical Spa – 10 Units of Botox

Gotham Beauty Lounge – 10 Units of Botox

Imagine Spa & Fitness – 10 Units of Botox

Shangrila Medspa – 10 Units of Botox

SmoothMED – Botox Brow Lift

The Facial Center for Plastic Surgery – Non-surgical Brow Lift

Thrive Medical Spa (two locations) – 10 Units of Botox

 

Filed Under: Medi-Spa Treatments, Spa Week Event Tagged With: , ,

Better than Botox? Why Pricier Treatments Could be the Best Investment

July 31, 2012 | By

Getting Botox or peels to smooth your skin and get rid of wrinkles? Your money could be better spent on other treatments.

While many women are drawn to Botox and chemical peels over other dermatologist treatments for their relatively affordable price tags, consider how these treatments can add up.

“Patients should receive treatments two to three times a year to keep Botox fresh and muscles from flexing, which will prevent the formation of lines and wrinkles,” explains Dr. Andrew Jacono of the New York Center for Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery.

With an average cost of $425 per Botox treatment, that’s an investment of around $1,275 per year.

Chemical peels aren’t much different. You’ll love the initial results (smaller pores! even skintone! no downtime!). But no downtime also means that the resurfacing results of these $500 treatments are pretty superficial, and you’ll be back within a few months for another. Your annual investment? Up to $2,000.

We asked Dr. Jacono to share ideas for more impactful procedures. One that, while initially larger investments, can yield longer-lasting and more dramatic results.

If you’re addicted to getting “lunchtime” peels every few months, consider the Fraxel skin resurfacing laser instead. “I recommend three Fraxel laser treatments initially and then one treatment annually going forward to maintain the results,” says Dr. Jacono. Can’t afford the initial trio? One treatment a year will still provide deeper results than a peel.

Average price: $3,000. Total cost per year: $3,000 (vs. $2,000 for peels).

And how about a better option for the Botox addicts? You might consider a non-surgical lifting treatment like Ultherapy to smooth out wrinkles.
“Ultherapy is a beneficial investment for patients in their 30s and 40s, as it helps to lift tired eyes and drooping brows,” explains Dr. Jacono. “Additionally, Ultherapy will tighten lower eyelid bags, as well as drooping cheeks.”

Average price: $3,000. Total cost per year: $3,000 (vs. $1,275 for Botox).

When you do the math, you may find that you’d be better off upgrading your typical treatment — or, you may be so happy with your peels and injections that you plan to continue with them. Either way, the best investment you can make is to find a great dermatologist who will take the time to explain the pros and cons of all relevant treatment options.

Filed Under: Skin Care Tagged With: , , , , , , ,