Quick Fixes by Elvira Maricic Taking time off your face doesn't have to take a lot of time print article      send to a friend

Techniques available today allow patients to reap the benefits of younger-looking skin without having to undergo extensive surgery or recovery time. "The focus of cosmetic surgery has changed from big surgical procedures requiring general anesthesia, operating rooms with surgical risk, and significant postoperative recovery periods to simpler, less invasive techniques," noted Gary D. Monheit, MD, at the American Academy of Dermatology's recent scientific meeting.  Dr. Monheit, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, listed laser procedures, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion as some of the latest skin rejuvenation treatments that enable patients to be treated in an office setting with little risk of complications. "While these treatments need to be repeated to maintain results, patients experience little down time and can return to work quickly," he added.

So You Say You Want Rejuvenation...

Consumers in search of a youthful appearance without a lot of downtime can choose from a veritable menu of procedures, all of which can be performed in the time it takes to go out for Chinese food. Some of the most popular procedures are listed below.

Botox Injections

The procedure: When injected with a small needle, this purified protein toxin produced by the clostridium botulinum bacteria works to inactivate facial muscles that produce wrinkles, causing lines to diminish or disappear. However, Botox can't eliminate wrinkles that are unrelated to facial muscle contractions, such as those that are the result of aging or sun-damage.

Treatment time: While the injections themselves take approximately 30 minutes, the Botox itself takes effect in three to ten days.

Side effects: You may feel some pain from the injection itself, and there is a chance of temporary bruising  around the injection area.  Pregnant women and those who are allergic to eggs should avoid this procedure.

Cost: The price for the procedure can range between $400 and $500.

The procedure: An alternative to chemical peels and laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion involves spraying a stream of tiny, sand-like abrasive crystals over the skin and, along with a highly controlled vacuum, removing the dead epidermal layer. Microdermabrasion is used to treat sun-damaged skin, acne and thickened scars, fine lines, and stretch marks. It gives skin a smoother, softer, brighter appearance. The FDA-approved procedure is relatively painless and does not require anesthesia.

Treatment time: Each session lasts between 15 to 30 minutes, and should be spaced two weeks to a month apart. Most patients require five to seven sessions initially, with maintenance treatments necessary several weeks later. 

Side effects: You may experience some redness or skin tightening after the treatment.

Cost: While prices for all of the procedures listed here vary by physician and area of the country, plan on spending between $150 to $200 per session.

Laser Hair Removal

The procedure: In the laser hair removal process, laser light is attracted to melanin, the pigment in the hair and skin follicles. When this light is absorbed, the energy is converted to heat, which burns off the hair. The four most commonly used laser systems are the ruby laser, which was the first laser hair removal system, alexandrite lasers, diode lasers, and Nd:YAG lasers. Nd:YAG lasers were designed to remove tattoos and pigmented lesions. For hair removal, the laser is used in combination with a carbon lotion that is spread on the skin, penetrates the hair follicle, and absorbs the laser's wavelength. Although many hair removal patients don't experience any pain, some do find it uncomfortable and can be helped by taking an over-the-counter painkiller before treatment.

Treatment time: Each session takes one to two hours, depending on the area being treated. It will take at least three treatments to remove your unwanted hair, mainly because hair grows in cycles. Because hair can only be removed when it is in a growth phase, the hair that is in a resting cycle will not be affected. And while with some laser systems the hair falls out immediately, it can often take 2 to 3 weeks for the hair to fall out.

Side effects: Some people may experience temporary redness and swelling, as well as blistering.

Cost: Prices for the procedures vary and are based on the area that is to be treated, with a general range of $800 to $1200 per treatment.

Sclerotherapy

The procedure: This method of removing spider veins involves using a small needle to inject an agent called a sclerosant into a vein, destroying its lining. The vein then hardens and is absorbed by the body. Some patients consider the treatment somewhat painful, while others report no pain at all.

Treatment time: The procedure requires multiple sessions, with one to three injections required to treat a vein. Each session takes approximately 30 minutes to one hour, and should be spaced in two- to three-week intervals. All patients must wear compression support hose as part of post-therapy treatment, ranging from three days for small veins to up to three weeks for larger ones.

Side effects: These may include discoloration of the skin along the treated vein, swelling, bruising, itching, redness, and soreness. There is also no guarantee that new spider and varicose veins won't develop.

Cost: The cost of the procedure depends on the amount of time required to treat the veins, with an average of $200 to $300 per session. Sclerotherapy may be covered by insurance when done for medical reasons.

So before you decide where to go for lunch this week, check with your plastic surgeon to see if there is a lunchtime treatment for you.  However, always be sure to seek out a qualified physician if you are considering undergoing any medical procedure.