5 Effective Cosmetic Treatments That Don’t Break the Bank

1. Botox

Botox injections have grown immensely in popularity over the last two decades. In 2017, according to statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Botox made up about half of all non-invasive cosmetic procedures. It’s no wonder. Botox is a super easy way to smooth out facial wrinkles. It takes less time to administer than a dental checkup, it’s pain-free, and you get a visibly younger look for up to 5 months. It’s also fairly inexpensive. In addition, it can help with other conditions such as migraines and teeth-clenching.

But what about the other half of non-invasive cosmetic procedures? Here is what you should know about what else is available. Any of these treatments can easily be added on to your Botox appointment to make it super convenient.

2. Facial Fillers

Next in line behind Botox, with 2.7 million treatments in 2017, are facial fillers. Technically, they are “soft tissue fillers” and can be used in other areas as well, but most patients choose fillers to rejuvenate their face. Fillers do not interfere with Botox injections and are therefore a great add-on for the same appointment.

What is a filler and what options do you have?

Lately, the world of facial fillers has become a bit confusing, as more products have entered the market. Juvederm used to be the go-to product to, say, plump up your lips and reduce deep lines like the nasolabial folds coming down on the side of your mouth. But now you also have Voluma, Volbella, and Vollure, which all act in slightly different ways from Juvederm. The difference has to do with a technical term called cross-linking. In a nutshell, fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a type of sugar that makes skin supple, hydrated, and youthful. And the different ways this HA can be cross-linked has slightly different outcomes on the look of your skin.

Juvederm, Voluma, Volbella, Vollure: What are the differences?

Juvederm and Vollure act in a similar way to smooth out your nasolabial folds. However, the different cross-linking of Vollure allows it to be injected a little more deeply and can make it last longer – up to 18 months. For some patients, Juvederm may still be the better choice. Which one is best for you is something to discuss with your provider. This is why it’s so important to choose a plastic surgeon or nurse injector who is knowledgeable about the latest products and its uses.

Among the “Vol-” products, there are very slight differences that affect how they’re best used. Voluma is a stronger, thicker filler that is perfect for deeper injections into the cheeks to boost volume, giving it the look of a lift. Volbella is a thinner gel, which makes it more easily spreadable. This makes it perfect as a filler for lips or other thin-skinned areas, like under your eyes. Vollure is the happy “Goldilocks” medium between those two, which makes it ideal for the nasolabial folds.

3. Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is another very popular non-invasive procedure you can easily add to you Botox appointment. Granted, you may want to come more frequently for your laser hair treatments (recommended every 4-6 weeks for up to 8 treatments, whereas Botox lasts up to 5 months). But while you are there, you can easily have both.

If you’re tired of shaving or waxing, laser hair removal is a wonderful alternative. The most popular areas are underarm, bikini area, and legs. Pricing is typically tiered by small (bikini or underarm) or large (legs or back) area and the number of treatments you choose. This will depend on the density of your hair and the type of your skin. The latest technology ensures that laser hair removal can be performed swiftly and virtually pain-free. Most patients find it much easier than a waxing.

Just like with injectables, it is important that you choose an experienced laser hair removal provider who understands the limitations of skin type, sun exposure, and other factors that can affect the outcome.

4. Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is another non-invasive procedure that rejuvenates your face. It works to renew your skin tone and texture by essentially sanding away the outer layer of your skin so it can rejuvenate itself. It can be used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun damage, acne scars, and stretch marks.

After your microdermabrasion, your provider typically applies a moisturizer and sunscreen. You’ll be advised to stay out of the sun and/or apply sunscreen in the days after your treatment, as your skin will be more sensitive to sunlight for some time. Best results are achieved with several repeat treatments, as planned with your provider, and regular maintenance treatments.

5. DOT Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is used to renew and tighten the skin. It is also referred to as fractional resurfacing, fractional lift, Madonna Lift, or Madonna Eye Lift. The DOT technology is the Gold Standard in laser skin resurfacing for moderate to severe wrinkles.

The DOT laser is a little more invasive than microdermabrasion and is typically administered with a topical anesthesia in a 30-45 minute session. It can be used on not just your face but also your neck and décolleté. You will achieve firmer and fresher skin within a week of your treatment, with continued improvement over the following months.

Laser skin resurfacing technology is a great alternative to a surgical facelift. It is often used around the eyes in lieu of an eye lift.  If you aren’t ready for a facelift but would like to achieve a similar effect with a non-invasive alternative, the DOT laser treatment is for you.

We hope that we’ve shown you new ways you can easily update your looks by combining different treatments. All of these are compatible with Botox injections and can be administered during the same appointment if you book them in advance. Again, the most important thing you can do to ensure a natural, youthful look is to choose an experienced provider with solid medical training and an eye for aesthetics. At NuBody Concepts, you will be in great hands with a long-serving plastic surgeon or a certified nurse injector.

Interested in any of these procedures? Make sure you specify which treatments you would like when you book your appointment as availability may be limited.

References:  2017 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons