Cutting Back On Cosmetic Surgery in Uncertain Times, Effective Low-Cost Alternatives to Expensive Procedures

As the economy continues to look bleak, studies show that U.S. residents are cutting back on cosmetic procedures. A recent poll by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) indicated that 59% of women said the economy influenced their plans for cosmetic procedures – up 9 % from a similar poll in March. Another recent poll of the Society’s members found a 62 % decrease in all cosmetic procedures in the first half of 2008 compared with the same time period last year.

But even though the economic landscape isn’t pretty, you don’t have to sacrifice their looks and personal well-being. The trend toward minimally invasive treatments is on the rise and the reason is two-fold: 1) they won’t break the bank and 2) less recovery time means less time away from the office. And, just because these procedures are less invasive, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t extremely effective.

Leading Beverly Hills based plastic surgeon Dr. John Anastasatos is available for interviews to discuss four affordable alternatives to big ticket surgeries that will leave you looking refreshed and rejuvenated:

CHEMICAL PEEL {Cost: Varied, but can be as low as $300.00}
Instead of costly surgeries, a simple, skillfully performed chemical peel on the face and neck can remove the older, surface layers of skin and produce new skin that is softer, smoother, shinier and tighter. Although lasers can perform this type of resurfacing, peels are much more economical and time-tested for their efficacy. In most cases peels are as effective as or better than lasers to rejuvenate and treat facial and neck conditions. The peels are also very effective for treating blemishes, acne scars, pores and color changes of the face, giving it a more uniform color and texture. The results of peel treatments can be long lasting and fewer treatments may be required for patients compared to laser treatments. The science and use of the diriment types of peels are an art form and should be performed by a doctor who has expertise in that area.

DERMABRASION {Cost: Approximately $900.00}

Dermabrasion is an excellent low-cost way to smooth out fine and deep facial wrinkles; particularly those around the mouth, instantly making the mouth appear rejuvenated and youthful. It is also good for correcting dark spots and shallow acne scars, leaving the overall appearance of the skin more smooth, even and uniform.

ENDOSCOPIC BROW LIFT {Cost: Approximately $3,000.00}

Botox is not the only minimally invasive solution for forehead wrinkles and droopy brows. The endoscopic brow lift is a simple, minimally invasive procedure performed through a mini- camera and entails three tiny (3-4mm) incisions at the hairline, thus leaving no noticeable scars. This is cutting edge procedure! The procedure softens the look of the forehead (by lessening the forehead wrinkles), raises the brows, and ablates the thick difficult wrinkles n between the eyes resulting in a more relaxed and refreshed look. It “opens up the eyes” without giving an un-natural look. The result is very natural looking. While this procedure may be more expensive than Botox upfront, the results are long-lasting and cost-effective in the long run.

LIP AUGMENTATION USING FAT {Cost: Approximately $1,200.00}
Injectable dermal fillers such as Botox, Restlyane and Juvederm are all available for lip augmentation and certainly do provide that extra volume to achieve Angelina Jolie style lips—at least temporarily. However, these results only last for a few months and need to be consistently repeated with added cost each time. As an alternative method, your own fat can be used to create lip volume in a more natural and permanent way. In addition the fat has the ability to produce volumetric changes in the lips and around the mouth that beautify not just the lips but the whole peri-oral area (the area around the mouth). Therefore is much more versatile and effective in many cases producing improved results. And because you are using your own tissue, there is little risk of bodily rejection. Again, the cost is more expensive upfront but this procedure pays off in the long-term.

REMOVING UN-ATTRACTIVE VEINS (TELANGIECTASIAS) FROM THE FACE AND BODY {Cost: Approximately $300.00}

Cost effective alternatives to lasers include injections and electro-coagulation. In properly selected patients who are good candidates’ electro-coagulation of these telangiectasias can be done comfortably in the office, safely, expeditiously and economically. These treatments may not require repeat additional treatment sessions like many laser treatments do.