Fast and Affordable Cosmetic Procedures

Much has changed since I started my surgical training in 2000. Botox had yet to enter the cosmetic market, laser skin treatments required 2-3 weeks of recovery and the most popular wrinkle fillers were derived from animal collagen and necessitated an allergy test before treatment.The modern era of facial rejuvenation has been shaped by a fast-paced world where people work later in life and need to maintain a youthful appearance to stay competitive. Today, our most popular treatments to keep the deep lines from setting in require as little as 15 minutes over a lunch break and leave no tell-tale traces of a cosmetic treatment later that day. And with this demand has come product competition with more affordable pricing. When Botox Cosmetic was first introduced in 2002, paying $500 or more for a frown line treatment was typical. Now patients can choose from Botox, Dysport or Xeomin and pay $200 or less for the same treatment. Wrinkle fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm and Belotero last 2-3 times longer than the collagen fillers that were commonly used in 2000. And now with products such as Sculptra Aesthetic, it is possible to stimulate our body’s own collagen growth with results that can last for several years. Even surgical procedures have improved. Targeting specific problem areas, mini-facelifts can treat sagging cheeks, jawlines and the upper neck with a smaller incision. This less invasive technique, in addition to a decreased need for anesthesia and postoperative medications, diminishes the recovery period from weeks to days.
As we continue to make innovations in cosmetic facial rejuvenation, treatments will become longer lasting and more accessible to those with limited schedules and budgets. The future of facial cosmetic surgery is certainly bright!

Written by Burke Chegar, MD
www.chegarfps.com