What is cosmetic surgery? Well, it’s basically defined as a procedure or surgery that is intended to improve your appearance. Cosmetic procedures are divided into surgical vs non surgical. So let me break down the two categories and give examples and a brief description of the MediSpa procedures.
Botox/Dysport: These are two of the most common cosmetic treatments at this point. Both of these injectable treatments immobilize a muscle so that the skin above it can’t wrinkle. That means the frown lines between the eyes, the wrinkles on the forehead and your crows feet will disappear for 3-4 months. Repeat treatments are needed but well worth it.
Peels: Chemical peels are one of the mainstay of MediSpa skin care options. The peels utilize a light acid that exfoliates and tightens the skin.
Lasers/ IPL: Lasers and IPL use high intensity, focused light to treat a variety of skin conditions. Facial spider veins, excess skin pigment (brown spots), and hair are commonly treated. Almost everyone is a candidate for an IPL treatment. Stronger lasers also treat tattoo removal and deeper wrinkles.
Tattoo Removal: Tattoo removal is an in office laser procedure. Treatments do require local anesthesia but are well tolerated with no down time.
Fillers: Today the mainstay of fillers are Hyaluronic Acid fillers. HA is a protein that is already a part of your skin. Brand names you may have seen are Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane. As we age, the youthful fullness of our face is lost and these products are used to restore volume in the mid face, the area between the bottom of the eye and the top of the mouth. They usually last about 18 months and restore the youthful, full appearance to your face. Treatments are done in office and take about 20-30 minutes.
Cosmeceuticals: This is a term for prescription strength skin care products that are sold via Plastic Surgeons offices. These products contain prescription strength levels of fading creams for brown spots and pigment, glycolic and salicyclic/ acids to improve skin texture, Retin A for fine lines, growth factors for increased collagen production, acne treatments to prevent break outs, and improvements in redness, dullness and volume loss.
Lee Corbett, MD
Medical Director, Corbett Cosmetic Aesthetic Surgery and MediSpa.
