Cosmetic Surgery 

3. Laser Resurfacing Cosmetic Surgery

The word “laser” is simply short for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation." A laser is an apparatus that turns electrical energy into light and electromagnetic energy.

Laser resurfacing is a phenomenally popular new cosmetic technology used in the treatment of skin damaged by the harmful effects of the sun, acne scars and wrinkles. Laser resurfacing also increases the skins tome and elasticity. Ultrapulase laser resurfacing is the exciting breakthrough scientific treatment to safely
Laser Resurfacing is an interesting technology that has improved the ability to treat sun-damaged skin, wrinkles, acne scars, as well as increasing the tone and elasticity of the skin. Ultrapulse laser resurfacing is the latest scientific breakthrough and can safely correct facial scars, remove and rejuvenate skin cells.

Lasers can be applied in the treatment of:

• Crow’s Feet around the eyes
• Fine lines around the lips
• Scarring caused by acne
• Facial Wrinkles and aging changes
• Lower Eyelid Wrinkle
• Post Surgery Scarring
• Just to name a few.

Procedure:

Laser resurfacing is a relatively short and painless procedure. Generally it is carried out in a dermatologist’s office with only a local anesthesia in 1 to 2 hours. The Ultrapulse laser directs short and continuous pulses of energy to the targeted area vaporizing the treated tissue.

Complications or possible side effects:

It usually requires 3 to 5 days for the treated skin to resurface; this is referred to as epidermal regeneration, dressings and ointment will be required during this period. Detailed care instructions will be provided. Patients do not report feelings of pain, but some social discomfort is apparent for approximately 7 days.

As the skin heals it will be pinkish and smooth for some weeks. Makeup may be worn once the skin surface dries and heals. It is absolutely recommended that you protect your skin from the sun.

Cost:

Laser resurfacing ranges in cost depending on the area that needs to be treated, from $750, up to approximately $4000 for a full face treatment.

4. Botulinum (BOTOX®)

Procedure: 
Botulinum is a toxin that has been discovered in uncooked foods. Science has revealed that this toxin is also a muscle relaxant. Botox is the common name for a cosmetic procedure that entails injecting purified botulinum into wrinkles relaxing the muscles surrounding the area.

This procedure is commonly performed on crow’s feet and lower eyelids of the eye area, frown lines on the forehead, the area around the mouth and on the sides of the nose. Botox treatments have also proven effective to treat involuntary muscle contractions that have known to occur after a facelift.

Botulinum, the deadly toxin found in uncooked foods, is also a muscle-relaxant, and small amounts of a purified form (Botox) are injected into wrinkles to relax the surrounding muscles. It may benefit forehead and frown lines, crow's feet, lower eyelids, lines on the side of the nose, and the area between the upper lip and the nose. It can also be used for treating involuntary muscle movements that can occur after a face-lift.

Procedure: 
Botulinum is carefully injected through fine needles into the selected areas. Injections need to be repeated each few months, as the paralyzing effect does subside.

Complications / Side Effects:

As the muscles in the face has been rendered “frozen” the ability to naturally frown or squint is decreased, and the corners of the mouth may turn down, smiles may be awkward. Many patients who have the procedure around the eyes have been surprised at the resulting more rounded shape.

Most side effects are temporary and involve only the treated area. The reduction of migraine headaches and tension pains have been reported as a very positive side effect. On the same hand approximately 1% of Botox recipients have reported the treatment to be the cause of sever and long lasting headaches. It has been suggested that this may be due to contamination, injection technique or product sensitivity.

IMPORTANT: sufferers of neurological disorders such as myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, or ALS may be considered at high risk of developing side effects that range from respiratory infection, headache, flu syndrome, nausea and eyelid droop.

Cost:
Botox sessions start at an average of $350. Some areas do require multiple sessions ranging from $400 to $900. Large surface areasmay cost anywhere between $600 to $1300.