The experts at Palm Beach Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery are helping us break down the non-invasive procedures that work best for certain skin imperfections. Dr. Fredric Barr, M.D., F.A.C.S., who runs PBPCS, is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery as well as the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and has been in private practice in West Palm Beach, Fla, for 25 years. So in the midst of procedure and product confusion that helps us look our best, we went straight to the pro to get some clarity.
Let’s breakdown each solution:
FACIAL - A deep cleansing and exfoliation of the face/décolletage, usually includes extractions and a mask that will benefit the skin type. Downtime: None. Cost: Less than $150
MICRODERMABRASION – A mechanical form of exfoliation that uses a powerful vacuum to spray micro crystals of aluminum dioxide across the skin’s face. The procedure removes the outermost layer of the skin cells and stimulates cell growth in the underlying dermis. Downtime: Less than a day. Cost: $125-200
CHEMICAL PEEL - A technique used to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin using a chemical solution that causes the dead skin to slough off and eventually peel off. There are many types of chemical peels to choose from and an aesthetician or doctor will determine the most effective one to use. Downtime: Varies, depending on the strength; may produce two days to two weeks of peeling. Cost: $70 – 700 (depending on strength of the peel)
JUVEDERM/RESTYLANE - These sugar based FDA approved injectables also have consistent safety track record, and don’t require allergy testing. They are indicated for reducing deep lines around the mouth, and can further enhance fullness and contour of lips, cheeks, under eye hollows, and nasal irregularities. They are also temporary (manufacturer notes 6-12 months), and further compliment facial surgeries although will not replace them. Downtime: One day minimum, but up to seven days if bruising or reaction occurs. Cost: $625 per vial
BOTOX/DYSPORT – A prescription medicine that is injected into the muscles and used to temporarily improve frown lines between the brows and crow’s feet. Results are not immediate as the main ingredient takes time to relax the muscles that are causing the wrinkles. Downtime: One day minimum, but up to seven days if bruising or reaction occurs. Cost: $295 per area
IPL - Photo-rejuvenation uses a multi frequency (non-ablative) laser pulsed on top of the skin to change the molecular structure and the appearance of aging skin below the surface, giving it a tighter and younger look. Patients with facial veins should see immediate results the day of treatment. The veins are “shut down”, which means they will turn from red to gray, then slowly fade away. Sunspots will turn darker in color and they will begin to flake off in 10 to 14 days. Patients with rosacea or “red cheeks” should see results after the first treatment. Downtime: Up to two weeks before skin returns to normal. Cost: $250
EMATRIX - A revolutionary new skin treatment that reduces wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, discolorations, sun damage and textural irregularities while tightening skin all in one sitting. It is clinically proven for all skin types. Safe for all skin types. Downtime: Minimal, with light sunburn effect Cost: $1,000
FRAXEL - A treatment that produces thousands of deep, tiny columns in your skin, called microthermal treatment zones. It is “fractional” in that it intensively treats old epidermal pigment cells without affecting any of the surrounding tissue. This reduces healing time and promotes the skin’s natural healing process for creating new, healthier tissue to replace the damaged cells. Downtime: 7-10 days Cost: $500
CO2 /ERBIUM LASERS - Laser resurfacing that uses very short pulsed light energy (known as ultrapulse) or continuous light beams that are delivered in a scanning pattern to remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage. This procedure is usually done while being anesthetized. Downtime: Extensive (over two weeks) Cost: $3,000
Whether you visit the professionals at Dr. Frederick Barr’s office, it is always recommended to schedule a consultation before doing any procedure, because each individual’s skin solution must be customized to get the best result.
