Professional Beauty Treatments

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• QHow does skin resurfacing work?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Skin resurfacing works in two ways. The two main types of laser skin resurfacing are ablative and non-ablative fractionated.

  • In ablative laser therapy, the doctor uses a laser to destroy the top layer of skin, the epidermis, and reveal smoother, unblemished skin beneath. The laser also triggers new cell growth to repair the damage. Lasers used include the Erbium Yag, carbon dioxide, and YSGG.
  • In non-ablative laser treatments, which are used more often today, tiny holes are drilled through the epidermis to target the next layer down, the dermis, with radiofrequency waves. Although the results may not last quite as long as ablative skin resurfacing, there are far fewer side effects and a much faster recovery.

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• QWho is most likely to have a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Both surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures are not just for the very rich anymore. A 2009 survey of 687 members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) found that the typical person who opts for injectables and/or fillers for her face is a working, married woman between the ages of 40 and 55 with one to three children. Nearly half had total household incomes under $100,000. Their main reason for the procedures? To look more relaxed, less stressed and rejuvenated.
• QHow much do dermal fillers cost?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  The average cost for treatment with dermal fillers is $1,000. You pay for dermal fillers by the syringe. Because several syringes may be required, ask your doctor for an estimated total cost before beginning your treatment. Costs vary based on geographic region and type of filler. Insurance rarely, if ever, covers the cost of cosmetic treatments.
• QWhat are the risks of laser resurfacing?

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  A RealAge answered

  Risks of laser resurfacing, a procedure that uses a laser to remove fine wrinkles, age spots and other minor facial flaws, may include:

  • acne flares
  • bacterial infection. Your doctor may recommend taking an antibiotic before and after the procedure
  • cold sores if you are prone to getting them. Tell your doctor about your history of cold sores (oral herpes), before having laser resurfacing. You can minimize this risk by taking an antiviral medication before and after the procedure
  • change in skin color. Skin in the treated area may look darker or lighter than the skin around it
  • milia. These small white bumps may appear during healing. They can be removed by gentle cleansing with a washcloth
  • prolonged redness
  • scarring. This is rare, but possible
  • swelling. If you are having laser skin resurfacing around your eyes, your doctor may prescribe oral steroids to manage this swelling
• QDoes insurance cover cosmetic treatments?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Insurance rarely, if ever, covers the cost of cosmetic treatments. Unlike a health problem or medical condition, nonsurgical aesthetic treatments are entirely optional. You don't have to fill in those wrinkles, erase those broken blood vessels or minimize that redness. You do it because you want to.
• QHow can I make my eyelashes look thicker without a lot of mascara?

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  A Dr. Tamara Fountain , Ophthalmology, answered on behalf of American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart

  There is a new prescription drug, Latisse (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03 percent by Allergan, which was recently approved by the FDA as safe and effective to help lengthen, thicken, and darken eyelashes. It has the same active ingredient, a prostaglandin analog, as a glaucoma drug, Lumigan (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03 percent, also made by Allergan. It was discovered that one of the side effects of Lumigan is increased eyelash length, darkening, and thickening. Other side effects include eye redness, irritation, and darkening of the skin of the eyelids, all of which are reversible upon cessation of drug. Darkening of the iris has also been reported, and this side effect is not reversible.

  The FDA studies show that the most common adverse events (about 3 percent to 4 percent incidence) are itchiness of eyes, redness of eyes, and increased pigmentation. If you have an eye condition, such as glaucoma, macular edema, or eye inflammation, consult with your ophthalmologist or eye doctor before using Latisse.

  Closely follow the instructions for use of the drug. If you have any concerns, the easiest thing to do is to see your ophthalmologist who can evaluate you to make sure you are a good candidate for Latisse as well as prescribe it.

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• QWhat can make my eyelashes grow longer, besides medication?

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  A Dr. Tamara Fountain , Ophthalmology, answered on behalf of American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart

   

  There are many causes of eyelash loss including infection, autoimmune disorders, thyroid trouble, trauma, and even cancer. Thinning of lashes can also happen with age. I would suggest you see your ophthalmologist or eye doctor. This person could ask you some questions and examine you thoroughly to understand the reason for your eyelash problem. Once your doctor knows the problem, you can begin treatment accordingly. Latisse is the only FDA-approved treatment proven to grow longer, darker, and thicker lashes. It takes two to four months to see any effects, and side effects can include darkening of surrounding skin and even the iris or colored part of your eye. You can talk more with your eye doctor whether this treatment is right for you.

• QWhat evolutionary purpose does beauty serve?

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  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  Way back when—before we could decode your genome, use fertility tests to determine when you're ovulating, and order MRIs to see what is going on with your liver—humans learned to use beauty as a serious assessment of a partner's potential health. Back then, beauty was the best way to determine that—and in a tenth of a second, mind you.
  
  That's why beauty became very serious business—as in, survival-of-the-species serious. When we think about survival of the species (living long enough to pass your genes on to the next generation), it's natural to emphasize the survival part of the equation. But when it comes down to a choice between surviving and breeding, breeding often wins. (Think of male grizzlies fighting to the death for a mate.) Considering the stakes, you'd better be sure that the object of your affection (that man with those magnificent abs) is worthy of the effort to attract him.
  
  Our brains became hardwired to search for certain traits in our mate, so we soon learned to consider those traits—a certain curvy body shape, full lips, thick hair, healthy teeth, on and on—as beautiful. And, with relatively few variations since time untold, so it remains.
• QHow are hormones related to wrinkles and worries?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Cortisol is a hormone that is involved in the effects of aging on the body, including thinning of the skin. It increases when we are stressed out. If stress and cortisol levels remain elevated for long periods of time, that thinning skin may result in wrinkles.

• QWhat's the easiest way to improve my skin texture?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Keeping skin hydrated can improve its surface texture and appearance, so use a mild cleanser to avoid stripping skin's natural moisture. Follow up with a lotion each time you wash, as this can help replenish moisture that's lost and keep skin looking smooth and healthy. Another step is to wear sunscreen. Sun damage can affect your skin texture. By wearing sunscreen and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, you can prevent sun damage.