The Holidays are rapidly approaching! 

I think I can speak for us all, in saying that we are craving celebrations to break up the social doldrums that have come in 2020. Whether attending live or virtually, we all want to look vibrant and be camera ready. When you feel you look your best, you project confidence, happiness, and a positive energy that others are attracted to.

Given that there are only two weeks until Thanksgiving and six weeks until Christmas/Hanukah; It would be best to utilize minimally invasive and non-surgical aesthetics for your enhancements. There are many options we have in our armamentarium to provide you notable improvements; it can feel a little overwhelming not knowing where to start. Please allow me to share some of the most popular procedures you can now use to address your individual concerns, those which have minimal to no downtime and will have you looking glam in about two weeks.

Microneedling with PRP AKA The Vampire Facial

This procedure, (attributed to Dr. Charles Runnels), is an aggressive exfoliation creating pinpoint bleeding from the Microneedling portion. Separately, your blood is drawn and then centrifuged to pull the red and white blood cells down to the bottom of the tube leaving just the nutrient-rich, platelet infused plasma behind. This wonderful straw-colored fluid is injected into various depths of the tissues and then also further driven into the skin with the Microneedling to mimic injury; signaling the body’s stem cells to come repair and rejuvenate the area, stimulating fibroblasts, elastin, collagen formation, and neovascularization.

Real Benefits

  • Improved appearance of fine lines, pore size, pigment irregularities, skin texture and tone, improved overall radiance.

Ave cost: $1000-$3200 depending on the number of areas treated and if combined with HA filler, Neurotoxin, or Vitamins.

Fillers and Threads

Most commonly used are Hyaluronic Acid fillers, such as Kysse,  which are injected to replace volume loss, enhance shape and add contour; as well as fill the vertical “smokers lines” around the mouth.  Fillers can also create a youthful apple cheek, highlight a cheekbone, or define the chin and jawline amongst many other uses.

Threads, which can safely be used and are made of PDO, Polydioxanone; an absorbable material your body breaks down over the course of about 6-9 months, and in doing so stimulates your own collagen production.  Threads can be utilized to provide structure and support in the case of small smooth types and tissue lifting can be achieved with the utilization of longer, barbed varieties. The results they yield are a more lifted youthful appearance of the tissues. Threads are best suited for patients with mild to moderate laxity who are not quite ready for a traditional facelift.

Real Benefits

  • HA Fillers: All ages, improved appearance of volume loss, shape and contour

Ave cost: $650-$800/ area dependent upon the type

  • PDO Threads: Beginning in 30’s, tissue lifting, support, & contour

Ave cost: $1200-$3200 depending on the number of areas being treated

BioStimulators

Sculptra and Radiess

These two products are wonderful options for patients who would benefit from both immediate improvements as well as the delayed bio stimulatory effect. They are designed to promote one’s own tissue regeneration and growth.  These can be injected and used in diluted washes to improve crepe skin, which is common in the lines of the neck and chest. Growing in popularity is the “Brazilian Butt Lift” look, we can even utilize Sculptra to build a booty and treat cellulite.  Please note that despite their versatility, Sculptra nor Radiesse should ever be used on the lips or around the eyes. 

Real benefits

  • Improvement in volume, lines, texture, stretch marks, cellulite, tone, and radiance.

Ave Cost: $800-$5000+ depending upon the number of areas (need multiple treatments in case of BBL)

Liquid Lipo

Kybella, deoxycholic acid, is essentially a synthetic gallbladder acid that can be used to treat lipodystrophy in areas that are resistant to exercise or genetically predisposed to accumulation, such as a double chin, bra fat, muffin top, saddlebags, etc. It is not designed for widespread use nor a substitute for liposuction but can be used for refinement of areas.

Real benefits

  • Reduction in localized fatty volume and improvement in perceived contour.

Ave Cost: $1200-$2500

Neuromodulators

Botox, Dysport, Jeaveau, Xeomin, are all type A Botulinum toxins that can be used to eliminate wrinkles, improve symmetry and positioning, debulk muscles, reduce pore size, improve scars, soften neckbands, and inhibit sweating.  Using these for cosmetic purposes can make a tremendous difference in both immediate and long term improvements for the signs of aging.  They are extremely well tolerated, make you appear happier, younger, and more relaxed.

These should not be used by patients with a history of: Multiple Sclerosis, Guillane-Barre, or Myasthenia Gravis.

Real Benefits

  • Improvement in wrinkles, fine lines, pore size reduction among many others.

Ave Cost: $330-600 per treatment, the duration is approximately 3-4 months.

As with all cosmetic procedures, please ensure they are administered by a licensed and trained provider such as an NP, PA, or MD.  While all of the mentioned procedures are very well tolerated and can be done with minimal disruption;  bruising, redness, swelling, unevenness, lumps, and bumps can be common in the first two weeks, and typically resolve by week four, so plan accordingly.

Wishing you a beautiful holiday season!

Author Bio: Heidi Lindner has been an aesthetics expert for over 17 years specializing in all aspects of non-surgical aesthetics and plastic surgery. She is sought out for her techniques that focus on a natural-looking approach to facial balancing, restoration, and beauty optimization. Follow her on Instagram @j_derme