Looking Better for Less

If you have $1,000, a little help with your appearance could be just what the doctor ordered.

by Pam George Published December 11, 2009 at 09:50 AM

(page 1 of 9)

Some minimally invasive procedures are cheaper and offer less down time than many surgical procedures. “They’re tremendously popular and tremendously effective,” says Dr. Joseph J. Thornton, a Newark plastic surgeon. “They’re subtle improvements that people notice. Something about you looks good.”

You’ve faced the fact. That long-awaited tummy tuck will have to wait for next year’s budget. But that’s fine. There are plenty of less expensive procedures you can afford that will have just as large an effect on your look.

Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures have increased 5 percent over last year, even as the number of other procedures has plummeted. Tummy tucks may be down 18 percent from March 2009, just as breast reductions are down 16 percent, but people still want modern medicine to help them look good.

The fact that procedures including Botox and fillers have a lower price tag and offer less down time than most surgical procedures is a plus. “They’re tremendously popular and tremendously effective,” says Dr. Joseph J. Thornton, a Newark plastic surgeon. “They’re subtle improvements that people notice. Something about you looks good.”

So if you’re counting your pennies, here are some procedures for around $1,000 or less. (Prices vary. Factors may include whether the service is offered in a med spa or doctor’s office and whether a doctor, nurse or aesthetician is administering the treatment.)

Botox

It just keeps getting better and better for the manufacturer of Botox, sterile, vacuum-dried and purified botulinum toxin type A. “The satisfaction is so high—about 99 percent,” says Dr. Christopher Saunders, who has offices in Chadds Ford, Newark and Brandywine Hundred.

Pluses Injected into fine lines, such as those across your forehead or between your eyes, Botox reduces the muscle activity that causes the lines, thereby creating a smooth appearance. Recovery is limited to some redness.

Minuses Botox can’t erase deep furrows, crevices and folds. Nor can it plump up hollow cheeks.

Lasts Three to four months.

Cost $280 to $650, depending on the amount of coverage.

Considerations Even with something as common as Botox, experience counts. Incorrect application can result in droopy eyelids and, as a result, dry eyes. A new product, Dysport, has a similar formulation. It costs less per vial than Botox, but because of the formulation, you need more of it, so the price evens out.

Page 2: Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid