Just because some of us were not born with the perfect model gene, that doesn’t mean that we have no other solutions. Welcome to the 21st century! We now have the option of cosmetic surgery, dentists, and advance science in cosmetics.

Below you will find some of our recommendations of less invasive cosmetic procedures and over the counter products that will help enhance the beauty we already carry and love.

Facials
Facials are probably the most frequently sought-after treatments. However, one must carefully choose the right procedure. Too harsh of an application may lead to more serious of problems.

Chemical Peel (Alpha Hydroxy acid, Tricholoracetic acid (TCA), or Phenol)
Average Cost–$520

Fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and on the
forehead and cheek areas may be improved with a wide range of skin treatments. A chemical peel solution is applied to the entire face or to specific areas to peel away the skin’s top layers. Several light to medium-depth peels can often achieve similar results to one deeper peel treatment, with less risk and shorter recovery time.

Note: Recovery time for a chemical peel can be up to 6 weeks or longer depending on how sensitive your skin is. This is a procedure that should be considered 6 months in advance to your wedding day or special event.

Lasers
Average Cost–Depending on type of laser surgery
Laser hair removal–$360
Laser skin resurfacing–$2300
Laser treatment of leg veins–$315

Lasers can be effectively used to eliminate surface blood vessels on the face that become reddened and enlarged due to sun exposure. The problem is most often seen in fair-skinned individuals who cannot tan or have difficulty tanning. The use of lasers for skin resurfacing is effective in reducing the effects of sun damage. Laser resurfacing is an alternative to chemical peel for most patients. Lasers can also be an effective means to permanently removing unwanted hair, varicose veins and tattoos.


Dermabrasion
Average Cost–$1300

Dermabrasion is as scary as is sounds. The procedure is conducted with a high- speed rotary wheel, similar to fine-grained sandpaper and is used to abrade the skin. It may be recommended when there is extensive sun damage and heavy skin wrinkling. Be aware that permanent pigment changes may occur.
Note: This is one procedure that is very common, but not recommended due to the fact that it is quite abrasive. We recommend a product by Prescriptives called DermaPolish (Retail $125 at local department stores), which was tested and created by a renowned dermatologist. The results are the same within 8 weeks of treatment without the side effects of a normal dermabrasion. Ask your local Prescriptives counter artist for more details.

Exfoliating Facials
Average Cost–$75-90

Ask your salon/spa about a skin analysis, cleansing, exfoliating, and a facial massage. This system helps with the removal of impurities and enhances facial moisturizing. This facial leaves your skin clean and hydrated.
Note: Recommended for the person who enjoys more frequent treatments.
Look for salon/spas that specialize in exfoliating and cleansing facials.

Enhancements
For those of us who have always considered cosmetic enhancements, here are a few that will help solve those unwanted lines and not so fab areas.
Lip Augumentation (Collagen, Fat and Fibrel Injections)
Average Cost–$1600

A permanent method of augmenting the lips is accomplished by surgically enhancing the lip forward, with incisions placed inside the mouth. A dermal-fat graft, taken from the deeper layers of the skin, may then be positioned under the mucosa (the lining of the lip) to add additional “plumpness.” Injecting fat collagen or other substances for lip augmentation is another alternative. The correction is not permanent, and injections must be repeated periodically to maintain results.

Note: Recovery time for a lip augmentation is roughly 1 week. You may experience swelling and discomfort for a couple days after surgery. This is an outpatient surgery that is performed in the convenience of your dermatologist’s office.

For those of you who prefer a non-medical procedure, there are products on the market that help enhance lip fullness. These products use ingredients such as Viagra to help stimulate blood to the lips and create the short-term effect of fuller lips. These products range in the price of $8-18 and must be applied regularly for positive results; even then, they do not create the results of a surgical procedure.

Lipoplasty (Liposuction)
Average Cost–$2100

Lipoplasty allows the plastic surgeon to remove localized collections of fatty tissue from the legs, buttocks, abdomen, back, arms, face and neck using a high-vacuum device. The procedure leaves only minute scars, often as short as one-half inch in length or less. The use of refined equipment allows removal from delicate areas such as calves and ankles. Lipoplasty removes fat, but it cannot eliminate dimpling or correct skin laxity. If a patient’s skin has lost much of it’s elasticity, the plastic surgeon may recommend a skin tightening procedure such as a thigh lift, buttock lift, or arm lift, all of which leave more extensive scars.

Note: Many people who have liposuction, usually recovers within 1-2 weeks. This time may vary depending onage, skin type, number and type of procedures done, pain tolerance, size of the person, and general health/athleticism. You may want to consider this surgery a couple months in advance if you are planning to marry. This will allow time to be fitted comfortably in your wedding gown.

Botox Injections
Average Cost–$400 per facial region

Botox is a simple and safe procedure. Using a tiny needle, a very small amount of Botox is injected into locations on the face or other areas. Because the needle is so fine and only a small amount of liquid is used, the discomfort associated with the injections is minimal. It is a similar needle used to inject insulin. Most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. No sedation or local anesthetic is needed, and you can resume normal activities immediately. You can even drive yourself home or back to work after your appointment. Botox injections are temporary, usually lasting 3-6 months.

Note: Botox works by blocking the transmission of impulses from the nerve cells to the muscle. This causes a temporary muscle weakening. By selectively interfering with the muscle’s ability to contract existing lines are smoothed out over time and future lines may be prevented.
As with any biological product, there is a rare possibility of an allergic reaction. Among the most common side effects are local numbness, swelling, bruising, or a burning sensation during injection. Headaches or nausea may also occur. These are usually temporary and typically disappear within a few hours. Brushing and swelling may persist for several days.

Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry can brighten dull teeth, whiten stained teeth, close gaps between teeth, repair chipped teeth, and straighten crooked teeth. You deserve the best smile possible on your wedding day. Consider one or more of these options below and contact your family dentist or cosmetic dentist for more information.

Laser Bleaching and Whitening
Average Cost–$400 per application

Bleaching material is placed on the tooth or teeth to be bleached. A laser is then concentrated on the material for a relatively short period of time, activating the bleaching process. This procedure is gaining in popularity and many dentists are currently updating their equipment in order to offer laser bleaching to their patients. The technique is more expensive than in-office or take-home whitening. Some patients experience temporary minor tooth sensitivity.

Bonding
Average Cost–$125-175 per tooth

A one-step process that is both easy to perform and relatively low in cost, bonding is a widely available technique for correcting many aesthetic problems from color to shape. A disadvantage to this option is that it's less durable and more likely to become chipped or stained than other types of restoration. A process in which an enamel-like material is applied to a tooth's surface, sculpted to an ideal shape, hardened, and then polished for an ideal smile, this procedure usually can be accomplished in a single visit.

Porcelain Laminate Veneers
Average Cost–$600-700 per tooth

Veneers are popular treatments for a variety of smile problems. Veneers are the ultimate restoration for spaces, chips, and fractures, resulting in a dramatic cosmetic makeover. The advantage that veneers have over bonding is their color stability and much longer life expectancy. Veneers are not reversible since a small amount of tooth enamel is removed before adhering the facing to the tooth.

As with all surgeries, there are risks and side effects that should be discussed with your primary physician. Louisville Wedding Planner Magazine is only covering these topics for informational purposes and not endorsing these procedures as being appropriate for everyone. Make sure to plan ahead and do extensive research on any cosmetic surgery to make sure you know all possible side effects and/or any long-term effects.