Beauty on a Budget
If you never thought there could be cheaper alternatives to some professional treatments, like a facelift, think again. RealSelf.com experts give their advice on how to economize a bit.
Think you need a lift but aren't prepared to pay for one? There are options—and you might even find that some non-invasive procedures will address what you're trying to correct better than a facelift would. The first step is in knowing what you really want to fix.
For Rough Skin Texture, Discolorations, Wrinkles
Non-invasive Solution: According to Denver plastic surgeon Manish H. Shah, M.D., "skin rejuvenation techniques include Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels and Laser Resurfacing". A facelift in and of itself won't address skin texture or discolorations—so if that's your primary concern, talk to your doctor about these techniques.
Product Solution: LA plastic surgeon Robin T.W. Yuan, M.D. suggests Retin A (Renova) as a less expensive alternative for wrinkle treatment. Plastic surgeon Alexander G. Nein in Nashville also recommends looking into Nia24, Revale and Neocutis.
For Loss of Facial Volume
Non-invasive Solution: When we think of excess or sagging skin, we often jump to "facelift" as the only option—ignoring the possibility to fill out sunken or sagging areas rather than nipping and tucking them. According to Dr. Nein, "soft tissue fillers (collagen, Radiesse, Juvederm, etc.) can be used to replace collagen and/or fat that has atrophied through the years."
Product Solution: While there aren't any "miracle creams" for facial sagging, products like Fusion Beauty's LiftFusion can provide a temporary tightening effect. B. Kamins and Vichy also have products that contain dextran sulfate which can help reduce swelling and, thefefore, have a tightening effect.
No matter what options you try, everyone agrees sunblock and a good moisturizer are essential--and both are available at your local drugstore.
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2 posts
15 Oct 2008
I belive ONLY in plastic surgery..recomend to start from eyes...and usung Retin A 0,1 %. i n case I look 17-20 yeras younger, but I figure and smilr to match. never start operation well over 59,60..impossible to realy turn the cclock so much. step by tep is the best approach, but IT IS super costly. I would rather drive cheaper car and look like super model, ela
5 posts
15 Oct 2008
Fillers such as Juvederm are so expensive, and need to be repeated so frequently, that they can hardly be thought of as "budget" alternatives to a facelift. If you are going to get fillers more than two or three times, it makes more sense to me to just put the money toward a facelift. I've had Juvederm once, found the injections excruciating, spent almost a thousand dollars for them, and was not happy with the results.
1 post
18 Oct 2008
I go to my regulat dermatologist to get an RX for Hyularonic Acid lotion...(Hyulura) it is a gel of HA and H2O and it comes in a pint with a pump for a co-pay (generic) of $15. I practically bathe in This moisturizing, hydrating, basic building block of the skin, for cheap..with a refill every month. He usually writes it for 12....