Should I Cut Back on Cosmetic Treatments Due to Economy?
asked 3 years ago by Beauty Cred in The blogosphere
Latest answer by John P. Di Saia, MD
Question viewed 792 times
Tags: costs
I've been getting Botox and Restylane from my doctor (about every 4 months); plus, I had a chemical peel about 2-3 years ago. I liked the results of the peel and am thinking about having another one to help with some uneven skin tone. But I'm concerned about spending the money. I don't want to stop doing everything--I'm afraid of what I'll look like! But where can I cut back so I'm not spending so much?
20 answers to Should I Cut Back on Cosmetic Treatments Due to Economy?
+4
Should I Cut Back on Cosmetic Procedures Because of Recession?
I empathize with every patient that faces this dilemma. The most important thing is to preserve the financial stability of your own household. We don't know when the economy is going to turn around for each person. I understand the desire to maintain your appearance especially when you may be interviewing for a competitive job market. I think the best approach is to honestly discuss with your physician your budget and how to get the most out of what you have...
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+2
Treatment vs. prevention
You are talking about two things: treatment of signs of aging and prevention of aging. Since there are many different signs of aging (i.e. dyschromasia or discoloration, age spots, wrinkles, loss of volume, loss of elasticity) different treatment modalities target different combinations of problems . The chemical peel affects the elasticity, wrinkles, and discoloration. You might want to work with your doctor or perhaps a skin care specialist like as aesthetician to use products that can...
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+2
Need to identify your area of concern/goal desired.
Dear Anon,
To best answer your question, the best place to start is to ask your doctor for his opinion- especially if he/or she has been caring you for the last few years as I understood in your question.
In general terms what you are describing is a maintance schedule you have enjoyed to preserve a youthful apearance. If you are wondering what to prioritize, much of that depends on your lifestyle, the degree of skin damage you have, and your areas of concern.
The combination you...
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S.Pasquale Maggi, MD
Austin Plastic Surgeon
Austin Plastic Surgeon
+1
Cutting back....
Hello,
Many patients are doing less in view of the economy. Make sure you are doing the easy and inexpensive preventative stuff though..sun screen, sun avoidance, etc. Get back to more of your cosmetic treatments when economics permit.
Best Regards,
John Di Saia MD
+1
Tough Economy, Tough Choices.
Rest assured, you aren't the only one asking this question! In difficult economic times, we all need to budget and try to make our dollars go farther. Individuals can rack up big bills very quickly in the cosmetic arena, and unlike most goods, you can't return these for a refund. In any event, my advice is to s t r e t c h your treatments as far as you can. Instead of Botox every 3-4 months, try it every 5-6 months. I'd...
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Randolph Capone, MD
Baltimore Facial Plastic Surgeon
Baltimore Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
It's easy to cut back on Botox and fillers in this economy.
Please make sure you don't spend money that you truly cannot afford on cosmetic procedures. I reacted to you saying you are afraid of what you would look like if you stop your treatments. Keep in mind that stopping any cosmetic treament does NOT accelerate aging or wrinkling like some urban myths suggest. If you stop completely for a while, you will be all right. Nothing contributes to aging like stress and poor sleep, and certainly spending money you need for "real life"...
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+1
Botox and economy
Botox, fillers, and a good skin care regimen with increase in water intake and refraining from sun exposure are relatively cheap ways to improve your appearance and help delay larger ticket procedures such as a facelift
Christopher K. Livingston, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon
Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1
You may need less Botox
As you continue to receive Botox treatments, the treated muscles will atrophy and you may stop habitually trying to use them. The result will be weaker muscles and less activity after the botox effect is worn off. You will find that eventually you may not need Botox as frequently. Try not to repeat the treatment just as soon as you can move the muscles, but wait a bit. Some patients manage once or twice a year treatments. Longer lasting injectables,...
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Randy J. Buckspan, MD
Austin Plastic Surgeon
Austin Plastic Surgeon
+1
Economy and Plastic Surgery
There have certainly been changes in plastic surgery with the current economy. Many patients who cannot afford surgery are choosing to have non-invasive procedures such as Botox, dermal fillers and chemical peels rather than having surgery. To cut costs even more, you really need to weigh the risks and benefits. We see many patients coming to the office looking for a competitive edge in their job search by trying to look younger or healthier. Good luck.
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+1
"Botox Lite" a cost saver
Many of my patients are extremely pleased with lower doses of botox, which reduces the cost. They are happy to have a slight amount of forehead expression rather than a frozen look. I call this "botox lite" and if anything, the economy has increased demand for this procedure in my practice.
Daniel J. Ladd Jr., DO
Austin Dermatologist
Austin Dermatologist
+1
Cosmetic treatments in the crisis
Usually people continue small cosmetic procedures like Botox or fillers and postpone larger surgical interventions. Do not take a loan for any treatment.
Robert Kasten, MD
Mainz Dermatologic Surgeon
Mainz Dermatologic Surgeon
+1
Spend your money on the goods and services that you value most
No one can tell you how to best spend your money, you must decide. I suggest you create a budget that takes care of the necessities of life first (shelter, food, clothing). Create a reserve of funds that can at least hold you over a few months. Prepare for the future by funding retirement accounts. Assess your risk of becoming un-employed or suffering a costly unexpected event (car dies). With the left over funds, decide what makes you happiest and spend...
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+1
Cut back during the Recession
The economy is tough right now. Save your money. I would suggest that discretionary spending on elective cosmetic procedures not be done until your situation improves.
+1
Cosmetic Procedures in Difficult Economic Times
If you get high quality service and high quality results for a procedure you find important to you-- then I think that is worth it in any economic time. Botox, Injectable Fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, Sculptra, etc) and Chemical Peels are all generally very safe, effective, high satisfaction procedures that achieve rapid results. Enjoy treating yourself!
Jeffrey C. Poole, MD
Metairie Dermatologic Surgeon
Metairie Dermatologic Surgeon
+1
Facing the Recession: Obtaining Your Best Value for Skin Care, Botox and FIllers
Everyone has been affected by the recession. For those who feel it in the pocketbook, even if it is Prada, here are some tips to save money:
1. Prevention- SPF 30 Sunscreen and sunglasses help prevent ongoing damage to your skin and squinting, which are the sources of many of those wrinkles around your eyes.
2. Skin Care- Daily skin maintenance can be done with a fruit-acid product line. I like Kinerase, which provides the benefits of Retin A, without the sideffects, such as...
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+1
Cosmetic treatments in a tough economy
Which cosmetic treatments can you skip or cut back on and still maintain your look? That's a great question. Treatments such as Botox, Restylane, and chemical peels are great preventative measures to keep you looking youthful over time. What you can skip or decrease really depends on your age, the current status of your skin and face, and what your top priorities are.
Above all, great skin care, including sun protection, is really key. If you aren't using a good sunscreen, start...
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Anita Patel, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1
Place priority in prevention in your cosmetic endeavors
Invest in preventive measures to minimize wrinkles and photodamage now will pay handsomely in the long run. Adhere to strict daily sun protection with application and reapplication of sunscreen, wearing hat and eye shades when outdoors, staying away from smoking and tanning beds. Keep in mind that all fillers do stimulate collagen to some extent and that regular Botox and Dysport injections for wrinkles help to 'decondition' facial muscles that cause frown lines.
+1
Economy and treatments
Tough question. You have to decide for yourself what bothers you the most and what products can you not do without. This is a choice you have to make yourself. Good luck.
+1
Botox use and the recession
Like all patients coming to a valid concern about your pocketbook. Although Botox and chemical peels may work very well, these may be a first areas that a patient decides to cut back because of the difficult economy. Discuss your concerns with your physician and be very honest about your situation. They may be able to suggest alterations to your course of treatment that may help space out your treatments or may offer cheaper alternatives.
For more information on Botox or to...
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B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1
Prioritizing cosmetic treatments
Normally with our patients, when we run into the issue of what treatments to do and when, we have to start by working backward from the priorities and the budget. When a patient has lots of different issues to address, it all comes down to what's most important to you.
If you just can't live without Luscious lips, don;t do away with your Restylane. If you can't stand the frown line between your eyes, then maybe you should stick with the Botox. Either way, set the budget and set the...
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