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Should I Cut Back on Cosmetic Treatments Due to Economy?
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?
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20 Doctor Answers |
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Beauty Cred
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+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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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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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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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
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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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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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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
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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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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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"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.
Austin Dermatologist
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