Party-perfect Treatments You Need Now
Dr. Craig F. Ingber, MD is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and owner/operator of Dermacure Valencia (257-8400). Here, he shares his suggestions on how we can become more beautiful and confident before the next big get together.

IN: What treatments do you suggest that will make us look refreshed and lovely in time for our holiday parties?

Dr. Ingber: Using dermal fillers, such as Restylane, Perlane or Juvederm, is an instant way to create a youthful well rested look. The patient leaves the doctor's Office with the desired effect. This is accomplished by erasing dark circles and bags under the eyes, and ridding the face of deep smile lines (nasal labial folds) and drooping corners of the mouth (marionette lines). Lips that have thinned with age can be rejuvenated without giving the patient the dreaded "duck" look. At the same time. this reduces smokers' lines above the lips. These immediate effects can make you look 10 years younger.

IN: If we can only add one new product to our anti-aging skincare practice, what should it be and why?

Dr. Ingber: Skin Medica's TNS Essential Serum, a combination of human growth factors and antioxidants.TNS Essential Serum has been clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, by skin biopsy. It diminishes age spots, improves skin texture, tone and elasticity. It reduces redness and photodamage, smoothes and tightens skin, and protects against environmental damage while strengthening the skins natural ability to regenerate itself.

IN: What treatment can we get "right before" the party that will make us look gorgeous?

Dr. Ingber: Laser Genesis. This treatment is also known as the laser facial. Laser Genesis reduces redness, smoothes and tightens pores, and gives your skin a glow. Your skin looks and feels smoother, and fine lines appear plumped. This is used in Hollywood the day of the Academy Awards.

IN: What mini treatments or surgeries do you suggest that have a quick recovery time, but still will give us the "wow" factor with noticeable results?

Dr. Ingber: Fraxel Restore laser treatment. This laser resurfaces your skin from the inside out, treating imperfections such as melasma, large pores, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles. It greatly improves texture and removes brown spots and precancerous areas. There is virtually no down time.

The "Turn some Heads!" Timeline
The holiday season is approaching fast. Before long, the invitations to holiday parties and gatherings will be mailed out. You will be rubbing elbows with the people you haven't seen in the past year. If you are a Baby Boomer, you have to look fresh in order to be considered competitive with the younger work force. With that said, here are your choices for a few quick and effective rejuvenation procedures.

Two Weeks Prior
About two weeks prior to the event, a treatment of micordermabrasion will exfoliate the skin in order to open the pores, remove the black and white heads and give skin a glowing look.

Two to Three Weeks Prior
A series of two to three IPL Fotofacial laser treatments may be required to eliminate sun spots, brown or yellow spots, pigmentation, fine wrinkles or fine veins on the face. Although there is no down time with IPL Fotofacial, two to three weeks time should be allowed in order to achieve ultimate results.

One Month Prior
Most people will benefit greatly from non-surgical procedures to look their best and freshest. These procedures include Botox injections for crows feet and frown lines, as well as fillers such as FDA-approved Restylane or Juvederm to plump up the lips or correct wrinkles on the lower face. These procedures are non invasive, fairly quick to perform, and - if done by qualified physician - the results are very natural. A filler treatment such as Juvederm or Botox injections should be performed about one month prior to the special occasion.
Kevin Hayavi, MD is the medical director of Beverly Hills Physicians; 800.788.1416 www.beverlyhillsphysicians.com

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