“Everyone shines, given the right lighting.” — Susan Cain
Every season brings an opportunity to prepare and rejuvenate yourself —to be your own beautiful. Your skin often needs a lift, especially during the long winter months. If you have ever considered refreshing your appearance, non-surgical treatments can provide safe and effective ways to achieve a healthy glow and appearance.
Recent statistics have shown that non-surgical treatments have increased in popularity. In 2017, nearly 16 million minimally invasive procedures were performed. *Wondering about your options? Alice Pieri, owner of Ultimate Beauty Laser Spa, and Dr. Judy Kerpelman, an obstetrics and gynecology physician and spa and medical injector specialist since 2000, sat down to discuss the possibilities. Read on.
AP: My clients come in and often ask me how they can improve their skin and the signs of aging, particularly sun damage and wrinkles. Do you have any advice or tips that I can share with them?
JK: Everyone’s skin is unique, and the first step would be a thorough assessment to determine the best plan for the client. Peels, laser facials, micro-needling, Botox, and dermal fillers are among the many options available and in many cases one type of treatment will meet a client’s needs. If not, I suggest having a combination therapy designed specifically for your skin, because everyone is unique and “one size doesn’t fit all.” In addition, I will also recommend an at-home skin care regimen for continuous improvement.
AP: Another question clients frequently ask me is about deep smile lines and wrinkles that can appear suddenly. Can anything be done to lessen their appearance?”
JK: Yes! Botox, dermal fillers, and micro-needling are popular nonsurgical treatments used to diminish wrinkles and restore collagen and replenish volume. Frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet near the eyes are the most common areas that are treated.
AP: Some people are squeamish even at the sight of needles. What do you tell them?
JK: Take a deep breath. Pain tolerance may vary but, the needle is so small that most can barely feel it. A very thin needle is used to inject small amounts of Botox or fillers into specific areas of the face. Microneedling is also a quick and painless treatment that uses a small needled tip to infuse anti-aging serums that improve the appearance of many skin issues like acne scars—and with little recovery time.
AP: Another fear people have is that others will be able to tell that “work has been done.” What would you say to them?
JK: I tell clients that others will know only if you tell them. Your friends will think you look rested and refreshed, but it will not be obvious to most that you had anything done. Since aging is a continuous process, maintenance treatments are recommended for ongoing results.
*12017 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. www.plasticsurgery.org, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2017, www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2017/ plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2017.pdf.
