What it is: An in-office acne treatment that uses a broadband light and a vacuum to deeply purify pores.
How it works: A cleansing vacuum loosens and extracts dirt and excess oil from deep within pores then a painless light helps to destroy acne-causing bacteria.
Downtime: There is no redness or crusting following the procedure and patients can resume normal activities immediately.
Average cost: $200-350 per treatment. Four to six treatments are usually needed, but some patients may need more or less.
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The procedure: LightSheer DUET
What it is: A faster, more comfortable laser hair removal treatment
How it works: This new vacuum-assisted laser (cousin to the original LightSheer) boasts a significantly larger beam of light that enables a greater depth of penetration and allows for much faster treatment times. An entire back or two legs can be done in a mere 15 minutes. Impressive.
Downtime: There is no downtime associated with the DUET or any other laser hair removal process.
Average cost: Laser hair removal treats hair that is an active growth phase. Because all the hairs aren't in that phase at the same time, four to eight treatments are typically required. Prices vary from state to state and depend on your particular situation, but sessions typically start at $450 each.
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The procedure: LashDip
What it is: A semi-permanent mascara that is applied by a trained professional and lasts for up to six weeks.
How it works: LashDip coats lashes in a black gel that works to curl and add volume, dramatic length and color. Users simply apply a clear gloss called "LashSeal" three times a week to extend wear.
Downtime: There is no downtime with applied mascara.
Average cost: $200-$300 for the initial treatment. A follow up at week three to offset any growth may also be necessary and will cost an additional fee.
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The procedure: Facial fat grafting (aka Stem Cell Facelift)
What it is: A "natural" alternative to hyaluronic injectibles wherein a small amount of fat is taken from one part of the body and re-implanted into the lips, the nasolabial folds or other parts of the face or body to help restore youthful "fullness." It can be done in conjunction with liposuction or as a standalone procedure. The benefit of doing this over other injectables is that it lasts longer (50 percent of the fat can last up to five years) and "there is also evidence that fat contains adult stem cells," says Dr. Sam Rizk a New York City-based facial plastic surgeon. He believes that transferring fat may also enhance the skin's metabolism to rejuvenate skin because in the "long-term, they encourage cells to regenerate younger skin," he says.
How it works: A surgeon removes fat from the buttocks or abdomen, it is treated to remove blood and other fluids and then it is injected into the desired site. Note: A modified facelift can be done before fat injections to create a more dramatic result.
Downtime: Post-operative patients rest for two hours and require someone to drive them home. Following the procedure, patients are instructed not to move or massage the treated area for a few days to allow the injected fat to settle. There may be bruising and severe to moderate swelling for up to 72 hours.
Average cost: $1,500-$3,000 or $5,000-$9,000 for a full face treatment
As a culture, we are growing increasingly fixated on altering our appearances through either plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures of some kind. In fact, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), in 2009 more than 310,000 women had their breasts augmented and 283,735 had liposuction performed. Add in the 2.5 million who had Botox injections and 1.3 million who used hyaluronic fillers like Juvederm and Restylane and it's clear that this is no passing trend -- even though as a nation we're struggling with our finances! According to the ASAPS, despite the fact that the economy is floundering, in 2009 overall demand for procedures only dropped 2 percent over the previous year. And, as science continues to advance and more and more procedures become non-invasive, quick fixes with little-to-no downtime, the numbers are bound to increase.
Take something like Botox which has only been approved by the FDA for cosmetic purposes since 1992 -- in 18 short years it's become completely mainstream and common place with millions of people having it injected at med spas on their lunch break. Incredible.
But, for every cosmetic procedure that becomes a household name, there are many that come and go without notice from the masses. Curious about processes that might be flying under the radar now? Well, we did some research to uncover what people are having done that you may not have known was an option.
From having semi-permanent mascara applied to freezing your fat away, take a look at these five procedures and see what you think. Would you ever try them?
