Helping you to look your best

Medical treatments may give you the results you are looking to achieve. By dr. howard suls

We all look in the mirror every day. It’s hard not to notice the effects of time over the years. A few wrinkles around the eyes, a scowl above the nose, deepening lines across the forehead, some age spots.

It’s said that you can’t fool Mother Nature, but breakthroughs in medical aesthetics have resulted in cosmetic enhancements to turn back the clock. Newer non-surgical treatments can reverse some of the effects of aging with little or no down time.

Botox
Botox, the most well-known treatment, is a derivative of a natural product that results in muscle relaxation. It is used for treatment of wrinkles between the eyebrows, crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, “gummy” smiles, prominent neck bands, “smoker’s” lines above the lips and excessive sweating of the underarms, palms and feet. Injections are done in a doctor’s office and are quick and relatively painless. Effects start in three days, peak in two weeks and last anywhere from three to six months.

Intense Pulsed Light
The most dramatic treatment uses either Intense Pulsed Light or laser for photorejuvenation. IPL and laser target the wavelength for pigment and blood vessels, resulting in the removal of age spots and small blood vessels in the face, and age spots on the chest, shoulders, arms and hands. Five treatments give the best results of a more youthful complexion. Wouldn’t it be great to wear your low-cut and spaghetti-strap gowns again with the confidence of not showing those embarrassing age spots?

Collagen fillers
Collagen fillers are also very popular. The most well-known are Juvaderm, Radiesse and Restylane. Injections are done in the doctor’s office with no down time. In addition to the immediate filling of problem areas, such as the folds along the nose and the area between the eyebrows, collagen fillers help to stimulate your body’s natural collagen formation, resulting in continued regeneration and filling. Wouldn’t you like plumper lips and higher cheekbones? And no, you won’t look like Angelina Jolie! Fillers can last anywhere from three months to five years, depending on the type of filler and the area.

Hair removal
Another popular treatment is hair removal. Whether it’s unsightly hair on your lip, chin, sideburns or arms, or you’re just tired of shaving your underarms, legs or bikini line, hair removal can be a permanent solution. Done by laser or IPL, the pigment of the hair follicle is targeted, resulting in disruption and ultimately destruction. Only actively growing hairs are destroyed, so plan on four to eight treatments. Unfortunately, blond, red and gray hair is not a target for permanent destruction, but treatment can result in reduction for months.

Dr. Howard Suls is co-founder of the Anew Center for Medical Aesthetics in Bedford.