Have a Spring Time Event?

By Nicole Hayre, MD

It is getting warmer, the flowers are blooming, and that wonderful season is almost upon us the season of memorable events. Graduations, weddings, proms and reunions are quickly approaching. Remember, no matter what you decide to wear that day or any other day, you wear your face every day.

Your Skin Is an Integral Component To the Image You Project.

Youthful, healthy, radiant skin helps to project an image of beauty and well being. How can you improve your skin while your special event is approaching quickly? There are actually many different ways to help improve your skin over a short time. The first thing to do is to make certain that you are using a good skin care regimen. A dermatologist can help you evaluate your skin care regimen, and might even have a line of products in their office for you to use.

As a rule, products sold through physician's offices have higher concentrations of active ingredients than those sold elsewhere. A higher concentration of active ingredients means that the products are more potent, which translates to better results in less time. Regardless of how much time you have until your event, the sooner you begin a good skin care regimen, the better.

What Are Some Last Minute
Quick Fixes?

Microdermabrasion or a light chemical peel are procedures which can benefit most people, and can be done as late as a day prior to your event. These procedures gently exfoliate the skin. Patients may expect to have a slight pink color to their skin for one to two hours after the procedure. Afterwards, the skin is noticeably smoother, helping it to reflect light and giving it radiance. While one treatment can give a patient some improvement, best results are seen with a series of treatments spread out over a few months.

Diminishing lines around the eyes takes years off of one's appearance. For fast wrinkle reduction, Botox is safe and effective. Botox takes three days to begin to have an effect, and reaches maximum efficacy two weeks after it is administered. Therefore, it is best to have Botox at least two weeks before your special event.

Fillers such as Belatero, Radiesse and Juvederm are excellent products to fill in the creases running along the cheeks in the central face. As people age, these creases tend to deepen. Filling them in gives patients a more youthful appearance without an obvious 'you've-had-something-

done' look.

Fillers can also be used to fill out aging, thinning lips, turn up the corners of the mouth, or fill in marionette lines. As with microdermabrasion and Botox, fillers can be done right before an important event.

Fortunately, there are many procedures to help reverse or minimize sun spots and wrinkles. Most do take a series of treatments, so if you have an event and can start early on your rejuvenation regimen, do so. First meet with a board-certified dermatologist for a cosmetic consultation, and make a plan to address your needs and work with your timeframe.