Cosmetic Trends: Fads vs. Truths

There are articles and advertisements online, in print and on television every day talking about the latest device, product or technique that will get you fast results for cheap. This extends from the more extensive surgeries, like a facelift to smaller treatments like a facial or noninvasive laser. Most of the claims should be taken with at least a grain of salt, but some shortcuts and claims could lead to more serious complications like scars and the need for corrective surgery. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is not true – exercise caution.

Beware of “New” Facials, creams and potions Snails, bird poop, and gold are just a few things that have made headlines on ingredients for anti-aging treatments that focus on good skin care recently. Does any of that make sense to you?

Lunchtime Facelifts?

There are many ways to lift a face and some patients do well with a mini-lift with shorter incisions and a quick recovery, but most of this cannot be achieved over an hour lunch. Injectables and skin resurfacing treatments are more appropriate for that time frame.

Illegal injections!

Perhaps the most alarming trend is the increase in illegal injections of potentially toxic and unverified products from unlicensed individuals due to the popularity of buttock augmentations and Botox. It seems like there’s a news story every week about the arrests of these unscrupulous criminals who prey on vulnerable patients who do not have the resources and information to make better decisions. Make sure you see a surgeon that is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.