With the holiday season just around the corner, you might feel like you’re in a bit of a pinch to look your best in time for gatherings with family and friends. Thankfully, you don’t need to schedule these five small med spa treatments very far in advance in order to see big results just in time for an upcoming event.
1. BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX® remains one of the most popular cosmetic procedures to look younger, and one of its biggest benefits is that BOTOX typically doesn’t take more than 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Even better still, you can head right back to work and other regularly scheduled activities immediately after your appointment—no downtime necessary.
Although BOTOX can treat a number of different facial areas, it is generally recommended to diminish lines and wrinkles on your forehead, between your brows and at the corners of your eyes.
2. Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are similar to BOTOX injections in that they shouldn’t take more than about 20 minutes to perform and don’t generally result in noticeable side effects, other than some mild swelling or bruising. But these shouldn’t stop you from going back to work directly afterwards.
Plan to get dermal fillers a few days before a big event to give any swelling or bruising enough time to diminish so your full results can shine through.
Talk to your plastic surgeon or aesthetician about the best dermal filler choices for your needs. Many fillers contain a substance called hyaluronic acid that helps to plump the skin’s appearance to smooth away mid-face wrinkles and restore lost facial volume.
3. Chemical Peel
If you’re bothered by an uneven skin tone or texture, a chemical peel could be the perfect cosmetic procedure for a more youthful look. There are lots of different types of chemical peels, including basic lactic acid peels, glycolic acid peels, salicylic acid peels and TCA peels. The right choice for you will depend on your unique skin type and cosmetic concerns, but a skilled aesthetician should be able to help you make the best decision.
Right after your chemical peel, you can expect your skin to be tight and red for a few days, depending on which type you choose.
4. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a gentle exfoliating procedure that can help to revitalize a dull, lackluster complexion. It is normally a fairly quick and simple treatment that lasts about 30 minutes and requires no downtime afterwards.
While most people see a noticeable improvement in their complexion after just one microdermabrasion treatment, scheduling multiple treatments spaced a few weeks apart or combining with a chemical peel can provide even bigger results.
5. Facial
What better way to kick off the busy holiday season than with a relaxing and purifying professional facial? These common med spa treatments work by deeply cleansing your skin to remove impurities and impart a sense of calmness and relaxation.
After your facial, you should see an immediate improvement in the vitality, radiance, tone and texture of your skin, all without any downtime or severe side effects. For some people who suffer from tension headaches, getting a facial can help to relieve pressure and the associated pain and throbbing.
Most facials take anywhere from 45 to 75 minutes, but think of this slice of the afternoon as your gift to yourself for the holidays, or schedule a monthly facial for a gift that will keep on giving!
Dr. Lee B. Daniel is board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and General Surgery. He is a member of numerous societies including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
