Beautiful Options
While time may play its tricks on our faces and bodies, it has thankfully countered with ever better techniques in the field of cosmetic and plastic surgery. Medical advances in recent years for both surgical and nonsurgical procedures have mushroomed. Results, in terms of effectiveness for both the short and long term, have improved, and the downtime needed before returning to work has lessened. Indeed, so many new products and techniques have flooded the market that navigating the choices can feel as daunting to the experienced patient as it does to the initiate. Toss into the mix the combinations of these techniques, tailored to suit individual needs and desires, and overdrive can set in. To keep information overload at bay, we focus here on the newest skin and facial procedures supported by some of San Diego’s finest plastic and cosmetic surgeons.

Fillers
Designed to treat sun-damaged or aging skin through injections that build volume and reduce wrinkles, most of these treatments fall under the umbrella of "lunchtime makeovers" — noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures that are typically completed within 30 minutes, after which patients may resume normal activities. Though technically not a filler, Botox still leads the pack for the injection crowd with over three million people using the procedure in 2006. Prices run somewhere between $400-$500. Newer to the market are fillers such as Restylane and Sculptra, approved by the FDA in 2003. In 2006, a syringe of Restylane varied between $500 and $1,000 a pop, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, while the average fee for a collagen injection was $390. When appropriate amounts of Restylane are administered, results can last from three to 12 months, while results for collagen injections typically last only three to four months. With Sculptra, results become gradually evident over the course of a few weeks. They may, however, last for a record time of two years before another treatment is necessary. The cost ranges from $450 to $550 per syringe and may require multiple syringes and sessions in order to achieve a satisfactory result. Radiance, or Radiesse, was approved in December, 2006 by the FDA for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles. The cost is about $1,200 per syringe.

Laser Surgery
New on the frontier for laser instruments are the Affirm and Active FX. The Active FX is a "fractionated CO2 laser that requires a long weekend to heal, three to four days, and gives similar results as the Affirm in fewer sessions, one to three. In 2006, nonablative laser surgery cost $845 on average for a treatment, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. New developments hatched from older techniques dot the landscape, including microdermabrasion and light chemical peels. A hand-held device containing tiny crystals is moved against the skin, causing a polishing effect. The treatment generally lasts 30 minutes to one hour. Patients return immediately to work. Chemical peels, used to treat fine facial wrinkles for over 40 years, are applied to the face and dissolve the top layer of skin. The peel itself takes 30-60 minutes, and costs about $200 for a light one.

Quick Lifts
Facelifts are as popular as ever, especially since the introduction of the Thread Lift, a minimally-invasive procedure designed to elevate, reposition, and lift the skin of the brow, face, and neck without surgery. The ThreadLift works by having these tiny threads inserted painlessly under the skin. Using local anesthetic, the threads are passed into the droopy facial element with a special guide needle. The threads are then able to grab on to the droopy soft tissue and muscle of the desired area. Most patients experience minimal bruising or swelling for at most seven days, but can return to work the next day after the procedure. The ThreadLift lasts three to five years and can be repeated. Prices range from $200-$700 depending on which areas of the face you are lifting.

Implants
The new 410 silicone implant is creating a buzz in the realm of breast augmentation and reconstruction. These "gummy bear" textured implants hide folds and edges visible in women who have undergone masectomies. According to CosmeticSurg.net, silicone implant procedures take around two hours and require five to seven days of downtime, with an additional six weeks before strenuous activity can be attempted. The cost for the implants runs around $1800, with total surgery costs running between $5000-$7000.

Body Contouring
Relatively new to the world of plastic surgery, body contouring helps reshape patients who have undergone weight loss surgery. Mostly administered to persons with loose, flapping skin, body contouring comprises a number of smaller procedures that achieve a total result. Typically, a surgeon will include a tummy tuck, a breast lift or reduction, upper arm lift, middle thigh lift, and lower body lift. Sometimes a surgeon will tighten the muscles along the abdominal wall to create a flatter stomach. Procedure time varies on the amount of work being done, but can last up to eight hours. Results are long lasting, and required downtime can last up to four weeks. The average cost, according to several body contouring Web sites, ranges anywhere from $2000-$10,000, and possibly more.
— Kathe Gogolewski