Ask the Cosmetic Surgeon

A personal note from Dr. A. Prasad: "As the holiday season approaches, I would like to take a moment to wish all my patients and friends a warm, happy and healthy holiday. While the season brings joy, it can also bring stress and very busy days shopping, preparing, cleaning, serving and entertaining. Therefore, I've devoted this column to describing non-surgical, quick, easy and relatively inexpensive procedures that will help keep you feeling and looking refreshed and rejuvenated throughout December and into the New Year. "

Everyone's heard of it, now's the time to use it: Botox Cosmetic or Juvederm
In just a few minutes you can literally erase the wrinkles it took years to create. Botox Cosmetic works to eliminate wrinkles between your eyebrows (we call them frown lines or worry lines), around your eyes (crow's feet) and on your forehead. The results of Botox Cosmetic typically last about four months.

Juvederm and other types of fillers work to fill the lines in the lower half of your face. The results typically last about six to eight months. These fillers are also used to enhance and soften the lips for a more youthful appearance.

You may feel stressed, but others don't have to see the stress in your face. With Botox and Juvederm, you can shop without the lines this holiday season.

VelaShape: The only FDA approved non-surgical solution to cellulite and body contouring
Nearly 80% of women are bothered by cellulite. Now there is a way to get rid of cellulite and contour your legs without surgery. Here are some facts about VelaShape:

• First and only FDA-cleared non-invasive solution for Circumferential Reduction*
• Virtually painless non-surgical treatment resulting in no downtime - you can return to your daily activities immediately following treatment
• The precise heating of the targeted treatment area ensures a safe and effective treatment
• Effective on all skin types and all skin colors
• Exercise and eating right is always a good option.   But let's face it, sometimes no matter how hard we try, we just can't get rid of cellulite or that last inch around the hips.

Intense Pulse Light for brown spots, age spots and rosacea
IPL (Intense Pulse Light) can reverse the signs of aging, especially those due to sun damage. The heat from IPL stimulates collagen growth, destroys redness, spider veins, fine lines and enlarged pores. IPL photorejuvenation can be used on the face, hands, chest or arms. You can see a more even skin tone, reduced pores, smoother skin and fading of sunspots.

Chemical peels or microdermabrasion for glowing, healthy skin
There are many lights peels or microdermabrasion treatments that can help promote beautiful, glowing and healthy skin. You can treat acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, or smooth out uneven skin tone with no discomfort and little or no down time.