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In this blog, let’s talk about how to formulate an aesthetics plan when you have more than one or two prevention and aging concerns to address. Where is the best place to start?
First of all, any skin care regimen should be individual to YOU. That is why we always encourage an in-person consultation so we can actually see and feel your skin to personalize your treatment.
With that being said, let’s dive right in. How to prioritize issues when your list of concerns may look a little something like this, give or take:
So, from the top.
Forehead wrinkles, frown lines and crow’s feet (oh my!)
Hair changes
Dark under-eye circles
Sagging skin and jowls
Skin texture changes
Blotchy, sun-damaged skin
Disappearing lips
Heavy eyelids
Neck lines
Of course, there are plenty of others. But with that being said, let’s work on NOT being too critical of ourselves when we look in the mirror. Let’s remind ourselves and each other that Zoom, Google Meet and selfies are not always helpful because the lighting and special effects are rarely true to real life.
Before your initial consultation:
Make a list of whatever you are seeing. Be honest and unedited. What bothers you the most? Now, rank them in order of what you think would make the biggest difference to you. Only you. For most of us, fixing everything at once would be extremely time and cost prohibitive. So that’s why it’s really about what matters the most to you. It’s about healthy self-care (physical and emotional) and healthy aging that is individualized to you.
Now, let’s think about upcoming events and other health priorities (i.e. gym membership, monthly massage, manicure/pedicures, etc). You can now edit your list with these things in mind, along with your budget. Do you need just a little maintenance? Meaning, one or two medical grade skincare products and a touch of Botox? Then realistically, 2-3K a year may be enough. On the other hand, if you are really looking to jumpstart your skincare game, or invest in a full face of Botox/Dysport and Filler, then a budget of 5K+ for the year may be more practical.
…… Now that you have your list of aesthetic priorities, you need to set your budget.
Full transparency, you’ll need at minimum $300 quarterly for medical-grade skincare products. It truly doesn’t make sense to invest in Botox, filler, laser treatments, or other devices and then skimp on your skincare. It’s like going to the dentist for a cleaning and then never brushing your teeth.
We promise, you (and everyone else) will notice the difference.
I’m sure we have discussed this before, but as a reminder, mineral-based SPF, Antioxidants (such as Alto - vitamins C, E), and Retinoids (AlphaRet) are the foundation of ANY skincare regimen. These are the products that really make a difference and give you longer lasting, more noticeable improvements in your skin.
Why can’t I buy over the counter skin care products and spend my money on injectables or other procedures!?
Because over the counter products (which are not exactly inexpensive) are not readily absorbed! Medical grade skin care involves changing the molecule so it’s fully absorbed and you can fully appreciate the benefits.
How to proceed…
So let’s say your list looks something like this:
1. Increasing number of sun (brown) spots on my face/cheeks, and a few on my chest.
2. Forehead wrinkles (even at rest), frown lines, crow’s feet and bunny lines.
3. Upper lip lines and loss of lip volume/fullness.
Now, let’s break it down.
For sun/brown spots on your face/cheeks and chest:
This can be treated with a laser treatment called IPL. It generally requires about 3 to 5 treatments at least 1 month apart. Total cost for the series would generally range from approximately $2,000 to $3,000.
For wrinkles of the upper face:
These are treated with neuro-modulators such as Botox and Dysport. Cost really varies by location, but we highly encourage you to do your due diligence and find an injector you trust. Make a risk-free consultation. You get what you pay for, so please don’t fall for cheapie Botox gimmicks. Botox/Dysport are dose dependent, so you will need less frequent treatments if you receive more product. In general, you can expect to require a treatment every 3-4 months, which translates to a yearly commitment of approximately $3,000.
Upper lip lines + loss of lip volume:
Thankfully, there are a few different modalities to treat this common aesthetic complaint. Sometimes, all you need is a tiny bit of Botox or Dysport, which can help prevent the progression of these lines while also softening them. In terms of cost, this treatment, also known as a Botox"Lip Flip", can add on an approximate $60 to start. Most effective for the treatment of upper lip lines and loss of lip volume is a combination of Botox/Dysport and lip filler. Cost is individualized, but $3,000-$4,000 yearly for both is certainly doable, with some Botox/Dysport maintenance treatments around 2-3 times a year.
We hope this is a great guide to help you along your aesthetic journey.
Budgeting is always a great starting point for anyone, and we are happy to help you prioritize your aesthetic goals.
