The holiday season is not just the happiest time of the year. It is also the busiest with holiday parties here and there. But for some people, the holiday break is a great time for pampering and rejuvenating. Some cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures require extensive surgery and weeks of downtime, but there are several “quick fixes” and non-invasive procedures that can also provide remarkable results. 

Dr. Lillian Lopez-Villafuerte, chair of The Medical City Section of Dermatology, cited some of these nonsurgical and affordable cosmetic procedures which can be availed of during the holiday break.

Reduce wrinkles and rejuvenate aging face with Botulinum Toxin injections.

This procedure continues to be a popular non-invasive procedure to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Dermatologists can quickly and safely inject botulinum toxin during a visit at the clinic to diminish wrinkles and lines that create an angry or sad look. “The effects of botulinum toxin injection can last from four to six months,” says Dr. Villafuerte.

Get smoother and younger-looking skin with Microdermabrasion, Chemical or Microlaser Peels.

Microdermabrasion can help clear away those dead skin cells, unclog pores and improve collagen production. It is a powerful exfoliating treatment that can help you get clear, youthful and glowing skin perfect for holiday get-togethers or for special occasions. After this procedure, skin looks healthier and smoother.

Chemical peels can be done on the face to reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth, treat wrinkles, improve the appearance of mild scars, reduce age spots and dark patches, and treat certain types of acne. Chemical peels improve the look and feel of the skin. This procedure can also be done on the neck or hands.

Microlaser peels are a good option to brighten the skin and create a more refreshed look. Microlaser peels are sometimes used in conjunction with other lasers to help with certain types of acne scars as well. Some may or may not experience peeling after the treatment. A series of peels is most effective, although sometimes a more aggressive single peel is enough to show excellent results.

Combat signs of aging with Fillers. Skin loses its youthful fullness as we age. Fillers can replace lost volume in our face and hands. Many fillers offer immediate results and no downtime. Fillers can reduce signs of aging on the face and hands caused by diminishing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which are components of our skin that give it fullness. Fillers can be placed into the lips to create a fuller, more youthful look or in the hollows of the cheeks to reduce a gaunt or bony appearance.

Get clear skin free from warts with Electrocautery. A common treatment used in dermatology, electrocautery is a routine procedure that removes unwanted tissue on the body by using a small probe with an electric current to burn away warts. Electrocautery reduces the risk of bleeding during wart removal. Scabs will form over the treated wart. It will drop off by itself in five to seven days and will leave a small reddish mark. Complete healing may take one to two weeks.

Get rid of unwanted hair (Hair Removal). “The average number of visits necessary to see permanent hair reduction is five but you can start with the first session this holiday break,” says Dr. Villafuerte.

Holiday stress can also take a toll on one’s skin. Dr. Villafuerte gives the following holiday skin care tips:

• Watch your diet during the holidays. Avoid oily foods, sweets and those with high calories because these might make your skin oily and prone to comedones (whiteheads and blackheads).
• Drink alcohol in moderation. Alcohol should be avoided by patients prone to have rosacea “red face” and seborrheic dermatitis.
• Increase water intake.
• Rest
• Exercise
• Use moisturizers when skin tends to become dry.
• If you’re going to the beach, use sunscreen.
• After coming from a party, make sure to clean your face.
•  Wash off make up before retiring to bed.

The Medical City offers a roster of competent dermatologists who may assess and treat people with various skin problems. For any inquiries please call The Medical City Center for Wellness and Aesthetics at tel. nos. (632) 988-1000/ (632) 988-7000 ext. 6576 / 6579.  –end-