The holiday season is just around the corner, and you are probably already thinking about what gifts to give your loved ones. Rather than physical gifts, why not treat the special people in your life to the gift of youth or skincare? Here’s our guide to the top skin care services to give as gifts this holiday season.
 

Botox

Botox is a very well-known cosmetic treatment that is primarily used to address the early signs of aging. Botox is an injectable, which as its name suggests means that it is administered via injection into the area being targeted.

Botox works by temporarily affecting the movement of the muscles it is administered into. Botox restricts or freezes them, preventing them from moving when you make a facial expression. The result is that without this movement, the overlying skin is prevented from reacting too, stopping the formation of lines and wrinkles whenever you make a facial expression. This can significantly reduce, if not eliminate, expression lines.

Botox is most often used on the top half of the face as this is the area most affected by dynamic lines and wrinkles. For example, when we frown, lines tend to form across our forehead and between our eyebrows. Meanwhile, when we laugh our eyes crinkle up at the sides, causing lines that are commonly known as crow’s feet.

There are several different types of treatment made from botulinum toxin, the active ingredient which causes the effects. In most cases, Botox remains effective for up to four months before further treatment is required.

Fillers

Dermal fillers are another very popular cosmetic anti-aging treatment. As their name suggests, they are designed to fill areas of the face that have lost volume as a result of diminishing skin elasticity. This typically affects the lower half of the face, such as around the jaw, cheeks, and around the mouth, although an increasing number of people are using them to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags and add fullness to thinning lips.

Fillers work by plumping the area into which they are injected, causing the skin to become tighter and smoother. This reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, makes skin look refreshed and rejuvenated, and helps you to look younger than you did previously.

Like Botox, fillers are injected beneath the skin. The needle used is very fine, but it may be possible for you to have some topical anesthetic if required. There’s no downtime, although you will be given advice that you should follow to optimize your results and ensure there is minimal risk of complications.

There are many different types of dermal filler, and exactly how long the effects of your treatment will last will depend on the variety of filler that you have. Some will require ‘topping up’ after 6 months, while others can last for up to two years before further treatment is required.

Professional Skincare Products

With so many different skincare products available, it can be hard to know which brands and products will be best to give your loved ones. For this reason, we strongly suggest that you consult with a professional first so that they can make a recommendation based on the needs of the individual. They will also be able to recommend specific professional skincare brands and products that they know are both luxurious and highly effective. Some may even have offers during the run-up to the holiday season. For example, we are pleased to offer up to 40% off of certain Obagi products during December.

For more information about any of the services or products listed here, visit Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Acadiana at our office in Lafayette, Louisiana. You can also call (337) 504-3640 to schedule an appointment today.