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Wrinkle Blasters: 8 Procedures That Smooth and Tighten Skin
IF YOUR MOISTURIZERS and serums aren’t doing enough to give you the complexion you want, you might be considering a medical treatment. But which ones really work, and how much do they cost? We asked noted New York City dermatologic surgeon Dendy E. Engelman, M.D., to run down the options, although only your doctor can tell you whether one of them would work for you. —Anissa Gabbara
DERMAL FILLER
WHAT IT IS: Injections to plump the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, or subtly alter facial structure. Hyaluronic acid is commonly used.
HOW LONG IT LASTS: Six months to two years
PROS: Generally safe and low risk
CONS: Temporary bruising and swelling. May cause facial imbalance and lumps under the skin if it’s done improperly.
AVERAGE COST: $1,000–$1,400
MICRODERMABRASION
WHAT IT IS: Gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, refine texture and even skin tone
HOW LONG IT LASTS: About one month
PROS: Noninvasive, generally safe and relatively quick
CONS: Can take a few treatments to see optimal results. There’s also a risk of damaging the skin barrier.
AVERAGE COST: $75–$300 per session
MICRONEEDLING
WHAT IT IS: A tool that pierces the skin with ultrafine needles to stimulate collagen production
HOW LONG IT LASTS: Four to six weeks
PROS: Minimally invasive. Strengthens the skin barrier and minimizes scars and wrinkles.
CONS: Pain, sensitivity, redness, patchiness and bruising may occur.
AVERAGE COST: $100–$700 per session
DERMAPLANING
WHAT IT IS: A scalpel or an instrument similar to an electric shaver that scrapes the skin to remove dead cells, sun-damaged skin and “peach fuzz”
HOW LONG IT LASTS: Three to four weeks
PROS: Noninvasive. Brighter and smoother skin can be seen immediately.
CONS: May take a few sessions to see a reduction in dark spots and other signs of aging.
AVERAGE COST: $100–$200 per session
LASER RESURFACING
WHAT IT IS: A controlled laser injury that smooths and plumps the skin by triggering the body’s natural healing process
HOW LONG IT LASTS: Three to five years
PROS: Can reduce acne and improve skin texture
CONS: May cause redness, sensitivity, flaking and peeling. May not be safe for people with darker skin tones.
AVERAGE COST: $500–$2,500
CHEMICAL PEELS
WHAT IT IS: Chemical exfoliant applied to break down dead skin cells and reveal fresher skin
HOW LONG IT LASTS: Months to years (the deeper the peel, the longer it tends to last)
PROS: Can reveal a brighter complexion and address acne, aging and uneven skin tone
CONS: Burning, redness and sensitivity may occur.
AVERAGE COST: $150–$800
RADIO FREQUENCY
WHAT IT IS: Electromagnetic radiation delivered to the dermal layer to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin
HOW LONG IT LASTS: One to three years
PROS: Can reduce fine lines and wrinkles
CONS: May not be suitable for people with darker skin tones, as it can cause damage. Skin burning can also occur.
AVERAGE COST: $1,000–$4,000
PLATELET-RICH PLASMA INJECTION
WHAT IT IS: Also known as a “vampire facial.” Plasma from the patient’s own blood is injected into the face to accelerate skin healing and boost the production of collagen.
HOW LONG IT LASTS: One to two years
PROS: Can smooth and plump skin and reduce acne scarring
CONS: Requires drawing blood
AVERAGE COST: $500–$2,500