When you have a special event coming up, you might go out and get a new outfit, a mani/pedi, and even a new haircut. Would you also go see a plastic surgeon? The answer may or may not depend on the event – are you going to the Oscars or the neighborhood white elephant exchange? But it most assuredly depends on how much time you have. If time is limited (less than a month), but you still want to make as big a change as you can to your appearance, your best bet is a non-surgical procedure.

Science and technology have advanced so far in this century that non-surgical cosmetic procedures can do more, in less time, and for less cost than ever before. And women and men alike are taking advantage of this. Since 2000, the number of minimally invasive procedures performed in the US has risen exponentially: Botox® Cosmetic injections alone went up almost 800 percent.

At his plastic surgery practice in Allen, Texas, Dr. Charles Slack happily accommodates the increased demand for these procedures. Here are the procedures Dr. Slack offers to give you big results in a little time.

Botox® Cosmetic injections

Botox® injections are one of the quickest and most affordable cosmetic treatments available today. They are ideal for smoothing out moderate to severe frown lines, horizontal lines across the forehead, and those vertical creases between the brows that can make you look angry and stressed when you don’t feel that way inside. They also work well on crow’s feet and wrinkles around the eyes.

Treatment time: Usually under 10 minutes
Downtime: Return to normal activity same day
Recovery time: A few days for light bruising at injection sites to fade
Time to full effect: About three days
How long it lasts: About three months

Skin Resurfacing

Using a variety of advanced energy delivery systems, the skin of your face, abdomen, and chest can be tightened and smoothed for a firmer more youthful appearance. Energy sources include fractional radio frequency, pulsed electromagnetic fields, and high intensity pulsed light. They are all virtually pain free and address issues like pigmentation, skin texture, sun damage, and wrinkles. Most make permanent changes to the skin by stimulating collagen and fibroblasts at a molecular level.

Treatment time: Varies from 15 to 30 minutes per session
Downtime: Return to normal activity same day and wear makeup the next day
Recovery time: A few days for redness to fade
Time to full effect: One to three weeks. Multiple treatments often recommended.
How long it lasts: Permanent change

Learn more about the state-of-the-art skin treatment technology used by Dr. Slack:

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that can be injected under the skin to fill in deep wrinkles and smooth out pitted scars. They work particularly well on frown lines and deep grooves between the brows and around the mouth to give a less distressed and more relaxed appearance. They are also used across the cheeks and beneath the eyes to plump and restore a more youthful look as well as to add fullness to the lips.

Treatment time: Usually under 20 minutes.
Recovery time: A few days for light bruising to fade
Downtime: Return to normal activity same day
Time to full effect: Immediate to one week
How long it lasts: nine months to two years

Learn more about the special dermal fillers used by Dr. Slack:

All of these procedures are less invasive than traditional plastic surgery, but it is important to remember that they are still medical procedures and should be performed by a qualified medical professional. Beware, there are providers who offer these kinds of treatments who don’t have the medical expertise and rigorous training needed to perform them safely. Here is what Dr. David Song, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), says:

“It may not be surgery, but there is still a lot at stake. Before you undergo any procedure, do your homework and make sure you’re putting yourself in the hands of only the most most qualified and highly-trained expert available.”

If you have an event coming up and would like to learn more about these non-surgical treatments from a qualified plastic surgeon, call Dr. Slack’s office for your consultation today.