Keeping your skin hydrated is obviously important.  What is the most effective way to achieve a balance of hydration that doesn’t go overboard?  If you spend too much time in water you get prune skin.

So.

There are two important factors at play:

1.  Protect your skin from water loss with a barrier.  Simply using a sunscreen is a great start; sun damage lets fluids drain away from the skin at any age.

2.  Provide moisture to your skin.  Drinking fluids, applying moisturizers, and using humidifiers in dry climates are key.

Sculptra is used as a skin filler everywhere from the face to the feet (ever hear of foot pillows?)  Here is some of the latest news:

Sculptra Injection Basics

What Is Sculptratm? Sculptratm, marketed in Europe as New Fill, is an injectable facial filler capable of returning fullness to the face and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and folds. Currently, Sculptratm is FDA approved in the …

‘Foot lift’ using Sculptra

Here’s an example of an off-label use of Sculptra’s dermal filler to rejuvenate the foot. In this TV news clip, Marc Kerner, MD, FACS, advises a patient who wants to be able to wear stiletto heels again without pain to the balls of her …

SCULPTRA - a new concept in facial contouring for a younger …

Sculptra is the latest facial rejuvenation treatment to restore facial shape and volume that is lost through natural aging, weight loss and sun damage. Sculptra is a cosmetic treatment that works with your body to stimulate the …

The best feature about Sculptra is its ability to stimulate collagen production.  The only downside lately are some reports of nodules developing months after injection.

Sculptra Side Effects

Injectable poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra, Dermik Laboratories, Bridgewater, NJ) available in Europe as New-fill since 1999 and in the US market since August 2004 has a significant history of side effects. The early usage of Sculptra was …

Have you recently decided to have cosmetic surgery to improve your appearance or even your health?  If you have, you must be wondering about the cost.  It is no secret that cosmetic surgery can get costly.  However, many individuals, possibly just like you, are more than willing to pay the costs. 

Before getting your heart set on cosmetic or elective plastic surgery, you will want to do a little bit of research.   With a standard internet search online, you can easily find a few sample rates for common procedures, such as surgical facelifts and liposuction.  You can examine these rates, but please know that your local cosmetic surgeons or local cosmetic surgery centers may charge higher rates.  Speaking of which, call them.  Ask about their rates or see if you should first schedule a consultation appointment ( don’t be surprised if you do not get a quote over the phone).

One thingyou will want to do is check your health insurance plan.   Most often, you will find that cosmetic surgery is not covered by a traditional health insurance plan, but you should still look.  Why?  Because there are some exceptions.  For example, some health insurance providers have been known to cover the cost of mole removals and breast reduction surgery.

If your health insurance does not cover the cosmetic surgery procedure you would like to undergo or if you are without health insurance, you will be responsible for the full cost.  The best approach to take is to start saving money for your surgery.

In addition to saving money, if you don’t already have it, you can inquire about payment plans.  Although payment plans do exist, they can be difficult to find.  You may also have your credit checked first to make sure that you have a history of making your payments. 

Although it is important for you to be able to afford the cost of cosmetic surgery, especially if you feel like you do not have any other treatment options, it is important to not choose a surgeon or surgical center just based on their availability of a payment plan.

Another option that you have is to pay with a credit card.  Be sure to use your best judgment and proceed with caution.  Are you good about paying your bill on time?  If you are not, the cost of your surgery may significantly increase with late fees.  Interest rates may also have an impact on the overcall cost as well.

An important reminder:  if you are unable to afford the cost of surgery, examine surgeons and surgical centers that will work to create a payment plan with you.  Make sure that they have a good record with producing quality results and happy patients.
 

Links

Financing Procedures With Care Credit

Medical Loans