Dan's Papers - March 28, 2008 - Cosmetic Options

If the time has come when you have standing bi-weekly appointments at the beauty salon and own every anti-aging "miracle" cream there is, but you still aren't 100% happy with your appearance, now may also be the time to investigate other options - even for those who are terrified of "going under the knife." According to cosmetic surgeon Alexander J. Covey. M.D., author of Forget the Knife: A Guide to Cosmetic Rejuvenation Without Surgery (Mill City Press, 2007), "You can transform your aging face and body with less discomfort and in less time than you think. In this age of advancing technologies, there are many effective non-surgical cosmetic treatments available to help repair and rejuvenate your skin and reshape your contours."

One of the most exciting advances happened earlier this year when the makers of Thermage, the revolutionary FDA approved non-surgical skin tightening treatment, introduced its breakthrough Cellulite Procedure, the latest treatment in the Thermage Body Shape line to be cleared by the FDA. With a single treatment, Thermage can reportedly help tighten, lift and firm your knees and buttocks, help you lose inches around your waistline, thighs and arms, give you flatter, smoother skin on your tummy and legs and reduce the appearance of cellulite. "Thermage is one of the most versatile non-surgical treatments available," said Dr. Covey. "It works by using a patented and safe radio frequency technology to heat deep into the skin layers to help rejuvenate existing collagen to naturally reshape and firm up loose and sagging skin just about anywhere on your body including your eyes, eyelids, lips, jowls, neck, legs, arms, hands and abdomen."

Another popular treatment used by both men and women to help rejuvenate their skin is the amazing Fraxel II Laser Treatment. The Fraxel II Laser is FDA approved for skin resurfacing, wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, melasma and acne scars. Fraxel II dramatically improves the appearance of aging skin without the downtime and risks of traditional invasive treatments.

"This unique 'fractional' approach is a huge step forward in providing significant cosmetic results with no downtime," said Dr. Covey, "And because the procedure does not 'ablate' or remove the outer skin layer, my patients love that they can resume routine activities right after treatment."

"I take better care of myself now as a 50-year-old than I did when I was 30, but my face didn't look it," explained Julie Thompson of Manhattan. "I had brown spots from my sun-worshipping days and crow's feet around my eyes. Dr. Covey used Fraxel II on my face and I am thrilled with the results. The brown spots and wrinkles disappeared and my skin is the smoothest that it has ever been."

Other effective treatments include the ever popular Botox for smoothing wrinkles; FDA approved fillers Restylane, Radiesse, Juvederm and Perlane for plumping up lips, erasing wrinkles and replacing lost volume; Intense Pulse Light (IPL) and other lasers for rosacea, unwanted hair, fine lines, wrinkles, acne and acne scarring, and Mesotherapy and LipoDissolve for fat and cellulite reduction.

Dr. Covey is board-certified and a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. He has served the people of Long Island and New York for over 20 years and was cited this year, for the fifth year in a row, by the Castle Connolly Guide as one of the "Top Doctors in New York."

To find out more about cosmetic treatments, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Covey in Southampton, Center Moriches or Manhattan by calling 1-800-403-7268. Join Dr. Covey for his seminar on "New Cosmetic Procedures" on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Inn at East Wind in Wading River. Refreshments will be served and seating is limited - registration is suggested. Visit www.eastendlasercare.com.