Need a Spring Makeover? Here’s Everything (and Everyone) You Should Know

Photo credit: Getty Images

Spring is the season of renewal, and the best way to embrace change is by beginning with yourself. Is there a treatment you’ve been curious to try, but haven’t got around to booking? Or are you not sure how to even start? Below, we have a few treatments to consider this spring, plus questions to guide you through your first consultation.

5 Popular Treatments to Consider in 2019

1. Teeth whitening
A beautiful smile will never go out of style. In recent years, certified cosmetic dentists have yielded more natural results, compared to the glow-in-the-dark bleaching practices of the early 2000s. New, noninvasive technology has paved the way for brightening the tooth enamel without increased sensitivity.

2. Tumescent liposuction
This form of liposuction was developed in the 1980s as a safer alternative to fat removal. Instead of an extensive surgical procedure requiring anesthesia and large incisions, tumescent liposuction uses a dilute, anesthetic solution to infiltrate fatty layers, allowing the patient to stay awake and mobile for a more targeted approach.

3. Invisible braces
A more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional metal braces, invisible braces use custom-molded, clear aligners to gradually reposition teeth over a six- to 12-month period. There is virtually no disruption to your daily life, since these are removed before eating and are fitted perfectly to avoid any irritation. The most popular brand of invisible braces is Invisalign.

4. Blepharoplasty
Eyes show the most signs of aging. Loose or sagging skin can allow fat pockets around the eye to protrude and appear puffy. To alleviate this, you can seek either lower or upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Excess skin and fat may be removed or repositioned around the eyes to create a natural and more youthful appearance.

5. Hair replacement
Nonsurgical hair replacement is a safe and easy alternative to hair transplantation surgery. For women and men with thinning hair, natural hair integration can give you thicker and healthier locks, minus the use of artificial fibers, powders, weaves, or chemical adhesives.

Fast Facts

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2017 alone…

• 17.5 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the U.S.
• 92 percent of cosmetic patients were female
• $16.7 billion was spent on cosmetic procedures
• 7.2 million Botox procedures were performed

Photo credit: Getty Images

Questions to Ask Your Cosmetic Surgeon or Dentist

Are you board certified in cosmetic surgery?
In the United States, any licensed physician can legally perform a cosmetic procedure. Ensure that your doctor has the right qualifications; plastic surgeons who are board-certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery have completed a 12-month fellowship training in all fields of cosmetic surgery and a surgical residen­cy, at the minimum. For dental procedures, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has a database of dentists with accreditation information so that patients can check for themselves.

How frequently do you perform this procedure? Practice makes perfect; it’s important to find a doctor who is an expert in your desired procedure. The more patients they see, the more equipped and skilled they are to operate on you. Ask to see before-and-after photos and patient reviews, as well, to understand the full scope of their clientele and ability to deliver results.

What should I know about my recovery?
You need to have a clear understanding of recovery time and the details of the process to adjust your schedule accordingly. Noninvasive treatments may just require a lunch break, sending you back on your feet the same day. More complex procedures can require a few weeks of rest. Ask about specific restrictions—are you capable of driving post-treatment? Should you avoid lifting heavy objects? Will you need to watch for any potential side effects? Make sure your doctor gives you all the information you need before scheduling your procedure.

What is the total cost of treatment?
With a few exceptions, cosmetic procedures are considered elective by insurance providers, leaving you responsible for all fees. Factoring in the price of the procedure, materials, anesthesia, operating room fees, and more, it can quickly add up. Have a candid discussion with your doctor about the final cost and all available payment methods to find the best solution for your budget.

How long will the results last?
No treatment is magic, and some procedures can provide only a temporary fix—particularly less-invasive options. Find out what efforts are needed on your part to maintain your new look, whether that means a new diet and exercise regime, daily brushing and flossing, or a revamped skincare routine. Ask your doctor what steps you need to take to get the most out of your makeover.

So, now that you know what you want and what to ask, who should you call? Check out our resource guide below and pick up the March 2019 issue for the print edition of this special section.

BEAUTY RESOURCES

Jeannie Chung Plastic Surgery & Skin Rejuvenation
40 Walnut Street, Suite 202, Wellesley
781-235-3223 | drjeanniechung.com
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Jeannie Chung’s aesthetic philosophy is a simple one: She wants to provide you with a natural, rejuvenated look and inspire an improved outlook and sense of well-being.

Suisse Salon
31 Channing Street, Newton
617-244-9414 | suissesalon.com
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Suisse Salon offers natural, non-surgical hair replacement for women and men in the Greater Boston area. Suisse’s unique Invisible Attachment hair integration process works to conceal all common types of hair loss.

HEALTH RESOURCES

Newton Dental Associates
93 Union Street, Suite 402, Newton Center
617-965-0060 | newtondentalassociates.com
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Dr. Berik, Boston’s premier cosmetic dentist, has the skill and artistry to rejuvenate your look. For more than 25 years, she’s been creating dream smiles—from simple whitening to extreme makeovers—for patients around the world.

Newton Wellesley Dental Partners
447 Centre Street, Newton
617-965-1225 | newtonwellesleydentalpartners.org
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Dentistry is evolving into two paths: volume vs. specialty, quality-focused care. Dr. Ryne Johnson at Newton Wellesley Dental Partners is a dentist who delivers outstanding results on people who seek and expect excellence.

Warshauer & Santamaria
396 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston
617-437-1520 | backbaybostondentist.com
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An award-winning, multi-specialty dental practice in Back Bay, Warshauer & Santamaria has both general dentists and renowned specialists working together to provide world-class dental care while creating beautiful smiles and meaningful connections with patients.