You – Improved

Injectable fillers refresh your appearance at a refreshing price

Who doesn’t want to put their best face forward? Yet, years of slathering on baby oil in order to achieve a sun-kissed glow in our sun-deficient Pacific Northwest, along with other environmental factors that wreak havoc on the skin, do not become obvious until after the damage is done. In time, premature aging reveals the harm caused by everyday exposure to free radicals in our environment. However, Pacific Northwesterners do differ in their expectations of anti-aging treatments, seeking to refresh and renew their visage, rather than erase the signs of maturity.

In the past, anti-aging procedures were reserved for the Hollywood jet set. These days more and more people are taking advantage of cost-effective treatments that deliver the kind of results previously promised only to a select few.

According to a survey conducted by the National Consumers League, at least 90 million Americans use products or have procedures done to minimize the signs of aging. What buyers seek is the promise of a healthier and more youthful appearance.

Hundreds of miles from any Hollywood set, individuals seeking a renewed and improved version of themselves can turn to local clinics and professionals that provide the same techniques and technologies once available only to the residents of 90210.

Cascade Cosmetic Surgery Center in Mount Vernon is one of a handful of local clinics that offers a variety of anti-aging treatments delivering the same age-defying services used by Beverly Hills’ elite.

“We offer an array of cosmetic injectable treatments such as the neurotoxins Botox Cosmetics and Dysport,” explains Joan Phillips, who manages the Mount Vernon clinic. “Neurotoxins are used to soften the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) and crow’s feet area in adults.”

According to Phillips, dermal fillers and the clinic’s other injectable treatments add volume and fullness to the face, and help to minimize folds around the nose and corners of the mouth. Additionally, treatments such as Perlane, Restylane, Juverderm and Radiessse can also be utilized to bring volume to the lower eye area, cheeks and lips.

Surprisingly, such procedures deliver less of a blow to one’s pocketbook than you may have imagined. Depending on the treatment, costs range from under $20 up to $600. Typically, the cost hinges on the number of injected units.

“A typical injection for a women between the eyebrows would cost $280,” describes Phillips. “Dermal fillers are administered through pre-measured syringes ranging in price from $350 to $975 per syringe.” She goes on to say that a typical treatment to correct the folds between the nose and mouth run around $550.

The lasting effects of these varying treatments might also inspire the skeptic to pick up her phone and schedule a consultation. On average, a neurotoxin injection can last three to five months, whereas dermal fillers can last six to 18 months, depending on the product used explains Phillips. Naturally occurring compounds found within our own bodies, such as the ingredients in Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane, are reabsorbed into the body depending on the injection site. For instance, dermal fillers between the eyebrows deliver longer results compared to filler around the mouth due to less movement.

Finally, while Cascade has treated suitable candidates into their late 70s, Phillips says most of their clientele are women between the ages of 35-65. In addition, men account for a significant portion of their patients looking to freshen their appearance.

“We find that men respond equally to these products as compared to women,” Phillips explains. “Approximately 15 percent of our client base is male and we do treat clients in their mid-to-late twenties with Botox Cosmetics or Dysport.”

Finally, when deciding whether any of these anti-aging treatments are right for you, Phillips advises consulting your physician to make sure there are no health risks that could prevent you from experiencing their benefits.