People are usually very skeptical about in-office skincare treatments; the main issue is the cost of these treatments. Although In-office treatments may seem to be expensive, you probably are spending much more money on anti-aging creams, brightening or lifting serums which deliver slow and limited efficiency.
Whether you are treating acne scars or looking for fast, effective anti-aging solutions, in-office treatments can be more cost-effective than topical skincare products in the long run. I listed the common types of in-office treatments in the next chart. Most people can benefit from combining these treatments, but may choose one over the other based on the condition of the skin and goals after treatment. Next chart shows some available in-office skin treatments:
Injectables
- Dermal Fillers: Hyaluronic acid is injected to address the under eye hollow, and treat fine lines and wrinkles.
- Botox: Temporary paralyzes the muscles and smoothens the fine wrinkles.
Fillers are good for the wrinkles you see when your face is at rest, while Botox is most suitable for wrinkles that only appear with motion in your face.
Application: to improve wrinkles, fine lines, Atrophic acne scars
Number of treatments: As much as needed
Down time: None
Results: Temporarily
Fillers: 6 to 18 months
Botox: 3 to 6 months
Costs:
Filler $700-$2000
Botox $250 to $500 depending on the type and amount
Collagen Inducing treatments
1. Chemical Peels
High concentration of chemical exfoliants is used to force the skin to increase collagen production in order to heal the wounds caused my acids. The result is a new brighter and tighter skin.
Application: tighten the skin, treating Ice pick acne scars
Number of treatments: As much as needed
Down time: None
Results: mild
Costs: $50-$200 per treatment
2. Microneedling
Dermaroller and dermapen are the most common micro needling devices. They have small needles that cause micro-tears in the skin, boosting collagen production to heal the area.
Microneedling is more effective when combined with PRP. During the microneedling process, the skin is opened up and able to more readily absorb products, including PRP.
Application: to improve skin texture, plump up the skin, reduce the appearance of Rolling and Boxcar acne scars, enlarged pores and fine lines. Not effective on ice pick scars.
Number of treatments: 3 times with a month in between each treatment. More needed for acne scar treatment (5-6 treatments)
Down time: 3-4 days
Results: Permanent
Costs: $500 per treatment, $800 to $1000 combined with PRP
3. Lasers
The damage caused by lasers induces collagen production that plumps up the skin. The laser procedures use light to target the skin tissue at varying depths, depending on the desired result. There are 2 types of lasers based on strength:
Ablative lasers destroy the outer layer of skin and allow the body to replace it with new skin tissue. Ablative lasers include CO2 or Erbium.
– CO2 laser resurfacing is for treating some acne scars and deep wrinkles.
– Erbium is used for fine lines and wrinkles.
If you have a medium or dark skin tone itโs important to know that you are at risk for hyperpigmentation with these laser treatments. Examples of ablative lasers: Pearl Fractional, Fraxel Repair
Application: Age spots, crowโs feet, fine lines and wrinkles, Boxcar (shallow) acne scars, post inflammatory discoloration (acne red spots), hyperpigmentation. Not effective for Atrophic and ice pick acne scars
Number of treatments: at least 3
Down time: 7-10 days
Results: Permanent
Costs: $1000-$2000 per treatment depending on the area, type of laser
Non-ablative lasers these are more gentle than Ablative lasers and need less recovery time. They work by heating the skin tissue to encourage collagen production. Examples: Fraxel Restore, Laser Genesis
Application: Rosacea, spider veins, rolling acne scars, fine lines and textured skin, uneven skin tone, sagging skin
Number of treatments: at least 3 with follow up sessions to maintain results
Down time: 5-7 days
Results: Permanent
Costs: $800-$1,800 per treatment
4. Radio-frequency
uses energy to heat tissue and encourage collagen production. Recommended for younger skin to prevent potential sagging. Examples: Thermi, Exilis, Profound RF, Thermage.
Application: Great for prevention and tightening the skin (specially lower cheeks area) treating Rolling scars, under eye area, sagging skin
Number of treatments: at least 3, touch up every 6 months to maintain the results
Down time: 2-3 days
Results: Permanent
Costs: $600- $1000 per treatment
5. Ultherapy
uses ultrasound energy in order to heat skin tissue encouraging collagen production. Ultherapy targets deep layers of the skin (3 mm and 4.5 mm beneath the surface) which may lead to better results comparing to lasers and RF devices.
Application: Great for lifting and tightening the skin (jawline, neck, eyebrows), treating wrinkles
Number of treatments: one treatment might be enough
Down time: 2,3 days
Results: Permanent
Costs: $2500 to $4000 per treatment
6. Infrared
โheats the dermis which leads to immediate contraction of the collagen, resulting in tighter skin.โ Example: Cutera Titan
Application: great for sagging skin, rosacea, acne scar, hyperpigmentation
Number of treatments: 2-3
Down time: 2 days
Results: Permanent
Costs: $800 to$1500 per treatment
7. Radiofrequency Microneedling (Infini Microneedling)
Some devices simultaneously use both micro needling and RF treatments. examples: EndyMed Intensif and the Pollogen Legend
Application: lifting, tightening, one of the best treatments for acne scars
Number of treatments: more than 3, touch ups every 6 months
Down time: 2 days
Results: Permanent
Costs: $800 to$1500 per treatment
8. RF & Ultrasound
Uses RF and ultrasound energy to lift tighten the skin (specially the jawline). Example: Elixis Ultra
Application: Tightening and lifting the skin
Number of treatments needed: 2 to 4, yearly touch ups
Down time: 2 days
Results: Permanent
Costs: $1500 per treatment
9. PicoSure
a picosecond non-ablative laser which works by delivering ultra-short pulses to the skin tissue; it breaks down pigments which eventually results in more collagen production.
Application: treating age spots, acne Scars, skin rejuvenation
Number of treatments needed: 2-3
Down time: 2 days
Results: Permanent
Costs: $300 to $1000 per treatment
Disclaimer: The content is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice.
