Help Improve Confidence and Self-Esteem With These Procedures

What Procedures Can Help Improve your Confidence and Self-Esteem?

We are more than our looks, but none of us can avoid the pitfalls of feeling down about physical characteristics we don’t love. Having low self-esteem changes not only how we feel about ourselves, but how we interact with the world.

Lack of confidence can affect how we perform on the job or in interviews, whether or not we pursue relationships or other opportunities, and lead to depression and anxiety. There are many surgical and non-surgical procedures that can help you take control of your self-esteem and get out there to live your best life. Here are a few procedures that could change your life.

Botox

Those visible signs of aging are some of the most common reasons for low self-esteem when it comes to our appearance, and with social media, it seems to start younger and younger. Botox is a safe and effective way to turn back the hands of time or even prevent them from moving forward. Choosing the right injector is key to getting the best results. When done right, it should leave you looking refreshed, not frozen.

• Areas Botox can improve:
  • Fine lines and wrinkles anywhere on your face, such as frown lines, forehead creases, crows feet, and more.
  • Preventing wrinkles by being used in targeted areas to limit the repetitive movements that allow them to form.
  • Altering your jawline. Many women with strong, sharp jawlines turn to Botox for a softer, more feminine look without the risks or downtown associated with surgical options.
• Average cost: Botox costs vary widely, not just based on where you live, but the size of the area treated and the intensity of treatment needed. You will be charged per unit, which averages between $10-15 depending on location and your injector. When treating the forehead and eye area, for example, you can expect to need between 30 to 40 units, which would bring the cost to $300-600. Don’t be tempted by low prices when researching an injector. If you see a price that’s too good to be true, it probably is.
• How long it lasts: Bodies metabolize Botox at different rates, but you can expect to get three to six months out of a treatment before it wears off.
• Preparation: To limit the risk of bruising, anticoagulants should be avoided for a full week before injection, unless prescribed by a doctor and needed. Even some supplements such as fish oil can increase your risk. Your doctor can provide you with a full list of what medications and supplements should be avoided, and you should ask for one 2 weeks before your scheduled treatment.
• Recovery: There is little downtime with Botox and most is directly after your procedure. Do not exercise, lie down, wash your hair, apply makeup for several hours after treatment. Avoid flying for at least three days to prevent the possibility of cabin pressure shifting the spread of toxins to unintended areas.
• Risks: Pain or swelling at the sight of injection is a common side effect which usually subsides within days. Depending on the injection site, you may experience temporary headaches, eyelid droopiness, or dry eyes.

Fillers

When you think of fillers, you may think of extreme examples in the media where people have gone too far. But they’ve actually come a long way in giving patients natural looking results. There are many types available, but hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are the most common. Since they don’t last as long as others, they are an especially good option for patients who are afraid they may not like their results. HA is a naturally-occurring substance in our skin, helping keep it hydrated and plump and making it the perfect injectable.

Whether you’re looking to smooth out scarring, plump up lines, or look more rested, fillers are a great option to give you the confidence boost you deserve.

• Areas fillers can improve:
  • Increase volume to lips
  • Reduce the appearance of dark circles and a sunken under eye area
  • Smoothing the lines around your mouth or nose (“marionette lines”)
  • Evening out asymmetrical features
  • Fill pitted acne scarring
• Average cost: The cost of fillers averages between $600-1000 per syringe, depending on location and type of filler used.
• How long it lasts: Length of effects depend on the type of dermal filler used and the area. For HA fillers, which are the most commonly used, you can expect your results to last anywhere from six to 18 months. Lip fillers tend to wear out faster than other areas of the face and will need to be done more often.
• Preparation: Medications such as NSAIDs can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding and should be avoided if possible for at least one week before treatment.
• Recovery: There is little to no downtime with fillers. Vigorous activity such as exercise should be avoided for 24 to 48 hours after your treatment to reduce the risk of bruising and swelling. Ice can be used to reduce pain and inflammation at the injection site.
• Risks: Injection site bruising, swelling, and pain are common temporarily after treatment. In some patients, being able to feel the injectable under the skin can happen. Lumpy and uneven results are possible, though less common when choosing an experienced and trusted injector.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Whether it’s due to aging or genetics, heavy eyelids or excess skin is a common source of confidence issues. Removing excess skin from the eyelids can leave patients looking younger, more alert, and happier. For patients who wear eye makeup, it can be especially eye-opening, so to speak, because they can suddenly apply their color without the worry of drooping skin getting in the way. The outpatient procedure can be completed in around two hours.

• Average cost: Blepharoplasty will cost you around $3,300, depending on location and your doctor.
• How long it lasts: Results of the procedure typically last five to seven years, as the natural aging process will eventually cause skin to sag again.
• Preparation: In addition to typical lab tests and adjustments in medication, you may be required to take a vision test in advance of the procedure.
• Recovery: You may be advised to use ice packs on your eyes for a few minutes every hour for several hours after the surgery. As temporary drying of the eyes is typical, you may also need to use drops or ointment until it subsides. Avoid any heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a week, including exercise. If you wear contact lenses, you will need to wear your glasses instead for two weeks following your surgery. You will also be advised to sleep with your head propped up for several days and wear dark tinted sunglasses to avoid irritation from the wind and sun.
• Risks: Other than typical surgery risks, some potential problems associated with an eyelid lift are dry, irritated eyes, trouble closing your eyes, scarring that is noticeable, temporary vision issues, and injury to the eye muscles.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

No matter how much time you spend in the gym, your upper arms may lack the tone you deserve. That’s due to natural elasticity loss that comes with age. Even more common comes the loss of elasticity from significant weight loss in patients of any age.

Unfortunately, exercise cannot tighten the skin. After working hard on weight loss, patients find themselves frustrated and discouraged that their results cannot be seen. This lack of confidence can make it difficult to find the right clothes, which may mean restricting options and even avoiding activities like swimming.

An arm lift removes the excess skin by reshaping the arm with an incision that runs from the underarm area down to the elbow. Scars are usually not visible in most positions unless your arms are raised, depending on where your surgeon positions the incision. Once healed, the arms will reveal a toned and tight look and allow you to show off your hard work with confidence.

• Average cost: The average cost of an arm lift is $4,550, but varies not just based on location, but the extent of the procedure (the amount of excess skin being removed) and the surgeon.
• How long it lasts: Results are permanent when maintaining a stable weight. Over time as a patient ages, there may be further loss of elasticity, but having had the procedure will make it take longer to show.
• Preparation: Before your procedure, you may be asked to start taking certain medications or adjust medications you are already taking. If you’re a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking. You will need to stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs and supplements to reduce the risk of excess bleeding.
• Recovery: An arm lift is major surgery and following your doctor’s instructions is crucial to proper recovery. Not following instructions could lead to worsening of scarring, a prolonged recovery, and split stitches. Most patients will have a drain placed to remove excess fluid and blood. You may need to wear compression garments for several weeks to reduce the swelling and aid in healing. For around two weeks, patients may need help with common care tasks such as hair washing. Within six to 12 weeks, most patients can return to normal activity. Ask your doctor before resuming any exercise.
• Risks: In addition to the risks that come with all surgery, potential risks after an arm lift include numbness around the incision which could last months and in some cases may be permanent, poor wound healing that leads to bad scarring, and persistent pain.

Book an Appointment With Dr. Stark

Are you ready to face the world with pride? A consultation with a qualified Philadelphia plastic surgeon with years of experience helping his patients improve their confidence is the next step on your journey. From non-surgical options to plastic surgery procedures, Dr. Ran Stark, M.D. is here to unveil the version of yourself that has been waiting to be revealed.