Quick Fixes

By Dr. Michelle Copeland

Last month I gave you a five step regimen to improve your skin at home. If you've followed it for 4-6 weeks, you are well on your way to beautiful skin. But there are more non-surgical improvements that require a visit to an experienced treatment provider.

Thanks to continued advances in lasers, soft-tissue fillers, and other technologies, there are now a number of one-hour "lunchtime fixes" for worry lines, crow's feet and other loose skin that can be done right in the office using no (or a mild local) anesthesia. After such a procedure, you really can return to work the same afternoon! These procedures may be all you really need to feel better about how you look. In fact, they're so quick and minimally invasive that I've done some of them from start to finish on TV shows on which I've been a guest. You're left with no scars, raw surfaces, or noticeable swelling. Will you see the full effect immediately? Not always - but you'll see it soon! And you'll have zero downtime, which makes these solutions so appealing.

Two of the most popular procedures, Juvederm injections and Thermage have recently been enhanced, making them a much more pleasant experience.

Juvederm® is a filler that is very effective at eliminating lines and wrinkles. And now the FDA recently approved Juvederm with lidocaine, a local anesthetic, which can make the procedure nearly painless. It has always been a bit tricky to use fillers on lips because they are so sensitive. Now with this new filler, patients can achieve fuller, less wrinkled lips without pain or discomfort. Sounds too good to be true? That is what I thought! But I put one of my most sensitive patients to the test and she reported that it's even easier than Botox!

Thermage® is a non-invasive (no incision!) treatment that can tighten skin, renew facial contours, and stimulate your body to make healthier collagen - the building block that provides structure to your skin. The procedure uses radiofrequency technology called ThermaCool® that has been clinically proven to tighten and gently lift skin to smooth out wrinkles and renew facial contours. Fast and easy, Thermage requires no downtime from normal activities. And unlike laser treatments, Thermage can be performed on patients of all skin types. Thermage can be used all over the body, including flabby arms, hands, and legs and has even been approved by the FDA for improving cellulite. In as little as only one treatment, patients reported smoothing of dimples on the thighs and buttocks with lasting results. The new Thermage is even better than before and now virtually painless. Thermage provides immediate improvements but the full effects are visible after several weeks.


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Dr. Michelle Copeland is a Harvard-trained plastic surgeon, biochemist, best-selling author, and creator of a best-selling line of skin care products. Dr. Copeland has a flourishing Manhattan practice that has treated thousands of people worldwide, including many celebrities. Dr. Copeland practices a full range of plastic and reconstructive surgery for both adult and pediatric patients.

Dr. Copeland started her own skin care line out of frustration with the products available to promote post-surgical healing. Because the products failed to deliver the results she expected, she began formulating her own products for use on her patients. The results were so positive that soon there was demand even from patients who had fully recovered - and even from those who'd never had a surgical procedure.

Dr. Copeland has dedicated her distinguished career to helping women and men look younger, feel healthier, and live better. Drawing on her extensive knowledge of biochemistry and her clinical experience, she personally develops and tests each product to ensure its efficacy and safety. She is the first woman plastic surgeon with a full line of skin-care products.

Dr. Copeland is the author of two best-selling books: The Beautiful Skin Workout and Change Your Looks, Change Your Life. She makes frequent media appearances and is available for commentary or editorial contributions to In With Skin.