It may seem as if the majority of people look to cosmetic surgery (also known as plastic surgery) when they want to improve their appearance. While many people do choose plastic surgery, the truth is that there are much more affordable ways to achieve very similar results without having to spend thousands of dollars on an invasive procedure. Here are five of the most common cosmetic procedures and techniques used to improve the appearance that doesn’t involve surgery.
#1: Microdermabrasion
Many people deal with various skin problems that require more than just a good skincare routine. While skincare products aren’t surgical fixes, one can end up spending thousands of dollars on skincare products when trying to improve the appearance of their skin.
Microdermabrasion may be a procedure worth looking into if you want to improve the appearance of your skin. It involves using a tool that removes the outer layer of skin, thus getting rid of acne and acne scars, age spots and dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. It’s the less invasive (and less expensive) form of dermabrasion, and on average it costs about $136.
#2: Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a popular option among women (and men) who have unwanted hair on their face, arms/armpits, and legs. Although it’s not a permanent solution, it can last longer than both shaving and waxing.
The average cost of laser hair removal is about $287. It’s also expensive when you’re first getting started because it takes a series of treatments to get started. Still, it’s highly effective and worth the investment because you’ll be spending less on laser hair removal than you’d be spending on shaving a waxing. Laser hair removal is also much less time-consuming than shaving or waxing, so you’ll save both time and money.
#3: Coverings for Teeth
Another cosmetic procedure that many people don’t think about is anything that has to do with the teeth. The truth is: if it’s not for health or hygienic purposes, then it’s cosmetic. This includes teeth whitening treatments, as well as some permanent teeth coverings, such as veneers and lumineers— which means these aren’t typically covered by dental insurance.
The good news is that temporary coverings for your teeth are much more affordable than any of these other procedures to enhance your smile. You can choose from a partial or full set, depending on your needs. Just keep in mind that you should always practice good dental hygiene no matter what method you choose to have your teeth corrected.
#4: Dermal Fillers
Currently, dermal fillers are the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure. They’re small injections made up of collagen, hyaluronic acid, or other natural substances that increase the firmness of your skin. Dermal fillers can be injected into the lips, jaws, and anywhere on the face that may have wrinkles.
Skin naturally loses elasticity with age, and dermal fillers are great at restoring the elasticity in the face and giving you a more youthful appearance. Dermal fillers can range in cost from $652 to $878— which is pretty pricey, but much less expensive than its surgical counterpart, the facelift ($8,000 on average).
#5: Botox Injections
Botox is another common (but decreasing in popularity) way to improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. It’s a neurotoxin made from the bacteria botulism, and it temporarily paralyzes the muscles to prevent them from producing wrinkles. It can also be used to treat chronic migraines and excessive underarm sweating.
Botox is much more affordable than both a facelift and dermal fillers (with the average cost being about $408). However you have to get the Botox injections much more often; every three months, compared to every six months to two years for dermal fillers. Still, both are very effective treatments and completely safe when administered by a professional.
If you’re looking for some affordable cosmetic procedures to enhance your appearance, then look into one or more of these five common, non-surgical procedures. They’re much less expensive but just as effective as their surgical or more invasive counterparts— which may also come with more risks. One thing to keep in mind with all of these is that you’ll want to do your research and then consult a professional to perform or provide these cosmetic enhancements for you. The majority of these procedures come with minimal risks, but these risks can be increased if you don’t consult a professional.
