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Achieving a natural, more radiant complexion doesn’t have to mean drastic changes or invasive treatments. Though we can’t turn back the clock on some signs of aging, many skin care procedures can offer a subtle refresh that gently enhances your appearance.
Some of these procedures are non-invasive or minimally invasive, while some require surgery.
1. BOTOX®
BOTOX is one of the most popular and well-known facial cosmetic procedures for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This FDA-approved treatment is derived from a naturally occurring bacteria commonly found in soil.1
When injected into the face, BOTOX blocks messages between the brain and the muscles, causing them to stay relaxed. Many wrinkles are caused by muscle activity, so BOTOX can give the face a smoother appearance and even prevent the deepening of future wrinkles by reducing muscle movements.1
These effects will last approximately three months before it's necessary to receive another treatment.1 The national average cost* of a BOTOX treatment is $420, but it can range from $95 to $3,142 per treatment, depending on a variety of factors.2
2. Chemical Peels
If you want to refresh the overall look and quality of your skin in a non-invasive way, you might consider a chemical peel. This procedure uses natural acids to strip away damaged skin cells, improve the appearance of wrinkles and reduce the signs of discoloration and scars.3
A chemical peel may contain one or more different acids that vary in how deeply they penetrate the skin. A board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist will determine how sensitive your skin is and apply either a light, medium or deep chemical peel.3
Before these procedures, your practitioner will ask you to limit sun exposure and protect your skin by choosing a good sunscreen. You may even be prescribed special creams containing ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid to prime your skin before treatment.3
After a chemical peel, you may experience some stinging and redness. Depending on the depth of the peel, the skin typically recovers within one to two weeks. However, with a deeper peel, it may take several months for your skin to return to a normal state.3
Average cost of chemical peels by type
Here are the average costs* of the different types of chemical peels:4
| Peel type | Average cost | Cost range |
|---|---|---|
| Light | $249 | $192 to $434 |
| Medium | $656 | $506 to $1,214 |
| Deep | $2,708 | $2,095 to $5,174 |
3. Dermal Fillers
One of the most common conditions of aging skin is volume loss, which can be caused by collagen breaking down over time. This decrease in volume can also contribute to an increase in wrinkles.5
Some people choose to combat this effect with dermal fillers, which help add volume, plump skin and smooth out wrinkles. Dermal fillers can help restore a natural-looking facial symmetry.5
The average cost* of dermal fillers is between $637 and $843 (depending on type), though it can range from $283 to $4,389.2
Average cost of dermal fillers by type
Dermal fillers are typically comprised of one of a few naturally occurring substances, outlined below:2
| Dermal filler type | Average cost | Cost range |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse®) | $693 | $450 to $932 |
| Hyaluronic acid (Belotero®) | $637 | $283 to $989 |
| Hyaluronic acid (Juvéderm®) | $707 | $350 to $1,050 |
| Hyaluronic acid (Juvéderm Voluma®) | $843 | $450 to $1,725 |
| Hyaluronic acid (Restylane®) | $748 | $383 to $4,389 |
4. Dermaplaning
Acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles can remove the natural qualities of more youthful skin. For anyone who wants to address these issues or just rejuvenate their appearance, there is a procedure known as dermaplaning, in which a razor-like device skims off surface skin layers to smooth out the skin’s appearance.6 This procedure is typically done in a clinic.
Dermaplaning can reduce the appearance of small scars and hyperpigmentation to refresh the skin. Your skin may be sensitive immediately after the procedure, and it might take four to six weeks for the area you had treated to recover.6
The cost of dermaplaning can range from $75 to $150 per treatment.7
5. Microneedling
Though it may sound invasive, microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure in which a skin care professional punctures the top layer of your skin with minuscule needles to stimulate more collagen and elastin production. Collagen and elastin are the substances that help restore skin to its natural firm and smooth state.8
Microneedling is helpful for people looking to address such issues as fine lines and wrinkles, mild scars, skin discoloration or stretch marks. A topical anesthetic is typically administered before the procedure, and the skin may be sore or irritated for a few days after.8
The average cost* of microneedling is $954, but it can range from $737 to $1,880 per treatment.4
6. PRP Therapy
A relatively new form of therapy that is being used to treat everything from muscle injury to facial rejuvenation is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. This procedure involves extracting blood from your body, spinning it in a centrifuge to isolate plasma-rich platelets and then injecting it back into the skin.9
Though the research on this therapy is still limited, it may help plump sagging skin, reduce wrinkles and acne scarring and improve the overall appearance of your skin much in the same way that your body naturally heals any wound. For those patients who do see results, it typically takes three or more treatments.9
The average cost* of PRP therapy is $780 per treatment, but it can range from $412 to $4,013.2
7. Ultherapy®
Ultherapy is a procedure that directs ultrasound waves to the deeper layers of your skin to produce new collagen, which is one of the naturally occurring substances that gives skin a natural smoothness and plumpness. This procedure is most often applied to the neck, chin, brow and décolletage — areas that have the most tendency to wrinkle and sag.10
While a small treatment such as the brow can cost around $1,500, the average cost is more likely to be between $5,000 and $7,500.11
8. Laser Treatments
Various kinds of laser treatments use short and concentrated pulsating light beams on the skin to stimulate collagen growth and remove skin layers. These treatments can be used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, remove discoloration and treat scars.12
However, because lasers come in a number of different types and strengths — some more invasive than others — it's important to talk with your dermatologist or plastic surgeon to find the correct one for your skin issues and type.
The average cost* of laser treatments is between $1,815 and $2,809, depending on the type, but can range from $995 to $4,800.2
Average cost of laser treatments by type
Here are the costs of the two types of laser treatments:2
| Laser type | Average cost | Cost range |
|---|---|---|
| Ablative | $2,809 | $1,994 to $4,800 |
| Non-Ablative | $1,815 | $995 to $3,678 |
9. Facelifts
A facelift, officially known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure to improve the effects of aging on the skin and restore a more youthful appearance. Facelifts can correct a number of issues, including:13
- Deepening fold lines between the nose and mouth
- Fat redistribution
- Jowls in the cheeks and jaw
- Loose skin and excess fat in the neck and chin
- Relaxed skin that leads to sagging in the face
Because facelifts involve surgery, they also require more recovery time than the minimally invasive or non-invasive procedures. While most people can return to many of their daily activities within a couple of weeks, it may take closer to two to three months to feel normal.13
The average cost* of a facelift is $8,584, but the cost can range between $4,125 and $13,000.2
The Bottom Line
Some people may opt for just one of these procedures or combine multiple treatments to achieve their desired results. It's important to consult with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine the best options for your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about procedures that can help achieve a more youthful facial appearance? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.
Financing Facial Procedures With the CareCredit Credit Card
When getting rejuvenating facial treatments or another cosmetic procedure, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.
In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?
Author Bio
Jordan Rosenfeld has been freelance writing for 21 years about finances, health, education and more. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, The Billfold, Good Magazine, GOBanking Rates, Daily Worth, Quartz, Medical Economics, The New York Times, PayPal, The Washington Post and more.
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