Statistics compiled by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) show that for those in the 51-64 age range, the number of facelifts dropped from over 75,000 in 2008 to just under 55,000 in 2009. On the other hand, for this same age group, the number of Botox procedures jumped from 672,840 in 2008 to 734,751 in 2009.

“If you are a woman who has to come back to work full-time or a man who isn’t going to be able to retire any time soon, you’ve got to look like you can compete,” says Wendy Lewis, a New York–based plastic surgery and skin care consultant. “And if you are working in a field like media where everyone is really young, you don’t just want to look good for your age, you want to look good, period.”

Overall stats from ASAPS showed that the number of facelifts in the U.S. dropped 29 percent from 2008 and eyelid surgeries declined 23 percent during the same time frame. On the other hand, Botox and Dysport injections rose 3.8 percent from 2008 to 2009, with 2.6 million injections performed last year.

Less invasive procedures not only have less recovery time compared to surgery, but they also generally cost less than cosmetic surgical procedures. However, Lewis does point out that minimally-invasive treatments can be overdone. “There is a point at which you are going to have a better result and spend less money if you just have a facelift,” she says. In addition, there are some problems that can only be fixed by surgery, such as sagging jowls. A cosmetic surgeon can help select the best procedures to address a patient’s concerns.

Advanced Cosmetic Surgery offers a number of non-surgical procedures, including Juvederm, Radiesse, and CO2 Laser Resurfacing.

Juvederm XC, Restylane-L, and Perlane-L are three injectables that won FDA approval in February 2010 for lidocaine versions in the U.S.

Dr. Michael H. Gold, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and School of Nursing, says the products performed similarly to their lidocaine-free predecessors in terms of safety  and efficacy.

Furthermore, in the clinical trials, he says, “The incorporation of lidocaine has surely provided a higher comfort level for patients.”

In the 72-patient trial of Juvederm XC, patients were blindfolded and their nasolabial folds were treated with either Juvéderm or Juvederm XC. Patients assessed pain levels during treatment and then 30 minutes and 24 hours post-treatment. In the study, 93 percent reported less pain when treated with the lidocaine formulation versus the non-lidocaine formulation of Juvederm.

Dr. Gold says that, based on his clinical experience, when a patient receives an injection that includes even a small percentage of lidocaine, “Most patients say they barely feel the second stick. To me that is the home run of lidocaine in these fillers.”

The FDA also cleared a method for physicians mixing lidocaine with Radiesse last year. “Originally, I was against doctors mixing a lot of fillers because I was afraid of potential changes in the products themselves,” says Dr. Gold. But once the FDA clears these products, especially those premixed by manufacturers, “I’m pretty comfortable with it.”

Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse are performed at Dr. Frenzel’s Arlington, Texas office.

The full story, “Fillers with lidocaine among latest injectable advancements,” is available online at Modern Medicine.

While we don’t endorse ageism, prejudice/discrimination based on a person’s age, you’d be naive to think it doesn’t play a role in the general public’s perception.  Consider how it hindered John McCain in last year’s election.

If you’re seeking a new career, you’re probably in competition with young adults fresh out of college, who often accept a much lower wage.  You might need a slight makeover to present yourself in the best possible light: If your hairstyle is dull and outdated, see your stylist; if wrinkles are detracting from your facial appearance, see a cosmetic surgeon.

Many Americans are using some of their extra time to get a little touchup, with injectables like Botox, a wrinkle filler, or even eyelid surgery.  Botox is by far the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure, with millions of treatments performed each year.   The cost of a single treatment will vary, and it pays to keep an eye out for monthly specials and events.

If you are going for treatments prior to a job interview, give yourself at least 7 days to heal and let the treatment take effect. Remember, doing well on an interview is not only about how you look, but whether you exude confidence about yourself and your ability to do the job.