Cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Ashlin Alexander is focused on the face. After years training with some of the most renowned facial plastic surgeons at some of the most prestigious surgical centers in the world, he’s mastered the secrets to looking red-carpet ready. Although surgical treatments remain the gold standard for long-term results, non-surgical options are ideal for looking fresh in a flash. Here are Dr. Alexander’s top tips to take you from the clinic to the catwalk in no time:
1. Amp Up Your Skin Care Regime
Over-the-counter skin care products are fine for day-to-day use, but if you’re preparing for a special event and want to look your best, opt for a medical grade skin care line that includes 1% Retinol. Retinol works to stimulate collagen and elastin production, promote cellular function, and provide even skin tone and smooth texture for a brighter, healthier look. Medical grade skin care lines require a prescription from your physician.
2. Try a Resurfacing Peel
Skin peels are a long-standing favourite with celebrities as they provide impressive results with minimal downtime. Peels work by using naturally occurring substances to produce a controlled and accelerated exfoliation of the skin, which stimulates new collagen formation and increased dermal volume. The result is more youthful, plump and glowing skin. Redness is common post-peel, so perform 10-14 days prior to your big event to ensure you’re camera-ready in time.
3. Banish Eye Bags
Under eye bags occur when skin loses elasticity, either because of genetics or aging, causing fat deposits under the eye to bulge. The only permanent treatment for under eye bags is blepharoplasty or surgical eyelift, however new topical products like Neotensil™, provide impressive temporary results – perfect for getting red-carpet ready in a flash. Referred to as “shape wear for the under-eye area,” applying a thin layer of product before your big event smoothes bulging skin and diminishes the look of lines and wrinkles, for an instantly youthful, well-rested look.
4. Perfect the Pout
Stars like Scarlett Johansson have left us longing for luscious lips. With no downtime and immediate results, lip injections are a long-standing secret of the stars and a pre-event staple. New advances in the field of lip fillers have produced formulas that provide a smoother gel format and a more natural-appearing augmentation. Products like Volbella™, a new filler from Allergan™, uses a patented technology that is less hydrophilic than previous lip fillers, producing less swelling after injection and a soft, natural look that can last up to a year.
5. Look Fresh in a Flash
Injectables continue to be a celebrity mainstay when it comes to looking red-carpet ready in a hurry. Conservative treatment of the key aging areas, including the forehead, crow’s feet area and laugh lines, can revitalize a tired-looking face for an instantly fresher, more energetic appearance. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers include a naturally occurring substance found in many parts of the body, including joint cartilage and in the skin, and are the safest injectable filler material available for use.
