1.  Home-use photorejuvenation devices – are they worth it?

This one is proving devilishly difficult because it’s been hard to get out of these companies what they are actually using in terms of power and wavelengths.  Even the “physician” company websites contain just what I would term marketing materials  and very little substance.  We’re still working on this, calling the companies etc. and trying to get studies.  Most of the studies I’ve seen so far on these home-use laser devices were very small, not controlled and done by docs being paid by the company to do them (limited usefulness).  I’ll keep you posted as we get more info.  My general sense of the “wrinkle” home use devices,  from conferences and reading, is that they don’t do much.  These as opposed to the Tria, a home use hair removal device, which does work  well.

2.  Is there a way to save money on the cost of Restylane?

I really sympathize with your desire to maintain your skin without quite so much cost (see my article on the average cost of procedures here).   Sometimes the Restylane/Juvederm done in salons is a little less but often that’s because there is a “medical technician” (someone with limited medical training) doing the procedure.  You might be able to find a salon or spa who has an experienced RN injector.  Look for an RN with at least 5 years of experience.  The price could be lower.

Or, you might try establishing yourself with an office that is larger and does a lot of Restylane/Juvederm.   Sometimes they will have training days (we do this at our office) where the company will supply the filler and we will work/teach  with patients at no charge.  The purpose is to advance the skills of all the younger doctors, PAs, RNs who are providing fillers in the office.  You could volunteer to be one of those patients.  But, you have to do it on the office’s training time schedule and that may not work for you if you have an event.

Hope this helps,

Dr. Brandith Irwin