The April 2008 issue of Wish, a Canadian lifestyle magazine, features an article on medical cosmetic treatments.

My only problem with this article is that they refer to brand names rather than generic names for treatments. It tells me that the specific companies are promoting their products, rather than the magazine generally informing consumers about treatments.

If you want to confirm my suspicion, look who’s advertising in the issue (and who’s not).

Under “Magic Eraser” you could substitute Pixel or any fractionated laser for Fraxel.

For “Facelift Alternatives” Accent radiofrequency is a comfortable and effective alternative to Thermage and ReFirme.

The article suggests that Restylane and Juvederm last for 6 – 8 months but that is overly optimistic, especially for a first-time user. I have many clients come in and tell me that those products only lasted 3 – 6 months.

I use a third-generation hyaluronic filler, Teosyal, and find that it lasts about 5 – 8 months in the lips and a year in the cheeks.