Plastic Surgery Alternatives

While you might not be in the market for plastic surgery, have you ever wondered if alternatives exist that don't involve knives or vacuums? We at mom.me want you to be proud of who you are, but it's always fascinating to see what options are out there, if only to inform friends who are thinking of a nip or tuck. These treatments, however, don't come cheap, and anyone interested should always consult a physician first.

CoolSculpting is a noninvasive procedure that uses a cooling technology to reduce fat layers in problem areas. “This is the only non-surgical fat-reduction treatment that gets rid of fat cells permanently rather than decreasing them in size,” says Dr. Steven Svehlak, a board certified surgeon and co-founder of DMH Aesthetics in Los Angeles.

To buy: CoolSculpting, $950 to $1,500

Ultherapy uses ultrasound technology to target depleted collagen in deep layers of skin, and give a lifting and tightening effect, much like a face lift. “But since this is not a face lift, patients who expect extreme results should opt for a few treatments to meet their goal,” says Svehlak.

To buy: Ultherapy, $4,000 for full face and neck

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photorejuvenation is a laser treatment used to target uneven pigments like age spots and broken capillaries. Svehlak says this treatment draws the pigment to the surface, where it flakes off, revealing a more even, youthful tone.

To buy: IPL Skin Rejuvenation, $500

RELATED: 20 Fittest Celeb Moms

For those spots that call for a razor or wax, the high-speed LightSheer Duet, one of the newest tools on the market, provides lasting hair removal. It uses lasers with suction technology to remove larger patches of unwanted hair than others of its kind.

To buy: Lumenis LightSheer, starts at $1,000

This hour-long radio-frequency treatment stimulates collagen production to tighten and firm, with no down time. “It's great for the eye area and jowly skin,” says New York-based Dr. Debra Jaliman, board certified dermatologist and author of Skin Rules.

To buy: Thermage CPT, $3,500

Jaliman says that as we get older, we lose a layer of fat on our hands, exposing the tendons and vessels that can age us beyond our years. “Injecting Radiesse right under the skin, (a substance made from calcium particles) can plump them up and literally make them look 10 to 20 years younger," she says.

To buy: Radiesse, starts at $1,000

“Used for wrinkles and dark circles, this nonablative laser softens fine lines, brightens under eye circles and can make eyes look years younger,” says Jaliman.

To buy: Medlite C6, $750

RELATED: Easy Ways to Look Great

The Fraxel Dual Restore laser will do away with acne scars and even out complexion with two treatments.

To buy: Fraxel Dual Restore, $1,000

RELATED: 20 Vices That Are Really Virtues

The Genesis laser calms redness due to rosacea and inflammation, and evens out skin tone. “While rosacea is a lifelong condition, this laser puts it in remission for a while,” says Jaliman. “It’s a great way to calm the background redness.”

To buy: Genesis Laser Treatment, $500

The Fractional CO2 laser treatment works by delivering a laser beam into deep layers of the skin, replacing damaged tissue with smoother, healthier skin. “While it’s great for any skin type, it leaves more mature skin looking particularly fresh,” says Dr. Marina Peredo, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at New York's Mount Sinai Hospital. You can zap everything from crow’s feet to sun spots to lip lines.

To buy: Fractional Laser Treatment, starts at $2,500

“This is the most advanced laser to treat the widest variety of problem spots,” says Peredo. With a pulsed dye that selectively destroys blood vessels or vascular lesions without damaging the surrounding skin, it can be used for treating veins, birthmarks and even stretch marks.

To buy: VBeam Laser Treatment, starts at $50

“Allumera is a topical cream that reduces both signs of aging and pore size,” says Peredo. “Combined with an intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, it can maximize the effectiveness for an even greater outcome.” The results? Skin that is softer and more hydrated.

To buy: Allumera</a>; $400 per treatment with IPL

To buy: Matrix RF Treatment, $1,500

RELATED: How Stress Hurts Your Skin

For stubborn fat that can’t be lost through diet or exercise, Smartlipo, a body-sculpting laser, melts and destroys fat cells while tightening the skin. Unlike its surgical counterparts, recovery is quick and results can be seen as soon as the first week. Peredo says the ideal candidate should be within 20 pounds of her ideal body weight.

To buy: Smartlipo Laser Body Sculpting, $4,500

MORE: What's on Your List?