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Dr. Craig Vander Kolk, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Mercy

Dr. Craig Vander Kolk Of Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery At Mercy Medical Center Addresses Cosmetic Procedures "On A Budget"

If you putting off that tummy tuck because of the economy, you're not alone, but there are other options.

Spending on cosmetic surgery is down, but one local plastic surgeon said it might be a good time to consider something less expensive, and there are many things from which to choose.

Mercy Medical Center plastic surgeon Dr. Craig Vander Kolk said that laser procedures -- fillers or injectables and botox -- can make a tremendous difference in appearance of the skin, and some of the results can last for up to 10 years.

"There still is some cost associated with that, but if you are looking at a comparison of what you were planning to do that was bigger verses something that's smaller, it's usually a very good temporizing situation," Dr. Vander Kolk said.

He said adding a skin care product containing Retin-A can also improve the appearance of your skin and avoid wrinkles, as can eating a healthy diet and exercising.

Dr. Vander Kolk recently discussed this issue on WBAL-TV11's "Woman's Doctor" program. Learn more at http://www.wbaltv.com/womansdoctor/17877145/detail.html.