The breast-laid plans often go awry when it comes to improving your appearance. And it's namely because beauty comes at a high price. The good news is that there are some not-so-drastic measures that can give you a whole new look without having to go to extremes. If you were the lucky recipient of, say, 10,000 bucks, that would cover a whole lot of non-invasive tweaks. {relatedarticles}

We're not saying that if you want to go under the knife, you can't. Ten grand would buy a procedure or two, for sure. We're saying that given the right amount of money, you can make lots of noticeable improvements in your appearance and ultimately, your self-esteem. 

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Start at the top – of your body, that is. If you're lacking in the lush locks department, then perhaps you'd spend a sudden windfall on hair extensions. Or if you're a guy, you might look into hair plugs. {relatedarticles}

Salon-quality hair extensions are obviously much more expensive than DIY extensions, which can be had for $20 or so. It's a great option for someone who wants to try out the long-hair look but not commit to it. The higher-end extensions can vary in cost, depending on the salon, how they're applied and the quality of the hair used. Extensions can be glued, woven in or braided into natural hair. The most long-lasting option is cold fusion bonding, a form of gluing that can allow extensions to last up to six months. This option may cost $3,500 or more. 

For that celebrity look you see in magazines and online, you'll have to fork out a bit more. A head full of lush, long extensions may set you back $5,000 and even up to $10,000 for a weave – braiding pieces of hair to your natural hair. 

For guys who are sick of getting their shine on and want to counteract baldness, the process of hair transplantation is a little more invasive. A plastic surgeon must do the procedure, which involves taking a section of scalp off the skull, implanting the follicles with hairs and strategically placing sections of scalp back on the head. Insurance rarely covers the procedure, so expect to fork over $4,000-$15,000 depending on how much hair you need. {relatedarticles}

Smile Whiter, Brighter

If winning $10,000 would give you a reason to smile, it may be because you feel embarrassed about the way your teeth look. If that's the case, there are plenty of ways to get the bright, star-quality smile you're looking for. 

Smoking, certain drinks and even medications can discolor teeth and make them look yellowed and dull. Even whitening toothpastes can't erase years of stains, so you may be tempted to look into whitening treatments. For the best results, go to the dentist, where you'll learn first whether you're a good candidate for bleaching.

WebMD reports that in some cases, veneers might be a more appropriate choice. The cost of professional whitening varies, and it can take a few trips to the dentist to get the color you desire. Expect to spend up to $500 per session. Veneers, which cover the entire tooth, are far more invasive and can cost up to $1,500 per tooth.  

A Hairy Situation

Trips to the waxer can get expensive, and the cheaper route of shaving hair off can leave skin with cuts and bumps. And if you have hair in places that are best left unshaved – like the arms, face or back – then bring the incessant search for smooth skin to an end. For many, laser hair removal is the answer to their prayers – if only they could raise the cash for the pricey procedure.{relatedarticles}Laser hair removal uses pulses of light to destroy hair below the skin, and it's even effective on dark, coarse hair, which can be troublesome. Ninety percent of people who receive the treatment experience permanent hair loss after three to five sessions. Those sessions, however, come at a cost. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, one session averages $235. If you need the full five sessions to get rid of your unwanted hair, then you may be looking at a price tag of up to $2,000. The cost will depend on how large of an area you want lasered – for example, the chin would be much less expensive than the legs – and who does it. An esthetician may charge less than a plastic surgeon. 

Beauty: Skin Deep?

Whether it's acne, sun damage or just dull-looking skin, many men and women are looking for something that will rejuvenate their looks and give their faces a little extra "oomph." For many, the answer might lie in microdermabrasion. Basically, the procedure is a kicked-up version of exfoliation that, with repeated treatments, can decrease sun damage spots, melasma and light acne scars.{relatedarticles}

It can improve skin's quality by taking off dead skin to reveal fresh, healthy skin underneath. A dermatologist or esthetician may perform the procedure, which involves gently "sandblasting" the skin with crystals and "vacuuming" them up, along with dead skin cells, with a special machine. For optimal and long-lasting results, experts recommend three weekly treatments, followed by monthly sessions for up to a year. The price of microdermabrasion can vary depending on the provider, but prices average $150 per session. That means the yearly price for the treatment can top $1,800 or more.  

A Wrinkle in Time

If you're concerned about the signs of aging your skin shows – we're talking wrinkles – then going a little more high-tech might be the treatment you need. There are a few options for those who want a more youthful appearance. For recessed scars, thinning lips and very deep wrinkles, a filler such as Restalyne or Juvederm is effective. The injections take just a few minutes, and the effects last from a few months up to a year. The cost can vary wildly, depending on the practitioner, his or her location, and how many injections are received. Patients typically are charged by the syringe, and one syringe can cost $500 or more. Most people need more than one syringe, plus surgical facility costs, local anesthesia and other medications may be factored in. Basically, for a smooth face, you could be looking at $2,500 or more per treatment. Factor in more than one treatment per year, and the price tag can climb even higher. {relatedarticles}

Perhaps a more economical option for wrinkles only might be Botox, which is sold per injection. Many doctors charge $10-20 for an injection. That sounds like a bargain until you learn it may take a whopping 60-75 injections to treat the eyebrow area alone. Before you take a shot at "specials" on Botox, keep in mind that this may indicate an old batch that may not be as effective or a diluted product. Get your money's worth by asking how many injections you will need to achieve your desired results and how the medication has been reconstituted. 

Now that you know a little more about sprucing up your appearance, why not learn more about how to obtain the cash you need to become a better you? Register for MyDailyMoment.com's Recipe of the Day newsletter to win weekly prizes and a CASH prize of $10,000! It's just what you need for those picture-perfect enhancements!