Injectables like fillers and Botox are an important middle ground between topical treatments and surgical operations. These beauty treatments can produce dramatic results without requiring extended recovery times or lengthy downtime.
Minimally invasive surgery, also called laparoscopic or endoscopic surgery, involves a surgeon inserting a tube with a camera and tools into the body through one or more small incisions. This approach offers greater precision and control.
1. Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are a type of nonsurgical cosmetic treatment that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They can also be used to add volume and enhance facial features. The procedure is typically painless and requires little to no downtime. It can be used to treat a wide range of aesthetic concerns, including nasolabial folds (the lines that run from the corners of your nose to your jawline), undereye bags, dark circles and other signs of fatigue. The results of this treatment can last months to years and can be easily maintained with follow-up appointments.
The ingredients in dermal fillers vary, but they usually include hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance that helps keep skin hydrated and full. They can also contain other substances, such as calcium hydroxylapatite (a mineral-like compound that is found in bones), polyalkylimide or polylactic acid, which stimulates the skin to produce its own collagen.
When injected by an experienced medical professional, these fillers can achieve subtle, natural-looking results without looking “overdone.” However, when they are injected by an unskilled injector, they may look overly puffy or unnatural. This is why it’s important to only seek out a reputable, experienced medical professional for your injections.
Prior to your treatment, a medical professional will evaluate the areas you want to treat and review your medical history. Certain allergies, skin and neurological conditions and medications can affect the safety of your procedure or negatively impact your results. During your consultation, it’s important to be honest with your doctor about your medical history to ensure that the treatment is safe for you. It’s also important to avoid inflammatory treatments such as ibuprofen and aspirin for about two weeks before your procedure to minimize the risk of bruising.
2. Laser Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is one of the most popular and effective treatments in cosmetic dermatology for improving skin tone, texture, and pigmentation. The intense laser light applied to the skin removes blemishes, tightens loose skin, reduces fine lines, and evens out skin color. Depending on the type of laser treatment used, additional benefits may include reduction of dark spots and scarring.
There are several different laser resurfacing options, so your cosmetic surgeon can recommend the best treatment for your specific goals and concerns. They can also help you understand how these different laser frequencies, area coverage, and pulses can affect your results.
The right treatment will be customized for your skin to minimize downtime and recovery. During your consultation, your provider will examine your face, take into account any medical conditions or medications that could interfere with your treatment, and determine the most appropriate laser resurfacing technique for you.
Some of the most common laser resurfacing techniques are Pixel Laser Resurfacing, Alma Laser Resurfacing, and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). All of these treatments can tighten loose skin, reduce fine lines, and even out skin tone and pigmentation.
When performed in the hands of a qualified plastic surgeon or dermatologist, laser resurfacing is an extremely safe and effective way to dramatically improve the appearance of your skin. Choose your provider based on experience and training, not the latest laser platform or brand name. In the hands of an unqualified individual, laser resurfacing can be ineffective or even dangerous. Avoid laser treatments performed by non-doctors, a nurse, or someone who has taken a weekend course in using a laser. The best time to undergo laser resurfacing is in the fall or winter, when your skin will be less exposed to sunlight.
3. PRP Treatments
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments are cutting-edge skincare options that use your body’s natural healing properties to improve skin tone, texture, and thickness. PRP is derived from a sample of your blood, which is then concentrated to isolate the platelets and growth factors that promote cell growth and rejuvenation.
Once the platelets are isolated, they can be injected into the treatment area to provide immediate cosmetic benefits. The face is the most popular treatment area for PRP, reducing fine lines and wrinkles to give you a soft, youthful appearance. PRP facials also boost elastin production for more resilient skin that can withstand the test of time and the elements.
For those with thinning hair or hair loss, PRP injections help stimulate new growth and prevent further baldness by increasing blood flow to the scalp and stimulating follicles. PRP injections are very effective as a stand-alone treatment for hair loss, but they can also be combined with other procedures like dermal fillers or laser treatments.
Finally, for those who want rounder, fuller breasts, a PRP injection can help with this beauty goal by reducing stretch marks and scarring as well as helping with nipple rejuvenation to create a more “mom” chest.
For more information about how a PRP injection can help you reach your beauty goals, talk to a licensed professional in the area who specializes in these types of services. A board-certified dermatologist is the best option because they perform more cosmetic procedures than any other type of doctor, so they have the in-depth knowledge and experience to evaluate your needs and recommend proven treatments. They can even guide you to a great laser or injectable provider.
4. Botulinum Toxin Injections
Injections of botulinum toxin, which is a purified substance made from bacteria called Clostridium botulinum, can relax the muscles in the face and diminish lines and wrinkles. The most popular injectable is known by the brand name of Botox, and it is injected directly into the muscles that cause unwanted facial lines or wrinkles to stop the muscle from contracting. The results are immediate and usually last up to four months. This is a common treatment for frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet near the eyes. It can also be injected into other areas such as thick bands in the neck, gummy smiles and lip lines.
Botulinum toxin injections are safe and effective for most people, but they can cause serious problems if not administered properly. It is important that the injections are administered by a trained healthcare professional. You can find such professionals at Encore Medical Spa. This helps to reduce the risk of adverse effects such as dry eyes, muscle weakness and eyelid drooping. It is also important to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages or taking ibuprofen-like products and unnecessary herbal supplements prior to the procedure.
It may take a few days to a week for you to see the full effect of Botox, but it is usually worth the wait. It can be used in conjunction with dermal fillers to achieve the desired look.
The use of botulinum toxin for cosmetic indications has grown to become one of the most commonly performed dermatologic procedures and is a key entry point for clinicians seeking to incorporate aesthetic treatments into their practice. It is safe, effective and predictable with a high level of patient satisfaction. However, studies have shown that some patients develop a resistance to the drug, and the results can wear off over time.
5. Galvanic Spa & LumiSpa
Galvanic spa treatments can leave your face and body looking visibly younger by stimulating skin cell production, moving tissue fluid, unblocking blackheads, and boosting the delivery of anti-aging ingredients. They are typically recommended to be used a few times per week and should not be used more frequently than directed by the manufacturer.
The ageLOC Galvanic Spa from Nu Skin is an at-home device that can help you achieve anti-aging results without the need for a trained esthetician. This treatment device has received overwhelmingly positive reviews with users reporting noticeable improvements in their skin texture and appearance.
To use the Galvanic Spa, you first apply a pre-treatment gel to the area that is going to be treated. This gel is formulated to adhere to the surface of your skin and helps pull impurities out of the pores. Then, you attach the Galvanic Spa device and select the appropriate current setting for your skin concern. Once you have selected the appropriate setting, the Galvanic Spa device will begin to work its magic.
The device is designed to be incredibly easy to use. The device has a display that shows the current setting and other important information, and the power button is located on the top of the device. Once you have attached the treatment head to your skin, you will then be able to select the desired application method and the amount of time you would like to spend treating the area. In addition to being an effective way to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, the Galvanic Spa can also be helpful for reducing the appearance of cellulite by helping improve circulation and encouraging cellular renewal.
