The aging process impacts the face as a person gets older. As a person ages, fine lines, age spots and wrinkles start to appear and the face can also begin to droop as the facial appearance begins to change. Instead of having an invasive surgical procedure like a facelift to address the aging process, many patients are turning to non-surgical facial rejuvenation techniques that have the goal of refreshing and rejuvenating the face and restoring it to a more youthful appearance. When it comes to non-surgical facial rejuvenation techniques, patients have multiple options to help them achieve a more youthful and rejuvenated look to the face.
Popular Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Techniques
- Botox – This is one of the most commonly performed non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments in the United States. Botox is a neuromodulator that is injected into targeted muscles on the face. The injection of Botox allows the muscle to temporarily relax and no longer contract so it cannot create a wrinkle. Botox injections are a good way for patients to treat fine lines and wrinkles that are located between the eyebrows as well as crow’s feet around the eyes and creases in the forehead. The results achieved by Botox can last for three or four months before patients need to have a follow-up treatment. In order to stop wrinkles from returning, patients will need to have maintenance treatments to stop the wrinkles from returning. The amount of Botox injected by the doctor depends on the condition of the fine lines and wrinkles on the face, the results desired by the patient and the amount of Botox the doctor can inject while still maintaining a natural appearance to the face.
- Dermal Fillers – The use of dermal fillers is desired by patients who have lost volume in the face due to the aging process. There are a variety of dermal fillers that can be used to restore the volume in the face without the need for surgery and they include hyaluronic acid fillers, collagen-based fillers, semi-permanent fillers and permanent fillers. Dermal fillers plump the face to add volume and fill-in lines and spaces that appear as a person ages. While dermal fillers can be used under the eyes or in the temples, they are most commonly used in the lower parts of the face including the cheeks, the nasolabial folds (the lines that run from the nose to the mouth) and the lips. The results from fillers are temporary and usually last anywhere from 6 months to a year. Patients will need to have follow-up treatments to maintain the results of the dermal fillers.
- Fat Transfer – This non-surgical facial rejuvenation technique is performed when fat is removed from one area of the body and it is then injected into the face of the patient that had the fat removed. Fat transfer adds volume and fullness to the face and can address issues such as acne scars, thin lips, sunken cheeks and crow’s feet. Since the fat comes from the body of the actual patient, there is little chance of the fat being rejected by the body or any kind of allergic reaction. In addition, the results are natural in appearance and can last a lifetime.
- Laser Lift – A laser lift uses laser energy to target the area under the skin to create a controlled injury so the fat will be melted and the skin will tighten. Laser lifts are an ideal non-surgical facial rejuvenation option for the lower face and neck. Small incisions are made behind the ears and under the chin. A laser is then targeted under the skin to remove excess fat and also tighten the treated area.
- Kybella – Patients with a neck that is sagging can address the issue by injecting Kybella into the jawline. Deoxycholic acid is a bile acid produced by the body to help absorb fat. Kybella uses a synthetic form of this acid by injecting it into the neck area to destroy the fat cells beneath the chin area so the area will not store excess fat anymore. Multiple treatments are normally needed to achieve the desired results. The results of Kybella are long-lasting and should last for several years.
- Chemical Peels – A chemical peel is used to improve and smooth the look and texture of the facial skin. The peels, which can be administered in different depths, are placed on the skin to remove the older, damaged layers of the skin. The final result is a new skin layer that is smoother, less wrinkled and more rejuvenated in its appearance than the older skin.
Deciding which Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Treatment to Use
The decision about which non-surgical facial rejuvenation technique to use on a patient needs to be made by a board-certified doctor. The doctor will examine the patient to determine the results that can be achieved as well as the best non-surgical facial rejuvenation option based on the skin condition of the patient, the desired results and the overall health of the patient.
MA