Nonsurgical Facial Rejuvenation - What are Your Options?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that turns back the clock and gives a person a more youthful and rejuvenated look to the face. One of the many reasons some patients do not want to have a facelift is because of the invasive nature of the treatment. They want to reduce the appearance of sagging skin as well as frown lines and wrinkles but they do not want to go through the recovery process of an invasive surgery. Are you interested in rejuvenating the look of your face without the need to have a surgical procedure? If so, this informative article will tell you what you need to know about nonsurgical facial rejuvenation options.

Nonsurgical Facial Rejuvenation – What can it Treat?

The first thing to remember is that a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure will not provide the same long-lasting, dramatic results as a surgical procedure. However, they are quite effective at treating issues such as a loss of facial volume, fine lines, wrinkles, tightening the skin, deep creases in the face and the desire to have a younger and more refreshed look to the face. They also require less recovery time than an invasive surgical procedure.

Nonsurgical Facial Rejuvenation – How it is Performed

Botox is one of the most popular choices when it comes to reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This treatment works by temporarily blocking muscle contraction and nerve signals in the area of the face where it is injected. The blocking of the nerve signals allows the constantly contracted muscles to relax which reduces the look of existing fine lines and wrinkles. Botox can also slow down the formation of additional fine lines and wrinkles thanks to the prevention of muscle contractions. In general, the results of Botox can last 3-4 months

Dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the face along with restoring volume that has been lost due to the aging process. Dermal fillers are injected underneath the skin and they consist of gel-like substances such as hyaluronic acid and poly-L-lactic acid. Some of the most popular fillers include Restylane, Juvéderm and Sculptra. They are known for providing a “liquid lift” that raises the cheekbone, adds volume to areas such as the cheeks and enhances the contours of the face. The results of fillers can last anywhere from 6-12 months to a couple of years. The length of the results depends on the type of filler used as well as the amount of filler used by the doctor.

Patients that want to gain a tighter look and feel to the skin often turn to Ultherapy. This treatment delivers ultrasound energy to the treated area in order to lift and support the deeper layers of skin. An ultrasound gel is applied to the skin and then a treatment applicator is placed against the skin. The ultrasound energy goes beneath the surface of the skin to deliver the energy to the targeted area in the body. You will feel small amounts of energy being deposited which means the process of building collagen has started. The results from Ultherapy can last anywhere from several months to a year.

Microneedling using radiofrequency energy to create skin that has a firmer and smoother look and feel. The doctor uses small needles to deliver heat-based energy to the lower levels of the skin. The energy works to create both collagen and new skin tissue to reduce the appearance of sagging skin and uneven or older skin texture. It can take several sessions to achieve the desired results but the final results are long-lasting and can be considered to be permanent.

Chemical peels are performed to address any issues with the pigment of the skin and to also improve any issues with the texture of the skin. An acid solution removes the damaged outer layer of the skin to reveal new, smoother skin and get rid of wrinkles, acne and uneven skin tone. A light peel can treat uneven skin pigmentation as well as light wrinkles and acne while a medium peel works on deeper wrinkles, skin blemishes and issues with skin pigmentation. A deep peel can treat coarse wrinkles on the face as well as blotches and signs of aging. The final results vary by the type of chemical peel that is performed. A light peel lasts from a few weeks to a month. Medium peels last 3-6 months and a deep peel can last for several years.

Laser skin resurfacing treats issues with the skin related to aging, sun damage and uneven skin tone. The type of laser used is determined by the doctor. An ablative laser removes the outer skin layers while a non-ablative laser can stimulate the production of collagen without having to remove the top layer of skin. Short, pulsating beams of light are directed at the targeted area and eliminate skin discoloration or blemishes. The results from both types of lasers can last for several years but the skin will still be impacted the aging process.

Nonsurgical Facial Rejuvenation – Contact Your Doctor

Now that you know the various options available to you, it is time to contact your doctor to discuss having a procedure. The doctor will examine your skin to determine its current condition and the changes that can realistically be made by the procedure of choice. The doctor can also discuss your options with you in order to choose the right nonsurgical facial rejuvenation procedure that will properly address the changes you want to make to your skin.

- MA