
True
What Is It?
Nonsurgical aesthetic treatments ranging from injections and microdermabrasion to laser and hair removal treatments can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, facial lines, unwanted hair, broken blood vessels, large pores and acne scars.
Today women can reduce, prevent or even erase the signs of aging without resorting to surgery. Nonsurgical aesthetic treatments, also known as cosmetic skin procedures, can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, facial lines, unwanted hair, broken blood vessels, large pores and acne scars.
Women—and men—are embracing these procedures, which range from injections and microdermabrasion to laser and hair removal treatments. Plastic surgeons perform an estimated 8.5 million minimally invasive aesthetic treatments annually, while dermatologists, otolaryngologists, ophthalmologists and other medical specialists perform millions more.
The increased acceptance of aesthetic cosmetic procedures—both surgical and nonsurgical—is partially due to the decreased stigma attached to them. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, nonsurgical procedures make up nearly two-thirds of aesthetic treatments performed by plastic surgeons today.
Despite the growing popularity of these procedures, it is important for consumers to do their homework. Even something as simple as a chemical peel carries potential risks, particularly when performed by someone who is not properly trained in the procedure.
The most important things to remember about nonsurgical aesthetic treatments are:
Unlike a health problem or medical condition, nonsurgical aesthetic treatments are entirely optional. You don't
have
to fill in those wrinkles, erase those broken blood vessels or minimize that redness. You do it because you
want
to.
It is important, however, that you have realistic expectations about the treatment you choose. Ask your aesthetic specialty physician to show you before and after photos of treatments he or she has performed. Also ask how long the effects will last, what the estimated cost will be and how many treatments you may require if undergoing a treatment that requires several sessions, such as laser treatments.
The first step is determining the right treatment for your aesthetic concern. You have numerous options. The most commonly performed treatments follow.
OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox Cosmetic)
OnabotulinumtoxinA, often referred to by the brand name, Botox, is a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum . It reduces muscle activity by blocking the nerve impulses that cause the squinting or frowning muscles to contract. OnabotulinumtoxinA is approved for the temporary treatment of frown lines and brow furrows.
Only licensed health care professionals can purchase onabotulinumtoxinA. Plastic surgeons or dermatologists routinely administer onabotulinumtoxinA , although any physician with special training in facial anatomy may perform the injections. Some states also allow nonphysicians such as registered nurses or physician assistants to administer the drug if they are directly supervised by a physician. Regardless of who administers your injection, always ask to see the vial and look for the manufacturer's safety hologram to ensure you are treated with authentic product.
It only takes a few minutes to be treated with onabotulinumtoxinA, and the effects last up to four months. Botox Cosmetic costs an average of $350 to $500 per area of treatment, and costs vary across the country based on a number of factors. Some aesthetic specialty physicians charge by the unit of product. This allows them to charge more or less depending upon the specific patient's need. Be sure to ask your physician the estimated total cost of your treatment.
Potential risks include allergic reaction, headache, bruising (if injections occur while taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications or if you've had alcohol within the previous week), redness and numbness at the injection site. There is a slight risk of paralysis of nerves adjacent to the injection site. If you are pregnant, nursing or have a medical condition, make sure you discuss the possible risks with your physician. OnabotulinumtoxinA is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.
Dermal Fillers
These injectable products fill fine lines and plump up wrinkles to provide a natural and smooth look. They are among the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic treatments. According to the American Society for Plastic Surgery, hyaluronic acid dermal filler procedures—one category of soft tissue fillers—are the second most popular aesthetic injectable treatment behind onabotulinumtoxinA.
Dermal fillers work differently than onabotulinumtoxinA. Fillers are injected directly into wrinkles and lines, instantly adding volume. There are many dermal fillers to choose from, so make sure to ask your aesthetic specialty physician which type of filler will help you achieve your desired results. Certain dermal fillers may work better in different people and for different areas, so you may need to try more than one before finding the best product for you. Physicians may use multiple products, depending on your needs, to obtain your desired result. You pay by the syringe, and several syringes may be required, so ask your physician for an estimated total cost before beginning your treatment. Costs vary based on geographic region and type of filler, but the average cost for treatment with injectable fillers is $1,000.
FDA-approved dermal fillers include:
Skin Resurfacing
These techniques are designed to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, get rid of brown spots, reduce sun damage and shrink pores. The level of intensity varies from mild chemical peels to laser resurfacing and laser pulses, and after-effects range from mild redness to peeling and scabbing. Skin may also be very sensitive to sunlight and unable to tan.
Hair Removal
Treatments such as electrolysis or laser hair removal can keep you smooth longer than razors, tweezers or waxing. The two most common treatments are electrolysis, in which an electric current is used to permanently destroy the hair follicle, and laser treatments, which use a laser to destroy the follicle. Both are eventually permanent after years of repeated treatments. Laser hair removal only works on dark brown or black hair. White or blond hair will not respond to the laser. Red hair may have limited response to the laser treatment.
Electrolysis may be performed by an electrologist. Each session takes between 15 minutes and an hour, and the cost varies widely depending on the area from which the hair is to be removed. Risks include permanent holes where the needle penetrates the skin.
Laser hair removal takes from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the areas to be treated, and multiple sessions—usually four to six—are required. Then the patient will most likely need a maintenance treatment two to three times a year. Cost varies depending on the area being treated. Laser hair removal is best performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Possible complications of both include pain, scarring and pigmentation changes.
Pain Relief During Cosmetic Treatments
Because many nonsurgical aesthetic treatments can be uncomfortable, topical anesthetics are often used to numb the face. However, using them in high amounts, even if purchased over the counter, can lead to serious health problems, including irregular heartbeat, seizures, coma and even death. The FDA recommends you:
Aging, sunlight, smoking and dryness all contribute to the wrinkles, brown spots, large pores, redness and other imperfections women try to correct with nonsurgical cosmetic treatments. For instance, as you age, the top layer of skin doesn't turn over as often, leaving dead skin cells on the surface longer and giving your features a dull appearance and texture. This is also when the sun damage of your youth comes back to haunt you. That sun created free radicals that broke down the collagen in your skin, as well as the elastin fibers that keep skin flexible. If you've spent a lot of time in the sun, your skin may even have a leathery appearance.
Preventing skin damage boils down to:
Before making an appointment for a nonsurgical aesthetic treatment, ask your health care professional the following questions to make sure he or she is qualified to perform the treatment and that you feel comfortable with him or her. Some of the following questions may be best answered before you meet with the physician and may be found on the physician's website or resume. Ask the office if either is available for you to review.
Other questions below are best asked in person, after you've done your homework about the physician, his or her team and their credentials.
Nonsurgical aesthetic treatments are medical procedures, and with any medical procedure there are potential risks. If you have realistic expectations of the results, understand that most treatments are not permanent and may need to be repeated in a few months or a year to maintain results, and carefully research your options and the aesthetic specialty physician who will provide the treatment, you can achieve a natural, refreshed look that enhances your appearance.
That depends on what treatment you're having. Some treatments, like dermal fillers and microdermabrasion, can provide smoother, younger-looking skin in just a few minutes. Others, such as laser resurfacing, may take days or weeks to heal.
It's highly unlikely. Most insurance companies don't cover elective treatments. However, if you are having a filler for a medical reason, like restoring your appearance after an accident, or if you have loss of fatty tissue related to AIDS, it might be covered. Also you can talk with your physician about financing options.
Not all treatments require needles. Facial resurfacing with microdermabrasion or dermabrasion, for instance, are needle-free. To reduce pain associated with aesthetic treatments, your doctor will use either a local anesthetic—to numb the area being worked on—or a general anesthetic, to put you totally out. If you opt for injections, most doctors use topical anesthetics to numb the area first.
Ask a potential doctor about his or her credentials. Where was he/she trained? In what specialty did he/she do her residency? Did he/she complete a specialty fellowship? What are his/her board certifications? Also ask where your doctor trained on the treatment you're having. If at any time you don't feel comfortable with the answers or the doctor, find someone else.
The FDA must approve all medications and medical devices before they can be marketed in the United States. The FDA also approves all devices used in treatments like dermabrasion and laser therapies. Most dermal fillers are considered medical devices. To see if a device was approved by the FDA, go to https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/devicesatfda/ . To see if the FDA has approved a drug, go to https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm and type in the name of the drug.
Once the FDA approves a medical device or drug and it is on the market, physicians can use it for any reason. This is called "off-label" use, and it is legal. Sculptra is often used off label for cosmetic reasons, as are other nonsurgical aesthetic procedures.
For information and support on Cosmetic Skin Procedures, please see the recommended organizations and Spanish-language resources listed below.
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Website:
https://www.aafprs.org
Address: 310 S. Henry St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-299-9291
Email: info@aafprs.org
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Website:
https://www.surgery.org
Address: Central Office
11081 Winners Circle
Los Alamitos, CA 90720-2813
Hotline: 1-888-ASAPS-11 (1-888-272-7711)
Email: asaps@surgery.org
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
Website:
https://www.asds.net
Address: 5550 Meadowbrook Dr., Suite 120
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Phone: 847-956-0900
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Website:
https://www.plasticsurgery.org
Address: 444 East Algonquin Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: 847-228-9900
Spanish-language resources
International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Website:
https://www.isaps.org/es/
Address: ISAPS Executive Office
45 Lyme Road, Suite 304
Hanover, NH 03755
Phone: 603-643-2325
Email: isaps@conmx.net
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Website:
https://www.surgery.org/consumers/consumer-resources/informacion-en-espanol/articulos-de-interes
Hotline: 1-888-272-7711
Email: findasurgeon@surgery.org
Has Jennifer Aniston got you wondering what role collagen plays in your body? Trying to decide if it's a good idea to take collagen? Read on to get the facts.
Bleaching the skin is common. It's also potentially life-threatening and harms women's self esteem.