Health Talk: Cosmetic enhancements without surgery

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Health Talk: Cosmetic enhancements without surgery
1 Aug 07
By Lee Klelman and Victoria David-Lawson
Maryland Gazette

The hottest cosmetic enhancement procedures being performed today are not surgical procedures but a plethora of non-surgical procedures and treatments.
They include Botox, injectable line fillers such as Restylane, Radiesse, Juvaderm and Artecol, as well as procedures such as Thermage and laser rejuvenation. All offer a relatively inexpensive alternative to surgery and are performed in the office with little or no down time.

Though many of these procedures may offer only a temporary fix, they are quite attractive when compared to risks and costs associated with surgery.

Botox (Botulinum Toxin A) is a neuromuscular paralytic and the most requested non-surgical cosmetic procedure today. It is FDA approved to block the action of the muscles of the face, especially around the brow area.

The result is the relaxation of the inter-brow furrow and crows feet yielding a "refreshed" and more "youthful" appearance. Results typically last three to four months.

Discomfort is minimal and the risks, though low and usually temporary, include bruising, asymmetry and droopy eyelids. Costs are dependant upon how much Botox is used and how many sites are being treated. Average prices may be $300 to $400 per site.

Fillers help fill wrinkles and grooves to give the face a softer look. The most popular filler is Restylane as it has the longest track record. It is composed of hyluranic acid and is well tolerated by most individuals, as opposed to the old collagen injections where allergy testing was typically involved.

One of the most requested procedures for which Restylance is used is lip enhancement to plump up the lips. Results typically last three to four months. Juvaderm is the next generation hyluranic acid filler best used for deeper folds. It boasts a result lasting six months or more.

Radiesse filler is composed of calcium hydroxyapetate. It is used for deep augmentation of the nasolabial folds and can last 12 to 18 months. Radiesse also claims that it will stimulate collagen production in the area of the injection.

Articol is a permanent filler recently marketed. It does not dissolve and may result in gradual increase of the filler as scar tissue will accumulate about the injectable filler implant. Risks include bruising and asymmetry.

Results can be excellent with minimal downtime and discomfort. Costs associated with any of these mentioned fillers are approximately $600 to $900 dollars.

Photofacials (IPL or Intense Pulsed Light) or Laser Rejuvenation Procedures utilize broad spectrums of light to breakdown brown and red spots that appear as we age and worsen with sun exposure.

Treatments are quick, effective and with little discomfort. Multiple treatments are often necessary. Costs are several hundred dollars per treatment, but packages are typically sold at a reduced price.

Lasers that are non-ablative can be used to remove or reduce hair, markedly reduce "spider" vessels, promote collagen formation and improve skin texture. Typically, a topical local anesthetic is applied to the treatment area prior to the procedure, as there is mild to moderate discomfort associated with this treatment. Multiple treatments are often required to obtain optimal results.

Costs are approximately a few hundred dollars per procedure and can be sold in packages. Risks, though infrequent, include scarring, hair that is resistant to treatment, persistent hair growth, blistering and pigment change.

Thermage is fast becoming a popular choice for non-surgical skin tightening. Unlike laser energy, Thermage utilizes radiofrequency to stimulate new collagen and tightening of old collagen bands. The result is a tighter skin without surgery.

Risks and discomfort are minimal, no anesthesia is required and there is no down-time. Treatments take approximately one to two hours and costs are approximately half as much as traditional cosmetic surgery procedures. For those who don't want to "go under the knife" or who aren't quite ready for a full facelift, Thermage can provide an excellent alternative.

In conclusion, nowadays, less is more in the area of non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures. Though temporary, good results are achievable at relatively affordable pricing and with little to zero downtime.

More definitive surgical procedures are being deferred as patients opt initially for the lower risk, quick fix procedures with minimal to no downtime. Many have also found these cosmetic procedures to be satisfactory in meeting their cosmetic goals and a good alternative to surgery.