Anti Aging Procedures – Injectable Fillers, Botox, Restylane
About Anti-Aging Cosmetic Procedures
With the recent emphasis on health and staying younger, many people also want to retain a youthful appearance. Cosmetic surgery procedures can offer the opportunity to push back the effects of age on the body contour, the face, bustline and the skin. New and better surgical techniques are reducing the level of invasiveness of surgery, allowing for faster recovery times. Many new developments in breast implants have also aided the field of plastic surgery, with new shapes and sizes of implants and new materials. New types of plastic surgery procedure provide for less scarring and help to maintain the privacy of the procedures. Due to these factors, many patients are choosing plastic surgery that would avoid it in the past. Also, financing for procedures has become more available and can help to offset the initial out-of-pocket requirement for surgical fees, such as breast implants cost.
Many plastic surgeons have expanded their practices to include less invasive procedures that improve beauty and offset the effects of aging. Common laser procedures include laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing and laser scar removal. Many new ointments and lotions are available for anti-aging and facial rejuvenation.
As plastic surgery technologies and techniques advance, many patients can achieve more youthful-looking skin without undergoing highly invasive procedures, like facelift. One of the most widely requested anti-aging procedures is injectable fillers, including Botox, Restylane, Radiesse and Sculptra. While all of these fillers are successful at reducing the appearance of wrinkles, certain fillers may be better suited for different individual needs. After a consultation with a plastic surgeon, patients can determine which injectable filler is right for them.
Botox is the most requested plastic surgery procedure in the United States, and is used to eliminate frown lines and wrinkles. Plastic surgeons inject a compound known as Botulinum Toxin Type A into various areas of the face to reduce wrinkles by as much as 80 percent. This compound restricts the release of acetylcholine, a chemical that causes muscles to contract and wrinkles to form. As a result, the muscles are paralyzed and can hinder facial expressions. Botox injections are performed by a plastic surgeon, typically without anesthesia. The results of Botox typically last for at least three months.
Another injectable filler that is growing in popularity is Restylane, a natural sugar compound. In addition to softening wrinkles and giving patients smoother skin, Restylane is commonly used in lip enhancement procedures. Restylane injections can be pricier than Botox; however, the results of Restylane last twice as long. Restylane is also more successful at reducing stubborn, deep wrinkles than Botox.
Radiesse and Sculptra offer results that can last up to two years or longer. Radiesse is often requested to fill in scars and skin folds around the mouth and nose, while Sculptra is used to lessen the prominence of indented chin surfaces, hollowed cheeks and sunken eyes.
In addition to injectable fillers, patients can receive topical treatments to ease the signs of aging. Antioxidant creams and serums have been proven to stimulate collagen production and fight against free radicals — molecules that damage skin cells. Many plastic surgery facilities now feature medical spas, which offer a variety of facials and facial rejuvenation procedures.
Medical spas are also offering Thermage — a cosmetic procedure that utilizes radio waves to tighten skin and help patients look younger. Thermage, also known as ThermaCool or ThermaLift, differs from other anti-aging plastic surgery procedures because it is completely non-invasive. During the hour-long procedure, plastic surgeons use the ThermaCool device to heat collagen, which causes collagen growth in the patient's skin. This increase in collagen, helps tighten skin, with production continuing for three to six months after the initial procedure. Results may last up to two years.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon for Your Anti-Aging Procedure
Regardless of which procedure you decide to undergo, it is important to seek a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Cosmetic surgeons who are endorsed by this medical organization adhere to strict health regulations and can offer you some of the best care available.
For more information about anti-aging services, please visit A Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.