Botox remains one of the top non-surgical cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. 4.4 million treatments were performed in 2020. As Americans look for non-invasive cosmetic treatments that are cost-effective, non-surgical procedures continue to grow in popularity.
Are you looking for a list of the best cosmetic procedures that don’t need surgery? Read on to see what the most popular non-surgical facial procedures of 2021 are.
Surgical Vs Non-Surgical Procedures
Cosmetic treatments are often associated with surgery. Common examples of plastic surgery options include facelifts, rhinoplasty (nose jobs), breast augmentation, and liposuction.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery requires that a doctor makes incisions in the skin. Often, the surgeon removes significant amounts of fat, skin, and other types of tissue.
As with any type of surgery, there are inherent risks and sometimes lengthy recovery periods. Surgical procedures can cost several thousand dollars or more.
Non-Surgical Procedures
If you are wondering how to get rid of wrinkles, there are many non-surgical treatment options. Many non-surgical treatments, like Botox, are administered through injections. Dermal fillers, for example, can enhance your facial features by strategically placing biocompatible materials under the skin.
Top Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures for Putting Your Best Face Forward
Non-surgical procedures (commonly called “tweakments”) have several benefits. There’s typically no recovery time required. In fact, many treatments can be performed during your lunch break. While not cheap, non-surgical procedures are significantly more affordable than surgery.
Microneedling
Microneedling is generally considered safe for all skin tones. Fine needles create targeted microabrasions on the skin that trigger the body’s healing response. After applying a topical anesthetic, your skincare specialist uses a small roller to make small pricks on the top of your skin.
Soon after the treatment, the skin creates new elastin and collagen. The results leave the skin looking and feeling younger. Acne scars fade following this procedure, and overall skin texture improves.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Is your goal is to remove damaged layers of skin? CO2 laser resurfacing is considered the gold standard in non-surgical skin resurfacing. A laser emits heat energy that triggers the production of elastin fiber and collagen.
As the skin recovers, patients report having skin that looks smoother and younger. The procedure typically takes around 30 minutes to complete.
A comprehensive resurfacing can take one or two hours to complete. Results from the gentle facial aesthetics treatment are generally visible after two to three weeks.
Radiofrequency Microneedling
Radiofrequency microneedling uses the body’s natural healing system to rejuvenate the skin. Your skincare specialist will numb the treatment area.
Ultrafine needles penetrate the top level of the skin to deliver radiofrequency energy.
Mild redness and light swelling are common and normal side effects. Once your skin heals, you can enjoy younger-looking and firmer skin. One benefit of this type of microneedling is that the radio frequencies reach deep into the skin for long-lasting results.
Botox
Botox remains one of the most popular forms of non-surgical cosmetic treatment. The injectable treatment uses small amounts of a neurotoxin to paralyze facial nerves.
Wrinkles are classified as static or dynamic. Static wrinkles are always present no matter what facial expressions we make.
Dynamic wrinkles result from the muscular contractions of facial muscles. One example may be forehead wrinkles that result from lifting the eyebrows. The majority of facial wrinkles result from expressions we make.
Botox treatments reduce dynamic wrinkles by partially freezing certain muscles. Most patients are able to notice improved cosmetic results within a day or two of treatment.
The cosmetic results last several months on average. At that point, you’ll have to undergo new injections of Botox.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers include a wide range of injectable “fillers” that plump up or enhance certain areas of the face. One popular filler is hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the face.
Hyaluronic acid can be applied on the surface of the skin or it can be injected into facial skin. When used as a dermal filler, the acid promotes the creation of collagen.
As we age, our bodies and face produce less and less collagen. This is one leading reason why our skin loses elasticity as we age. Injections of hyaluronic acid restore the natural balance of collagen in our skin.
Hyaluronic acid and other types of dermal fillers are naturally absorbed into the body. When the desired effects wear off, the treatment will need to be completed once again.
Chemical Peel
Chemical peel treatment is a straightforward procedure that can improve the appearance of your skin. There is a wide range of chemicals that your dermatologist or skin care specialist can use.
The treatments remove the top layer of skin and promote skin regeneration. Chemical peels are a great way to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes.
A stronger chemical may require that a topical agent is applied to numb your face. A mild treatment may leave skin appearing a little red while a heavier chemical peel treatment may require a day or two of recovery. Patients are generally advised to avoid direct sunlight while their skin heals.
Rejuvenate Your Skin Using Non-Surgical Treatments
Now that you know the top non-surgical cosmetic procedures, discuss your treatment options with a trusted dermatologist or skin care specialist. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments offer drastic cosmetic results without the need for undergoing surgery.
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