7 Non-Invasive And Non-Surgical Facial Cosmetic Procedures | Plastic, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery slideshows | Beauty Care center

Signs Of Aging

The skin is composed of many layers. The epidermis — which is the outermost layer — has the pigment cells in it. The second layer — the dermis — houses the blood vessels (which supply the epidermis and dermis), nerves and hair follicles. The subcutaneous layer contains the glands, vessels and fatty tissue. With aging, the epidermis thins out: the pigment cell population decreases (causing pale skin) while surviving melanocytes enlarge (causing liver spots). The dermis contains collagen and elastin. The elasticity of skin reduces with age, especially in exposed areas. Skin blood vessels become brittle with aging leading to patchy hemorrhages under the skin (Senile purpura). Glandular secretions reduce with age. The fat layer in the subcutaneous tissue thins out. The overall rate of healing and skin repair reduces with aging.

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Minimally Invasive Procedures in Facial Plastic Surgery, An Issue of Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics ByTheda Kontis, MD

Botox General Info

A plastic surgeon in Sacramento first identified the effect of Botox on skin wrinkles in 1989. It is extracted from the bacterium clostredium botulinum, and inhibits the release of neurotransmitters at synapses. The botulinum toxin is one of the most potent toxins known to man. It has also been identified as a potential biological weapon, but it has peaceful uses too. It was first licensed to treat the frown lines between the eyes. Blepharospasm, strabismus, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), upper motor neuron disease, chronic migraine, vaginismus, allergic rhinitis, diabetic neuropathy, vocal cord diseases, detrusor muscle instability resulting in urinary incontinence and cervical dystonia are also treated with Botox today.

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Minimally Invasive Procedures in Facial Plastic Surgery, An Issue of Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics By Theda Kontis, MD

Botox: Results

Botox injections are so successful as a cosmetic treatment method that the trade is expected to reach 4.7 billion USD in 2018. The rapid results you will see with Botox have been the key to this success. Many dermatologists consider Botox injections to be a preventive measure and it is more effective on dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are those that form when you move your face. To get the best results you have some changes to make in your lifestyle as well. Drugs that thin blood are not good because they will lead to bruising at the injection site. Make-up application needs to be reduced because make-up has the potential to cause infection after your injection. It is vital to get the Botox injection from a qualified practitioner.

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Minimally Invasive Procedures in Facial Plastic Surgery, An Issue of Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics By Theda Kontis, MD

Chemical Peel

Chemical peel is a procedure that involves application of various chemicals on to the skin so that the dead skin peels off faster. New skin is less wrinkled than mature skin. It is of vital importance to get the opinion of a dermatologist before using such products. Alpha hydroxy acid peels, beta hydroxy acid peels, Jessner’s peels, retinoic acid peels, trichloroacetic acid peels and Phenol peels are some commonly used types of chemical peels. Alpha hydroxy acid peels are convenient because they can be mixed with your usual face wash cream. But they are not for treating wrinkles. Beta hydroxyl acid peels are more potent than alpha peels. Jessner’s peel claims to break intracellular bonds between skin cells to remove them. A retinoic acid peel is a more thorough procedure that may remove scars as well. Trichloroacetic acid peels are preferred on darker skin to phenol peels.

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Minimally Invasive Procedures in Facial Plastic Surgery, An Issue of Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics By Theda Kontis, MD

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion involves peeling off of the outermost dead skin cells with an abrasive exfoliating substance and applying gentle suction to remove the skin during abrasion. This is a non-invasive dermatological procedure which needs to be done by a qualified skin care specialist. It is painless, cheap and simple. While microdermabrasion is a technical term used for this procedure specifically, many pharmaceutical products using fine granular applications to scrub off the dead skin are marketed using this term. This treatment method can be used effectively against wrinkles, superficial pigment disorders, small acne scars, acne and fine lines. This procedure is very safe and carries minimal side effects.

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Minimally Invasive Procedures in Facial Plastic Surgery, An Issue of Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics By Theda Kontis, MD

Laser Treatments

These treatments are also known as laser resurfacing. Two main goals of laser resurfacing are to remove a thin outermost layer of dead skin and to stimulate growth of collagen and lift up the saggy skin. Laser can be used to effectively treat wrinkles around mouth and eyes, smoker’s lines, lipstick lines, frown lines and facial wrinkles. This procedure is fairly safe and has a short duration of recovery compared to surgical face-lifts. It may be a little painful for some due to individual variation. Administration of laser therapy takes a minimum of thirty minutes and most patients are satisfied with a single session.

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Minimally Invasive Procedures in Facial Plastic Surgery, An Issue of Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics By Theda Kontis, MD

Intense Pulse Light

Intense pulse light is an effective mode of treatment for dilatation of skin capillaries (telangiectasia) and sun-exposure related darkening of skin (hyperpigmentation). There is minimal scientific evidence to support the supposed effects on skin wrinkles and texture. A study done in 2006 revealed that there was no significant difference between pre- and post-treatment skin wrinkles. Subjective improvement of skin texture was reported by the participants with abnormal skin pigmentation but it was not demonstrated in normal individuals with photographic comparison. One patient developed a scar on the side that received the treatment. Three patients dropped out of the study due to the pain associated with the treatment.

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Minimally Invasive Procedures in Facial Plastic Surgery, An Issue of Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics By Theda Kontis, MD
Intense pulsed light for skin rejuvenation by Hruza et al

Thermage

Thermage is an expensive procedure which has as many believers as non-believers. The principle of thermage treatment is to support collagen fibres. Collagen is a protein fibre in the skin which gives it tensile strength. As we age, the collagen cross linking weakens and the rate of collagen synthesis diminishes. Thermage claims to use radiofrequency pulses to deliver thermal energy to the collagen fibres in the skin, contracting them and lifting up the saggy parts. Thermage claims to reach even the deep layers of the skin. Ideal candidates for thermage would have only light wrinkling, no lipodystrophy and good laxity of skin.

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Minimally Invasive Procedures in Facial Plastic Surgery, An Issue of Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics By Theda Kontis, MD

Cosmetic Filler

Dermal fillers are substances injected under the skin wrinkles to flatten them. They cannot treat sagging skin but give immediate results when used against wrinkles. This method is not permanent and needs to be repeated. Cost could be significant because it needs to cover pain killers, filler and post-procedure medication. Human fat (exogenous or from your own body), hyaluronic acid, collagen, polyacetic acid and hydroxylapatite compounds are some of the most commonly used temporary methods and PMMA is longer lasting. The surgeon will decide on areas that need treatment and map them out. After a thorough surgical clean up, the chemicals are injected. It is vital to get the opinion of a dermatologist before you decide on dermal fillers.

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Minimally Invasive Procedures in Facial Plastic Surgery, An Issue of Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics By Theda Kontis, MD

Procedure Risks

Non-invasive methods rarely cause serious side effects but nothing is risk free. Botox can cause droopy eyelids and eyebrows, an asymmetric smile, excessive dryness of skin, and double vision depending on the location of the injection site. Chemical peels may cause minor allergies, skin irritation and dryness. Microdermabrasion can cause temporary sensitivity to sunlight, dryness and scratches. Thermage may cause itching, bruising, blistering, redness, altered skin sensation and reactivation of herpes. Laser resurfacing can cause scaring, burns, altered skin pigmentation and bacterial infections. Intense pulse light may cause sensitivity to sunlight, skin irritation, pigmentation changes and it may not be effective altogether due to individual variation. Cosmetic fillers can cause severe allergies in susceptible individuals.