Do You Need Surgery to Look Young — Or Will Something Else Work?
It seems as if the technological capabilities of medical procedures are ever-increasing. Just as plastic surgery procedures are rapidly improving and evolving, so too are their nonsurgical counterparts. Previously, men and women had very few minimally invasive options when considering cosmetic procedures. Now there are a wide array of nonsurgical treatments that offer similar, if not identical, results to surgery.
So if you’ve been thinking about plastic surgery but have been hesitant about the process and recovery, you just might want to consider these very common nonsurgical alternatives.
Browlift: Try Botox Instead
The forehead is definitely one of the first places many people notice the signs of aging develop. After all, the brow line is involved in most facial expressions, which unfortunately translates to wrinkles as we age. But if you’re not sold on the idea of having your brow or forehead surgically lifted, you may want to look into Botox as an alternative.
Botox is a minimally invasive injection that works by inhibiting the muscle contractions that cause the forehead and brow line to wrinkle. Although results aren’t permanent, most people find that the effects of Botox injections last an average of 3 to 4 months. But as for recovery time, you can expect to be back to your normal routine immediately after your session. (The American Academy of Plastic Surgeons)
Cheek Implants: Try Voluma Instead
Another common and unfortunate side effect of the aging process is a loss of volume particularly in the cheek area of the face. This is mainly due to the body’s natural decrease in collagen production, which is responsible for that fuller, younger looking skin. But rather than opting for implants to regain that youthful volume in your face, injectable fillers are becoming much more popular.
Voluma, for example, is an injectable filler formulated specifically to give your cheek area that extra oomph, without needing surgery. It works by mimicking your body’s natural collagen underneath the skin to give you natural-looking results. It can also help to achieve more defined and pronounced cheekbones, which can help to take years off of your appearance. The great thing about Voluma is that its results can last up to 2 years.
Rhinoplasty: Try Juvederm XC Instead
Yes, you can actually achieve the effects of a “nose job” with nonsurgical injectable fillers. Juvederm XC works in the same way as Voluma, only it is designed to target smaller fine lines and uneven contours, rather than plumping the cheeks. If you’re considering rhinoplasty because you’re unhappy with the shape or “bumps” in your nose, Juvederm XC can help to smooth out unwanted curves, revealing subtle, natural-looking contours. And because it’s not a permanent treatment, you have the option of updating your look when you go in for your routine injections. (Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America)
Facelift: Try Halo Instead
Halo is unique from many other laser resurfacing treatments out there because it actually functions as a two-in-one procedure. Because it combines both ablative lasers and nonablative lasers into one, Halo can treat both the outer layers of your skin as well as the deeper layers underneath. So not only can you get rid of any redness or other discoloration on the surface, but you can also achieve a smoother, more even tone from underneath. That’s why Halo can be such a great alternative to an all-out facelift that requires surgery and recovery time.
Liposuction: Try CoolSculpting Instead
CoolSculpting is another relatively new technology that’s becoming hugely popular. Rather than getting traditional liposuction through a surgical procedure, the unique cooling technology used in CoolSculpting can offer amazing body contouring results without surgery. It works by actually destroying fat cells that may be resistant to diet and exercise alone, resulting in the same even, toned body that traditional liposuction can offer. And provided that you continue to maintain your healthy lifestyle, the results you achieve from CoolSculpting will remain permanent. (CBS News)
Why Choose Acqua Blu Medical Spa for Nonsurgical Procedures?
Although the effects of aging are inevitable, that doesn’t mean that you have to undergo surgery to reverse them. Thanks to new and improved medical technology, you actually have a whole host of nonsurgical, minimally invasive treatment options to choose from. And the best part? Most of these procedures offer comparable results to their surgical counterparts, without the downsides of surgery.
So if you’ve been considering plastic surgery but have now discovered that you may be able to benefit from a nonsurgical procedure instead, your next step is to find a trusted, reputable medical spa. At Acqua Blu Medical Spa in Pittsburgh, our board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ana Busquets along with Dr. Susannah McClain and dermatology physician assistant, Christopher Foti, C-PA would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about the above-mentioned nonsurgical treatments. Our providers are board certified in their specialty and are committed to educating potential patients so that they can make an informed decision about which treatment might be best for them. To schedule a consultation with our providers, please contact Acqua Blu Medical Spa at (724) 933-1800.