There is nothing better than having a new look for the New Year. Whether your New Year’s resolution involves losing weight, getting in shape or any other appearance enhancement, it’s good to know that you can get a head start with non-surgical facial rejuvenation. While there are many procedures available to enhance and rejuvenate the face, such as the facelift, mini facelift, neck lift, and eye lift, they are all invasive surgical procedures that are not necessarily the right fit for everyone. Non-surgical facial rejuvenation is an umbrella term for a series of procedures that can be used to enhance the face without surgical intervention and this may include such techniques as injectable fillers, laser peels, and limelight facials.
Injectable Fillers
Injectable fillers encompass a number of products such as Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra, and Radiesse. While Botox is one of the most common injectable substances for the face, it is technically not considered a filler because it is designed to paralyze or relax the facial muscles to prevent wrinkles. Other substances like Juvederm and Restylane are considered injectable fillers as they restore volume to plump up wrinkles or address sunken areas. All of these substances have some unique advantages and you will need to consult with a qualified facial plastic surgeon to make the right choice. In general, these procedures can be performed right in the office, often with a small amount of a local or topical anesthetic to ensure patient comfort. The results will appear immediately and the patient will be able to return home on the same day, though there may be some mild, temporary discomfort or swelling at the injection site.
Laser Peels
The laser peel is a facial procedure that is designed to vaporize the top layer of skin to reduce the appearance of blemishes, scars, wrinkles, and areas with uneven pigmentation. This procedure is similar to a chemical peel, but the main difference is that it is performed with a laser. The end result is a smoother, more youthful face with fewer blemishes and wrinkles. The surgeon can use a fractional CO2 laser or a traditional ablative CO2 laser depending on the severity of the problem. The procedure will typically involve a local anesthetic and then the surgeon will apply the laser to the targeted areas in short bursts until the desired effect has been achieved. The patient may receive a cream to apply over the next few days to promote healing. The results of the procedure will be evident after a few weeks once the skin has healed completely. Most people are able to recover from the procedure and resume normal activities within two weeks. People of color that are interested in the procedure should visit with a qualified facial plastic surgeon who has experience in treating ethnic skin tones because it can cause some unwanted pigmentation changes.
Limelight Facial
The Limelight facial is a special type of facial procedure that is designed to not only improve overall skin tone and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but to reduce the appearance of blemishes, especially brown spots that are typically very difficult to remove. Before the procedure, the patient will receive a cooling gel to be placed on the face and neck area while the limelight is applied to the face. The patient may need to have several sessions depending on the severity of the skin problem. The procedure takes about an hour and the patient can return home on the same day and recover relatively quickly.
It is necessary to discuss your needs with a qualified and experienced facial plastic surgeon to determine which procedure will give you the results that you seek. Most people can be considered candidates for these procedures as long as they are in good health and have reasonable expectations about the procedure.
Dr. Mark Hamilton is double board certified in otolaryngology and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He specializes in facial procedures like the facelift, rhinoplasty, and non-surgical facial rejuvenation techniques. He has two offices located in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, including Indianapolis and Carmel. Please call his office at 1-800-597-3223 to schedule a consultation.