If the signs of aging are starting to crop up on your face, hands and neck, you don’t have to let nature run its course. A simple intervention by an anti-aging specialist is all it takes to get rid of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin for good, and you don’t even need to go under the knife to enjoy the benefits of a cosmetic treatment.
You can take away up to a decade from your looks with the help of skin tightening treatments and dermal fillers, and these treatments don’t involve any significant downtime or pain. Here’s a close look at the top nonsurgical treatments that help get rid of wrinkles:
Thermage Skin Tightening Treatments
Considered to be the ‘ultimate’ alternative to facelift surgery,
Thermage skin tightening treatments work from deep within the dermis to strengthen and tighten the facial tissues, and boost collagen production. Results can be seen immediately after the treatment, but you will continue to see changes in the days and weeks after the session as the skin begins to restore itself. Thermage may be combined with other anti-aging treatments for a comprehensive skin rejuvenation regimen.
Microcurrent Facials
Microcurrent facials use microcurrent technology to lift, firm and tighten the skin. This treatment works at a deeper level than the average facial, because the energy waves reach deep into the dermis. Microcurrent facials can be especially effective for slightly sagging skin, and for tightening up the skin around the eyes, nose and mouth. A series of microcurrent treatments is often required to achieve the optimal results.
Injectable Fillers
Injectable fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, and ‘next generation’ fillers such as Juvederm Ultra can be used to perform a liquid facelift. This involves injecting various fillers into different facial compartments to restore volume, and banish wrinkles. Although the results are temporary, you can see a noticeable difference immediately after the treatment. Dermal filler injections have very few risks, and can be administered over lunch hour.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a light skin resurfacing treatment that can help get rid of fine lines and wrinkles using fine diamond crystals as an abrasive agent. The crystals act like sandpaper against the skin, gently buffing away dead skin cells, and prompting collagen production. You will see noticeable results after just one session, and will continue to see firmer and tighter skin after a series of treatments. Microdermabrasion treatments are also relatively affordable; each session costs between $75 - $125 or more depending on the clinic.
Chemical Peels
Intensive peels such as the VI Peel and combination alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy peels are your best bets for getting rid of wrinkles and tightening up the skin.
Chemical peels are designed to increase collagen production and create a more even skin tone. In some cases, these peels can be combined with microdermabrasion so that your skin is refreshed from inside out, and you achieve a youthful glow. Chemical peels are available in several strengths, and can be customized to fit your skin’s condition.
Published: 05/15/2009, Last Updated: 05/15/2009
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics obtained from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.