FAQs about Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation
- What is facial rejuvenation? Is it for both women and men?
Facial rejuvenation covers a broad group of surgical procedures and non-invasive treatments which are designed to make your facial skin and profile look younger and more refreshed. The techniques are commonly employed in both women and men of all ages. In fact, although often associated with women, increasing numbers of men are having facial rejuvenation procedures.
- What exactly does non-surgical mean?
Non-surgical procedures can be topical, such as creams and peels; injectable, such as toxins and fillers; or laser based, such as CO2 resurfacing. All of these procedures take place in the office setting without the need for an operating room or anesthesia. There are no incisions.
- How do non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures fit in with health and wellness?
The goal of non-surgical rejuvenation is to improve how you look and feel about yourself. It is not meant to turn you into someone else, but to help you appear to be the best, most well-rested and refreshed version of you.
More than that, self-esteem is often connected to a person’s appearance, and self-esteem contributes to mental well-being, which in turn contributes to physical health. So the benefits of facial rejuvenation go beyond cosmetic.
- What non-surgical options are available for facial rejuvenation?
The most common non-surgical procedures are: injection of botulinum toxin (botox) to relax muscles and smooth wrinkles; injection of soft-tissue fillers to fill hollow areas and deep lines minimizing the appearance of aging; laser hair removal; chemical peels to smooth the skin; and microdermabrasion, also to rejuvenate the skin.
- Are some non-surgical options better than traditional cosmetic surgery procedures?
Non-surgical procedures are useful for slight changes, for maintenance of appearance and as adjuncts to surgical treatment. Traditional cosmetic surgery results in a greater degree of change, and is best after the minimally invasive procedures have been used. It also depends on the result a person is looking to achieve.
- Can a facelift be achieved using non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures?
The so-called Liquid Facelift restores volume to areas which have hollowed, and decreases the appearance of wrinkles. It is a combination of toxins to relax specific facial lines and fillers to add volume to key areas.
- How long does it take for the results of a non-surgical rejuvenation to show?
Toxins take about three to four days to work. The results with filler are immediate.
- How soon can one return to work after a non-surgical rejuvenation procedure?
There is no downtime after these procedures. Many can even be done during your lunch hour.
- Can makeup be applied immediately after rejuvenation procedures?
It is best to wait until the following day in order to apply makeup so that the injection sites may heal.
- Do non-surgical rejuvenation procedures produce bruises or flaws on the face?
Bruising is a potential after-effect of any injection. It is more common in patients who take blood thinners such as aspirin or herbal remedies.
- How many times can non-surgical rejuvenation procedures be repeated?
These procedures can be repeated as often as is needed to achieve the desired results. Toxins last anywhere between four and twelve months depending on the anatomic area. Fillers often need replenishment every nine to twelve months. They break down faster in areas that have more movement; such as right around the mouth.
- How do the non-surgical methods compare with surgical methods in terms of results, cost and duration?
Non-surgical methods tend to cost less than traditional surgery, allow for a quicker recovery, and produce a more subtle result. It is best to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine which procedures will allow you to achieve your goals. A cost difference isn’t worth very much if you are not satisfied.
