If you could get the same results from a non-invasive procedure that you would normally get from an invasive surgical procedure, what would you choose? Anyone not addicted to plastic surgery obviously would choose the less invasive option. Which raises the question: Can we ever get the same results with non-invasive technology that invasive plastic surgery provides? Ultimately, some patients do not like surgery; however, as we continue to get closer to surgical results from minimal or noninvasive procedures, that will be the turning point.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) 2016 National Report, invasive plastic surgical procedures have seen a 6% decline from 2000 to 2016. Not surprisingly though, noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures have seen an 180% increase from 2000 to 2016. The top three noninvasive procedures according to ASPS include botulinum toxin type A (Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin), fillers, and chemical peels.
Botulinum Toxin Type A
Botox, in short, is an agent that blocks muscular nerve signals, which in turn weakens the target muscle limiting or nullifying muscle contraction. The action of Botox in turn results in diminished unwanted wrinkles in the target area. Botox has multiple uses and can be used to treat crow’s feet, forehead furrows, frown lines, skin bands on the neck, etc.
Soft Tissue Fillers
Dermal fillers help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by adding volume and fullness to the face. Most fillers such as Juvéderm work by replenishing the hyaluronic acid levels in your skin and pulling in moisture from the body to add to its plumping and smoothing effect. Dermal fillers are helpful at reducing early signs of aging such as plumping thin lips and softening facial creases and wrinkles.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use a chemical solution to exfoliate and retexturize your skin by removing the outer layers. Chemical peels are considered one of the least invasive procedures to improve the appearance of your skin. A chemical peel can help improve acne or acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation problems, and rough or sun-damaged skin.
What do the top three minimal or noninvasive procedures have in common? None of them will give you the same results as an invasive surgical procedure such as a facelift. The constant fundamental goal with any surgical procedure is to find ways to make it less and less invasive. Even though there are several great options available to patients to reduce early signs of aging, there are still no viable non-surgical options to replace the top invasive plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and nose reshaping.
When considering plastic surgery, you need an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who is an expert in the field and who can show you proof of exceptional results. For your safety, I cannot stress the importance of discussing your goals with a board-certified plastic surgeon who will discuss with you whether a noninvasive or an invasive procedure is best for you and what will be required to achieve your desired results.
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