Hair loss surgery is not the only reason people go under the knife to improve their appearance. Actually, anti-aging cosmetic surgery is the most common procedure.
However, over the years, cosmetic surgery was substituted by the “freshen-up” trend of non-surgical treatments. These include cosmetic fillers, laser treatments and injections.
FRESHEN-UP ALTERNATIVES TO COSMETIC SURGERY
MICRODERMABRASION
Microdermabrasion is an affordable and highly accessible type of cosmetic treatment. It exfoliates using a spinning diamond wheel to remove the top layer of the skin.
The mechanical skin exfoliation helps to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and improve the overall skin appearance. It’s quite affordable compared to other cosmetic treatments and available at most spas.
Initial side effects could include redness, breakouts and skin sensitivity.
DERMAL FILLER FOR LIPS
Fuller lips have definitely been a hot trend since the Angelina Jolie days, and a big trademark of the Kardashians today. Derma filler is a very common non-surgical cosmetic treatment that helps to achieve the look.
The filler contains hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the body. Once injected into the boarder of the lips, it creates a plump look. The treatment takes less than one hour to complete. The effects of the dermal filler can last between six months to one year.
Side effects can include initial swelling, that usually goes down in a couple of days.
DERMAL FILLER FOR CHEEKS
Dermal fillers are also a great alternative to cosmetic surgery for cheek treatments. Just like the lip treatment, the hyaluronic acid filler is injected into the skin to offer a fuller, more youthful, effect.
THREAD LIFT
The thread lift was named by the Daily Mail last year as the “most discreet and effective facelift ever”. Also known as the lunchtime facelift, the procedure has risen to popularity a few years ago.
It involves placing dissolvable threaders below the skin to create a lift for the neck, jaw line and eyebrows. The cosmetic treatment takes less than half an hour to complete. The thread dissolves into the skin without leaving any marks. The results can last up to 12 months.
Side effects include a slight discomfortable in the first few days post treatment.
BOTULINUM TOXIN INJECTIONS
Botulinum toxin injections are a great alternative to eyelid cosmetic surgery. They fill in the fine lines around the forehead and crow’s feet. They also create an elevation effect for the eyebrows.
Please note that the effect of the injections is not visible instantly . It can take up to two weeks for the results to show. However, the effects are known to last up to six months.
The list of non-surgical cosmetic treatments doesn’t end here. There are also procedures using ultrasound and radio frequency or treatments like Sculptra, which works on stimulating the body’s immune system over time. If you want an alternative to cosmetic surgery to achieve the trendy “freshened up” effect, you’ve got lots of options to choose from.