Surgeons are increasingly coming up with new plastic surgery techniques to make us look and feel younger, better and more vibrant. Some of the latest procedures are less invasive and just as effective as traditionally harsh surgical alternatives. Below you'll find some of the latest innovations in the world of plastic surgery.
Thermage
Thermage is one of the latest innovations in cosmetic surgery. It helps tighten the skin in the face and reduce the appearance of wrinkles without surgery. Studies suggest it can also stimulate the body to produce collagen. You body needs collagen to retain its elasticity. Thermage uses radiofrequency technology. This technology lifts skin without any down time. As an added benefit, doctors can perform this procedure on people with any skin type. The FDA has approved Thermage for treating wrinkles.
Thermage works by delivery short bursts of radiofrequency (RF) energy to the skin. The ThermatTip device heats the collagen in the skin, resulting in tightening. There is little discomfort involved, though your doctor may apply an anesthetic cream to your face to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Most patients report feeling some heating sensation as the device penetrates the collagen layers of the skin. Most of the time the procedure lasts less than one hour and you can go back to work after. Just after the procedure, you may feel that your skin is tighter and smoother. The biggest benefits however, occur 3-6 months after the procedure when new collagen is produced and skin tightens even more. Most people need only one Thermage treatment session to realize significant results.
Thermage is most effective for people with sagging skin or jowls and wrinkles. While instant results are evident the best results occur within the 6 months following the procedure. Most results last up to 24 months, thus you will need repeat sessions after this time. One of the primary appeals of this procedure is it has almost no side effects. Those that do occur (in less than 1% of patients) include redness, blisters or swelling in areas treated. These are temporary side effects.
Doctors are looking at Thermage as a way to tighten other areas of the body including the stomach and under arms. This new trend is referred to as "body thermage."
Laser Resurfacing
More and more doctors are using lasers to help condition the skin and improve one's appearance. Laser resurfacing is sometimes also called a 'laser peel' and involves use of a carbon dioxide laser to remove wrinkles, discoloration and damaged skin. Laser resurfacing is commonly used to help reduce fine lines and even out pigmentation problems. Doctors direct a beam of energy into the skin at varying levels of penetration. The procedure is beneficial because the doctor can target certain areas of the skin. The laser removes outer layers of skin allowing younger, fresh sin cells to surface on the skin.
Laser resurfacing is offered at varying levels. Medium or superficial resurfacing only involves the outermost layers of the skin including the epidermis and papillary dermis. Minimal resurfacing like this results in less down time. Deeper laser resurfacing can help remove even bad wrinkles, by penetrating the upper layers of the reticulas dermis. Deep laser resurfacing is a much more invasive procedure requiring more downtime. You may spend two weeks recovering from a deep laser resurfacing procedure.
The best candidates for this procedure including those with facial wrinkles, especially those around the mouth or eyes. A doctor can direct the laser to these specific areas. There are some risks associated with this procedure, including burns, scarring and changes in the skins coloration. More commonly skin lightening may occur. Laser resurfacing can also activate cold sores in people with herpes infections. Fortunately your doctor can prescribe some antivirals prior to surgery to help minimize the risk of an outbreak.
Restylane
Restylane is a cosmetic based wrinkle treatment. It acts as a dermal filler. That means it can restore volume to areas of the skin wear folds and wrinkles form. Restylane is rapidly becoming a popular treatment for reducing the appearance of nasolabial folds. Made of hyaluronic acid, this substance naturally occurs in the human body. Side effects of this treatment are very minimal, and may include some swelling or redness. The results are immediate and the effects last up to a year or more. The FDA has approved use of this product for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Patients typically find this procedure carries few side effects, thus the procedure is rapidly gaining in popularity.
As technology continues to shape the way modern doctors work, new innovation will continue to surface in recent years. Doctors continue to find new uses for lasers including treating spider veins and varicose veins. While none of these practices turn back the hands of time, they can certainly make us look and feel better.
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Ruder has been in practice since 1975 and is a board certified facial plastic surgeon, specializing in areas such as Face Lifts and Laser Skin Resurfacing.
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