Skin contouring and rejuvenation have never been easier, more comfortable or more convenient. Results that used to require complicated plastic surgery procedures can now be performed in non-invasive treatment sessions with very little discomfort or downtime. As we age, skin begins to sag and facial volume begins to fade, resulting in a loss of facial contour, definition and firmness. If you are experiencing these signs of aging, then you may be wondering if there’s a quick and easy solution to your troubles. Good news: there’s more than one! Read on to learn more about improving your skin quality and facial contours with quick and painless procedures.
Why Loss of Facial Contour Occurs
A gaunt, hollow face isn’t something anyone wants, but it occurs in many of us as we age. But why? Most importantly, facial aging is tied to the loss of elasticity and collagen in the face. Collagen is a structural protein that lends skin its youthful, elastic, strong, and firm appearance. It is also known as the “glue” of the body. As we age, collagen production slows down, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. This process starts early, often during the 20s. Facial fat also experiences shifting and volume loss over time, with everything beginning to move downward as the aging process advances.
Solutions
While there are plastic surgery procedures available to help combat these common symptoms of aging, there are also effective non-invasive skin treatments that can improve the appearance of the skin without the amount of recovery and expense involved with surgery. If you’d like to try a temporary or less invasive treatment, then these procedures might be ideal for your needs.
Radiesse
Facial fillers are rapidly rising in popularity, and while they are still not as popular as Botox®, these popular treatments are gaining ground. This isn’t a surprise, as these simple injectable treatments are affordable, effective, convenient, and nearly painless, withresults that can last up to a year or more. While many fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, a compound found naturally in the body, Radiesse is formulated with calcium-hydroxylapatite (CaHA) micro-spheres, a compound that actually encourages the body to manufacture more collagen. Radiesse is an excellent choice for improving facial contours, and there is no need for allergy testing before the treatment can be administered.
Ultherapy®
Using ultrasound energy, Ultherapy® is a revolutionary treatment that stimulates collagen production and can dramatically tighten skin in the weeks following treatment. The procedure is non-invasive, and lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. A handpiece is used with ultrasound gel on the area to be treated, and the energy is transmitted deep into the skin, producing immediate improvement in the skin’s appearance. Improvement continues for up to 6 months, and results can last a year or more. Patients can return to normal activities the day following treatment.
Sublime™
Another collagen-producing treatment, Sublime™ treatments utilize elōs technology, a combination of laser and radiofrequency energies. The treatment heats deep skin tissues for improved collagen production. The resulting tightening of the skin helps improve facial contours and overall improvement to skin tone. Sublime™ treatment plans involve several sessions of treatment, but these sessions are painless, and no downtime is required following the procedure.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Only you and your provider can determine which treatment is right for you. Often, it is best to get advice about which treatment is likely to be best for you before you make a decision about your procedure. Don’t forget to do your research, and most importantly, choose a qualified, board certified dermatologist you have rapport with to perform your procedure.
Finding a Qualified Dermatologist
Though none of the procedures we’ve discussed is a surgical treatment, that does not mean that they require little skill to administer. There is always room for error in administering skin treatments, which can range from minor cosmetic issues to much more serious mistakes. However, if you choose a qualified cosmetic dermatologist to perform your procedure, the risk for complications is extremely low, and you should be able to enjoy great results and very little discomfort.
Need to meet with an expert in the Miami area? Come meet with nationally-renowned dermatologist Dr. Diane Walder and her skilled colleague, Dr. Stacy Chimento. They offer a wide range of minimally invasive cosmetic skin treatments, skincare advice, and treatment for problems like acne, skin cancer, and more. To learn more, call 305-866-2177 to schedule an appointment today.