If you’ve heard the term ‘non-surgical cosmetic anti-aging’ you might be wondering what is available. For those who don’t want to or can’t go under the knife, more temporary non-surgical techniques can offer effective anti-aging results on a short-term basis. Here we look at some of the treatments available today:
Dermal fillers
These are injections of filling material placed under the skin to fill in areas of lines, plump up deflated lips and fill out hollow cheeks and eyes. Different to Botox in that they don’t smooth or tighten the skin but plump up the skin to give a more youthful appearance.
Collagen used to be used but nowadays hyaluronic acid is the popular choice. A dermal filler treatment can last anywhere between 6 months to over a year and each treatment seems to get better results. There is some evidence that using hyaluronic acid can lead to more permanent youthful looks as it boosts the body’s own collagen production. For Belfast Dermal Lip Fillers, visit https://www.glamskinclinic.com/dermal-lip-fillers
Fat Transfer
This is a procedure whereby fat is removed from one area of your body, processed and then injected into an area of your face. It can be a costly procedure but can last much longer, between five and ten years. There is a risk that fat transfers might not last as they can be reabsorbed by the body.
Muscle relaxing treatments
Botox is a popular non-surgical treatment that acts by paralysing muscles. This stops the skin above it from be able to crease and cause wrinkles. It can only work on expression lines such as those caused by frowning or so-called surprise lines on the forehead. It smooths out the skin, making the lines less obvious. It is not effective against sun damage or nasolabial folds on the face. The cost depends on how much you have injected. It’s relatively painless but you won’t be able to rub the area or lie down for a few hours to stop the toxin spreading to other places.
Liquid facelift
This involves the combination of dermal fillers and Botox. The cost will depend on how much is applied but the effects can last for up to two years.
Melting Fat
A chemical that occurs naturally in the body called deoxycholic acid breaks down dietary fat in the body’s digestive system. You can have this chemical injected into different areas to reduce the fat in that specific area. At the moment it is used to target fat under the chin, known as submental fat that leads to a double chin.
How dermal fillers restore volume
Dermal fillers are one of the most widely used non-surgical options. They are small injections of gel, usually made from hyaluronic acid, placed under the skin to fill in lines and wrinkles.
Their main job is to add volume. As we age, the body makes less of the collagen that keeps skin plump and smooth, and this decline is thought to begin from around the age of 25. Fillers replace some of that lost volume, which smooths the skin over the treated area. This is partly why people in their late twenties and thirties now have them as well as older patients.
Fillers can be used in several places on the face. Common areas include the crow’s feet around the eyes, lines around the mouth and along the jawline, and the lips, where they are used to add fullness. As with any treatment, choose a qualified practitioner and ask about how long the results are likely to last.
How dermal fillers work
Dermal fillers are one of the most popular non-surgical options. They are small injections used to soften lines and wrinkles, add volume to the lips and improve the tone and texture of facial skin. As we age, the body makes less collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and flexible, and existing collagen breaks down. Eyes can look more sunken, cheeks more hollow, and lines appear around the eyes and mouth.
Most fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the body that binds water to the skin. It works with the remaining collagen and elastin to give a smoother, more supple look. Results typically last from six to eighteen months, depending on the product and the area treated, so professional advice on which one suits you is important.
Treatment is generally considered safe, with infections and allergic reactions rare when carried out by a specialist. Temporary side effects can include bruising, tenderness, redness, swelling and itching. Always choose a properly trained practitioner who can use products correctly and manage any reaction.
