Minimally invasive procedures: Changing the face of cosmetic surgery

Humorist and author Mark Twain once said, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

In reality, though, growing older and watching wrinkles develop where smooth skin once was can be hard to face. More and more we want to look as young as we feel.

If you’ve been thinking about having a facial cosmetic procedure, but are afraid you’ll be out of commission for weeks or months, think again.

In reality, a wide range of office-based minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are available that offer immediate results with little to no down time, and are very affordable.

Following are some of the most requested:

Botox Cosmetic for reduction of frown lines.

If you’ve been looking for something to treat your stubborn frown lines – the area between your eyebrows – Botox Cosmetic may be right for you. Botox is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to temporarily improve the look of severe to moderate glabellar lines in people ages 18 to 65.

Botox is often called a “lunchtime” procedure since it’s simple, nonsurgical and takes only minutes to perform. That’s why millions of individuals have chosen this procedure since it was introduced nearly a decade ago. Visible results begin within days and can last up to four months, but individual results vary.

Latisse for your own longer, thicker eyelashes. Latisse solution is a prescription treatment for hypotrichosis, a condition that involves inadequate or not enough eyelashes. Latisse is used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker and darker. While the exact way that it works is unknown, Latisse is believed to affect the growth phase of the eyelash hair cycle in two ways: it increases the length of the growth phase and it increases the number of hairs in the growth phase. Latisse solution is a once-a-day treatment you apply yourself each evening to the base of the upper eyelashes.

Dermal fillers such as Restylane and Radiesse for reducing facial folds.

For smoothing wrinkles, sculpting lips and improving other facial features, Restylane injections are a growing favorite among many Americans. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in December 2003, Restylane can produce positive results on facial wrinkles, particularly around the mouth and nose. Another benefit is its long-lasting results; Restylane treatments can last six months or longer. Injections are done in a qualified doctor’s office and results are immediate.

Radiesse (formerly called Radiance) is a nontoxic, nonallergenic filler that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and skin folds around the mouth and nose, and can fill certain scars. Popular for its long-lasting results, Radiesse benefits are evident for up to two or more years. Like Restylane, it is performed in a doctor’s office with local anesthesia.

New Organic Microdermabrasion with 100 percent pure baking soda crystals.

Microdermabrasion is a skin-freshening technique that helps repair facial skin that has taken a beating from the sun and the effects of aging.

The technique is performed with a device like a fine sandblaster to spray tiny crystals across the face, mixing gentle abrasion with suction to remove the dead, outer layer of skin. Using 100 percent medical-grade baking soda crystals, it can even safely treat the sensitive areas around the eyes and lips. Typically, a series of treatments are needed to reduce or remove fine wrinkles and unwanted pigmentation.

Physician-administered chemical peels.

Chemical peels are clinically proven and effective in reducing skin-aging effects such as fine lines, uneven skin tone and sun damaged skin. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne. Peels are available in varying strengths – alphahydroxy acids (mild), tricholoracetic acid (moderate) and phenol (strongest) – depending on the severity of the problem areas.

Eyelid rejuvenation surgery.

Puffy, baggy or saggy eyelids can make you look much older than your actual age. Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, and gives a rejuvenated appearance to the surrounding area of your eyes, making you look more rested and alert. Upper and lower eyelid surgeries are performed under local anesthesia and sometimes with light sedation in a qualified doctor’s office or surgery center. Downtime after the surgery is minimal.

Risks and benefits of all treatment options are thoroughly reviewed with the patient at the time of their complimentary office consult.

For more information about these procedures and others, join me as I discuss minimally invasive cosmetic procedures at 6 p.m. July 21 at the Bettenhausen Center in Tinley Park. I will also talk about sun-related skin damage and how best to protect your skin during the summer months.

To register for this free program, call Ingalls Care Connection at (800) 221-2199.

THOMAS J. CONTI, M.D. IS A BOARD-CERTIFIED OPHTHALMOLOGIST AND OCULOPLASTIC SURGEON.

By Thomas J. Conti, M.D., July 7, 2010 Source:  http://www.southtownstar.com/lifestyles/2470046,070710toyourhealth.article