For many people, having plastic surgery (going under the knife) on their face for pure cosmetic reasons is out of the question. The cost goes way beyond what some people are able to afford or want to spend, and it’s invasive surgery which can be scary as well as carry some risk. In addition, there may be pain involved and the recovery time can be inconvenient. Yet, the desire to look younger is still there and has lead to several, less invasive possibilities which are explored here.
Currently Botox injections are a very popular way to lessen wrinkles. It’s the purest form of Botulinum toxin type A and when injected freezes the muscle it was injected into. This means the nerve impulses can’t reach the muscles, the area “relaxes” and the lines appear to magically disappear. Botox injections are not cheap and the cost depends on the area injected.
Retin A, or Tretinoin, is more commonly used for acne in teenagers and adults, but it can also help with fine lines and wrinkles. It’s believed that Retin A helps increase blood flow to the skin and that, in turn, increases dead skin cell turnover. The result is more even skin color and fewer fine lines. Many anti-aging topical creams now include small amounts of Retin A.
A chemical skin peel with acids such as alphahydroxy acid does not slow down the aging process, but it can make the skin look better. The peel removes the damaged outer layers of skin revealing the newer skin underneath. There are different peels depending on the deepness of the wrinkles and/or other skin issues.
Collagen is a natural protein found in our bodies, including the skin, where it helps with elasticity. Collagen tends to start breaking down with age, and the skin begins to become saggy and wrinkled. Some women get collagen injections to increase the size of their lips, but it’s more commonly used for facial wrinkles. Human or bovine (cow) fillers are used.
Microdermabrasion is the resurfacing of the skin. It sounds like your face will be a construction zone, doesn’t it? But it’s a non-invasive and gentle removal of the top layer of skin – the dead cells, by blasting very fine crystals at the skin and then vacuuming them up. The end result should be younger-looking skin without any recovery time.
If you choose to have one of these procedures done, make sure you see a qualified practioner for the best experience. As with any treatment, there are risks involved and you should understand these fully before proceeding.
Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on Botox Injections
- Related Blogs on Botulinum Toxin Type