We all want to look our best as the years go by. While no one can cheat time, we can slow the visible signs of aging. Some options can even reverse many signs of aging including sagging skin, wrinkles, discoloration, dullness, and loss of facial contouring.
In the past, the only options to achieve youthful-looking skin were invasive surgery or diluted over-the-counter remedies. But with the aesthetic advancements of recent years, people now have the option to choose minimally invasive medical spa procedures that provide visible results with little to no downtime. A medical spa can deliver a strikingly younger – yet naturally beautiful – look that is exponentially more effective than creams and lotions from the drug store while being exponentially less expensive (and less recovery-intensive) than surgical options.
Some of the most effective anti-aging medical spa treatments include:
1. The thread lift
2. Botox & Dysport
3. Injectable fillers
4. Laser facials and IPL
5. RF Microneedling
6. Sculptra
7. Kybella
8. Chemical Peels
Med Spa Procedures for Youthful Beauty
With so many effective procedures available to those seeking youthful beauty, it’s helpful to understand the different options and their respective results. While some seek just one treatment that targets a specific aging-related concern, many opt to combine procedures for overall fresh-faced rejuvenation. For a personalized anti-aging plan, schedule a complimentary conversation with a friendly medical technician today.
Thread lift/Face threads
Results - Tightens and lifts skin, smoothing wrinkles and restoring elasticity
Face threads are used in a minimally-invasive procedure utilizing medical sutures. The strategically-placed dissolvable threads lift and tighten the skin on your face. As the threads dissolve over time, they stimulate collagen and elastin production, further enhancing the youthful effects.
There are two very different types of thread procedures:
1) Face Lifting threads that are barbed or coned: This type of thread procedure is most involved. It uses a sterile procedure technique and places 5 inch to 7 inch long robust threads under your skin that catch onto the tissue and are literally pulled in the direction of wanted lift and then anchored there. This is used to achieve the effect of pulling up the skin tissue to improve jawline, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, lifted cheeks, neck and so on. The costs are about $1500-$3000 depending on how many threads and areas are treated.
2) PDO, Polydioxanone, smooth tiny threads: These are tiny individual threads about an inch long that are placed in a pattern under the skin to build structure and firm overall skin appearance. Pricing is done per thread each which is about $15-20/thread. You typically may need about 20 threads per treatment so this may amount to about $300 - $400 each session and you need about 3 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart.
Face threads can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin.
To minimize bruising following a thread lift, it is best to avoid alcohol, blood-thinning medications (Tylenol, Advil. etc.), and smoking cigarettes for several days before the treatment (if medically possible). Following the treatment, continue avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, and blood-thinning medications, and keep your head raised above your shoulders until bedtime. It is also best to postpone showers, baths, or workouts until 24 hours after threads are placed.
Botox & Dysport
Results - Targets muscles that cause lines, smoothing wrinkles
Botox and Dysport are both injectable treatments that can help smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. Botox is a cosmetic treatment that is injected into the muscles in order to temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It works by blocking the signals from the nerves to the muscles, which causes the muscles to relax. Dysport is very similar to Botox, but is a different brand and may have a more spread-out effect. Both treatments last for about 3 months. Both Botox and Dysport are most commonly used on crow's feet (wrinkles around the eyes), forehead wrinkles, and frown lines.
Preparing for your Botox or Dysport treatment is relatively simple. Just be sure to avoid alcohol and blood thinners (such as aspirin) for at least 24 hours before your treatment (if medically advisable). You should also avoid lying down for four hours after the injection. Other than that, there is no special preparation required!
Injectable fillers (Juvederm & Restylane)
Results - Volumizes and plumps skin to enhance features or smooth wrinkles
Injectable fillers are gel-like substances that are injected into the skin to add volume and plumpness. Juvederm and Restylane are two of the most popular types of injectable fillers. They can both help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Fillers can also add youthful plumpness to lips and cheeks.
Like Botox and Dysport, injectable fillers require little preparation. Simply avoid alcohol and blood thinners (such as aspirin) for at least 24 hours before your treatment (if medically possible). Similarly, avoid laying down for at least 4 hours after your injections.
Laser facials (Laser Genesis & IPL)
Results - Targets specific skin layers and pigments to reduce sun damage, wrinkles, and enlarged pores
Laser facials use light energy to improve the appearance of sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores. Laser Genesis uses a single wavelength of light energy, while IPL (intense pulsed light) uses multiple wavelengths.
Be sure to protect your skin from sun damage, both before and after your treatment. You’ll also want to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and other blood-thinning substances (if medically possible). 24 hours after your treatment, it will be important to moisturize your skin well. You may want to refrain from wearing makeup for several days too.
RF Microneedling
Results - Stimulates collagen production to smooth wrinkles and scarring with restoring elasticity and tightening the skin
RF microneedling is a type of treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production in the skin. This can help improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, scarring, and loose skin. RF microneedling offers natural-looking, yet impressive rejuvenation results for a variety of imperfections.
Like laser treatments, RF microneedling requires minimal – yet important – pre and post-care. Avoid unprotected sun exposure and avoid alcohol and other blood thinners both before and after your sessions (if medically possible). Of course, hydration via water and moisturizer will be essential.
RF Microneedling treatments are great for smoothing and improving the overall skin area to include minimizing pore sizes and reducing damaged areas.
Sculptra
Results - Stimulates collagen production to smooth wrinkles and scarring with resorting elasticity
Sculptra is an injectable treatment that helps replenish lost collagen in the skin. Collagen is a protein that gives the skin its structure and strength. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin. Sculptra can help improve the appearance of these signs of aging.
Sculptra falls into the injectable category. That’s why preparation and care instructions mirror those of the injectables outlined above. Avoid alcohol, blood thinners, and cigarettes before and after your treatments. To minimize bruising, you may also want to delay workout plans, showers, and baths for 24 hours and keep your head raised above your shoulders until it’s time to go to bed.
Kybella
Results - Targets deposits of fat cells in and around the face, especially effective on a sagging under chin area or jawline pouches
Kybella is an injectable treatment that helps break down fat cells in the face. This can help improve the appearance of a double chin or “turkey neck” as well as other problem areas such as love handles or muffin tops.
Discontinue the use of alcohol and other blood-thinning substances (if medically possible) to avoid bruising. Some experts suggest avoiding eating garlic for a week before your injections. After your treatment, apply a cold pack to the injection area to reduce swelling, and do not lie down for at least four hours.
Chemical Peels (JMSR)
Results - Removes the top layers of dead skin over about a week's time, minimizing sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, and acne scars
Chemical peels are another method to mechanically resurface your skin. They use an acid solution to remove the top layers of dead skin cells from the face. This can help improve the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. JMSR is a type of chemical peel that uses glycolic acid and lactic acid to exfoliate the skin.
Avoid exfoliating the skin you will have treated for a least a week before your chemical peel and try to skip the makeup for 48 hours prior to the treatment so that skin is as clean as possible. You’ll want to keep the makeup on the shelf following your peel too. And do not expose your skin to the sun until it is completely healed.
Final Thoughts on How to Look Younger
When it comes to looking younger, medical spa services are more affordable than ever and offer the highest quality results without the need for extensive recovery time. Taking good care of your skin can enhance your results and ensure they last as long as possible. Always protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, consume plenty of nutrient-rich foods (like dark leafy greens and a variety of fruits and seeds), get your beauty rest, stay hydrated, and moisturize your skin daily.
If you’re considering aesthetic treatment options but are unsure of which one is right for you, schedule a consultation with an experienced provider who can help you choose the best course of treatment for your individual needs and goals.
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