More and more people are deciding not to go under the knife when it comes to getting a facelift. The wide variety of medical spa treatments available on the market today means you can enjoy a lunchtime facial rejuvenation that is not only quick, but also relatively painless with virtually no recovery period. So if you fancy some non-surgical lifting, padding, and even a little wrinkle relaxation, without opting for a heavy hospital stay, read on…
1) Mesotherapy for Face and Neck Rejuvenation
If it’s French, it has to be good, right? But yes! This treatment was pioneered some 60 years ago by the extraordinary French Monsieur Michel Pistor. It involves injecting a specially formulated mix of vitamins, minerals, and medications to enhance parts of the face and body, giving them a sleek new contour. It is considered especially effective for sagging neck and face, although it is also used to treat cellulite and other skin conditions.
Pro: Side effects are limited, as the work is localized only to the areas that need work.
Cons: Effects may be only slightly visible, at best.
2) Facial Acupuncture
It is believed that inserting needles into specific points on the face can stimulate the production of collagen, which occurs naturally in our bodies and makes us look younger. But is facial acupuncture really an ancient Chinese secret or just a modern western scam?
Pro: Relatively painless, with virtually no recovery period required
Con: If you have a phobia of needles, this is not the treatment for you.
3) Facial Oxygen
If you want to pay top dollar to have some air sprayed on your face, try an oxygen facial. Actually, it’s not just the Big O that will blow you away: the oxygen “spray” also contains a blend of collagen, vitamins, and minerals that are designed to smooth wrinkles and plump your face. Breath of fresh air or just hot air? It’s up to you.
Pro: It’s super trendy, with big-name stars like Madonna reportedly huge fans.
Con: Skeptics say it doesn’t really work, and any short-term “plumping” effect is really just mild inflammation caused by oxygen acting as an irritant.
4) Radiofrequency Facial Treatment
The idea is simple: special radio waves heat the collagen under the skin of the face, causing it to shrink. When you’re done, your face should look smoother and firmer. It is also reported to help lessen the effects of minor acne, rosacea, and uneven pigmentation.
Pro: Unlike laser treatments that claim to have similar effects (see below), this one is non-invasive.
Con: A marked change will only occur after a series of treatments.
5) Laser skin tightening
An infrared light heats the collagen under the skin of the face, making it tighter. This is accomplished by shooting out quick pulses of light, which can be a bit awkward. Most patients say it feels like a rubber band is repeatedly snapping on the skin (sounds fun, right?). The effects are considerably less dramatic than laser skin resurfacing, but it is also less risky.
Pro: Initial results are immediately visible.
Con: At least two or three treatments several weeks to a month apart are needed for maximum effectiveness.
6) Microdermabrasion
Small crystals of aluminum oxide are sprayed onto the face with a device similar to a sandblaster. The crystals are abrasive and their goal is to peel off the top layer of your skin, leaving a new layer as smooth as a baby’s bottom. These days, you can even do the miracle at home, thanks to special DIY kits. Also called a Parisian Peel, it is considered gentler than a chemical peel (see below).
Pro: Works best on skin that is scarred, sun-damaged, or shows excessive signs of aging.
Disadvantage: Although advertised as being completely painless, it can cause some irritation and discomfort and in some cases can lead to a nasty rash.
7) Chemical peel
If throwing acid in your face sounds like fun, try this! Seriously, a chemical peel is a lot like microdermabrasion in that its goal is to revamp the way your face looks and feels by shedding the damaged top layer of your skin to reveal the smoother second layer. This is accomplished through the use of a chemical mix of phenol and special acids designed to enhance its appearance.
Pro: In some cases, chemical peels have been successful in clearing acne and precancerous growths, as well as reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines associated with aging.
Disadvantage: Some people have bad reactions to certain acids, such as alpha hydroxy acid, which is used in a chemical peel, and may experience redness, a tight feeling, and a sharp stinging sensation. Remember when Samantha from Sex and the City had a lunchtime scrub gone wrong? Oh!
8) Botox
It sounds too good to be true: Scientists have discovered that a poison produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria can paralyze facial muscles, eliminating visible wrinkles for the duration. Small amounts injected into certain parts of the body will block nerve impulses to these muscles, such as those under the eyes and on the forehead, thus effectively erasing crow’s feet and frown lines, temporarily. Larger amounts, when ingested, can cause food poisoning. Isn’t science wonderful?
Pro: A 15-minute treatment can work for months, with immediate results.
Con: Too much Botox can freeze you: if you still want to show some expression, do it calmly, otherwise people won’t know if you’re smiling or about to throw up.
9) Filler injections
They are certainly cheaper and less invasive than going under the knife, and dermal filler injections like Perlane or Restylane are largely successful in making people look significantly younger. Made from hyaluronic acid derived from non-animal sources, Perlane is better suited for deeper wrinkles than its sibling Restylane. Both injectable gels are manufactured by the same Swedish firm and are suitable for people with allergies to animals or eggs.
Pro: Since a topical anesthetic is administered beforehand, the injections are relatively painless.
Con: Courses of injections are not cheap and regular supplementation is needed for best effect.
Looking younger has never been so easy. But while there are plenty of medical spas out there these days, it’s always a good idea to visit a reputable one and shop around before taking the plunge. You may also want to have a doctor perform your treatment rather than a technician to reduce the risk of something going wrong. Do your research carefully and don’t go for the latest fad unless you have well-documented medical evidence to back it up. Remember, you get what you pay for!
The information in the article is not intended to be a substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.