A Comprehensive Guide to Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatments
Are you considering undergoing cosmetic treatments? Here’s a comprehensive guide to the various non-invasive cosmetic treatments you can go for.
Every year, more and more people are undergoing elective cosmetic procedures. However, the vast majority are opting out of going under the knife. Instead, they’re making subtle improvements to their looks via non-invasive cosmetic treatments.
In fact, of the 17.7 million cosmetic procedures performed in 2018 alone, almost 16 million of them were minimally invasive. That means an overwhelming 90% of beauty procedures are done without major surgery!
If you’ve been considering cosmetic treatments but need more information before you take the leap, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled this guide, containing everything you need to know about non-invasive procedures so that you can be well-informed as you make your way through the decision making process.
Let’s get started!
Benefits of Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatments
vs. Surgical Procedures
At this point, you’ve probably thought, if non-invasive treatment is so popular, it must provide benefits that you can’t get from surgery. And you’re right! The following are just a few of the benefits offered by non-invasive beauty procedures:
1. Minimal Pain
One of the major drawbacks of surgery is the pain associated with the procedures. With non-invasive treatment, this isn’t an issue!
Although there are certain procedures, such as deep chemical peels, that require anesthesia, most are either pain-free or only require a topical numbing cream to eliminate any mild discomfort.
2. No Time Commitment
Surgery can last hours and forces you to plan well in advance because of this and the in-patient recovery period afterward. Well, when you get a minimally invasive procedure, you can be in and out of the clinic in as little as an hour!
Even better, once you’re done with the treatment, there’s little to no recovery period. With many procedures, you can get right back to your day to day activities when you’re finished.
3. More Natural Results
We’ve all heard horror stories about plastic surgery gone bad. There are entire reality show series made about this very thing!
Because non-invasive treatments are far less drastic and more gentle than surgery, you’ll enjoy more natural-looking results. The only downside is that, because of the mild nature of these procedures, you may need more than one session to achieve your desired results.
That being said, it’s always better to work slowly when making changes to your face or body. Once you go too far with plastic surgery, it’s hard to reverse the effects.
4. Virtually Endless Options
You may think you have fewer options when you go the non-invasive route, but you’re wrong! There’s a wide range of procedures to choose from. And in many cases, multiple options for addressing each issue.
From reducing fine lines to softening deep wrinkles to giving the face a more chiseled appearance, there are many issues that can be solved with minimally invasive cosmetic treatments. Instead of reconstruction, these treatments are designed to tighten, brighten, and renew.
Now, let’s get into your options!
3 Types of Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatments
As mentioned above, there are a number of options to consider that can produce whatever results you’re hoping to see.
With these procedures, it’s important to keep two things in mind. First, some will require more than one treatment to begin with. And second, some will need maintenance treatments in the future.
Don’t worry, we’ll detail all of this for each treatment. There are three general categories when it comes to types of treatments: face and body, skin, and hair. And each category has a variety of options beneath it.
Face and Body Treatments
Proper diet and exercise are essential to a healthy lifestyle, but will only take you so far in terms of cellulite and any problem areas you might have. While liposuction can be effective, it can also be a bit extreme. Whether you want to tighten your thighs or reduce your double chin, there are non-invasive treatments that can help!
1. CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is a procedure growing in popularity as a liposuction alternative. It’s used to target pockets of fat, whether that be in your hips or your chin, and destroy them through freezing.
Depending on the number of areas you want to target, you may require multiple sessions. However, with each 1-3 hour session, you’ll be fully recovered in just a week.
The only caveat is that it takes a few weeks to produce visible results. This is because after the fat cells are frozen, your body expels them naturally, which takes time.
2. Laser Skin Tightening
Unlike the cold used by CoolSculpting, laser skin tightening uses heat! As we age, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin, which are proteins that promote firm, plump skin. Laser skin tightening stimulates the production of these proteins, gently improving texture and tone in the process.
This procedure can be done almost anywhere on the body and is virtually painless! If you’re sensitive to heat, you might feel slight discomfort, but it’s comparable to that of a hot stone massage. It’s also very important to choose A-List approved Medical Spa to conduct the procedure. Experts recommend choosing Sevana Petrosian’s A-List approved Medical Spa – SEV Laser, which it is performed by registered nurses. It offers Laser Skin Tightening in more than 20 locations. Check out SEV Laser Austin location, or choose the nearest one for you.
Although multiple sessions are recommended for optimal results, laser skin tightening only takes about an hour and you can expect to be healed within two to three weeks.
3. Deoxycholic Acid Injection
This treatment is similar to CoolSculpting in that it uses freezing to break down fat cells. However, CoolSculpting involves the use of a suction-based applicator rather than injections.
Deoxycholic Acid, or Kybella, is injected into the skin using a small needle. There are usually about 20 injections per session, which take half an hour each. On average, those who receive Kybella treatments undergo four sessions.
Kybella can cause bruising and swelling that lasts around two weeks following treatment.
4. Microneedling
Like laser skin tightening, microneedling is done to generate collagen and skin tissue in order to smooth and tone the skin. Though microneedling can be done on areas of the body such as the thighs and abdomen, it’s typically used on the face.
During this procedure, a pen-like tool is used to make break the skin across the desired area. The needles used are so small that you likely won’t notice any appearance of pinpricks. It takes about half an hour and can cause redness for a few days afterward.
With microneedling, you’ll need to give your skin time to rejuvenate itself. You should see results in a week or two post-treatment.
Skin Treatments
As we age, our skin naturally loses fullness and begins to wrinkle and sag. Then there are the blemishes caused by acne and sun damage. Not to worry, many of these issues can be reduced or reversed through cosmetic treatments.
1. Spider Vein Treatment
Using light energy, spider vein treatment destroys unsightly cells and veins without damaging skin. The energy emitted by the laser is absorbed by the blood cells in your damaged veins, which then shrink and eventually dissolve.
The procedure itself only takes about half an hour. You might experience redness and a stinging sensation after treatment, but it should subside within 4 to 8 hours.
If your spider veins are small, you could see results immediately. However, with larger spider veins or varicose veins, you’ll need to give it a month or two before expecting to see a change in your skin.
2. Botox (Neurotoxin Injection)
Botox is the brand name for a neurotoxin called botulinum. This toxin freezes muscles, resulting in the reduction of lines and wrinkles. The results are temporary but can be achieved in one session and last between three and four months.
Botox treatment takes a few short minutes, after which you’ll see the full results in a week or so. Avoid rubbing the injection site or sweating for at least a few hours after treatment. You can also expect slight bruising following the procedure.
3. Dermal Fillers
Getting dermal fillers involves injections of hyaluronic acid or collagen to create smooth, plump skin. Depending on the injection site and the type of injection, dermal fillers can last anywhere from a couple of months to two years.
Treatment includes the application of a topical numbing cream or lidocaine injection, then the filler injections. It takes a few minutes per area, and the results are visible immediately after injection.
Recovery time and side effects are minimal, but it’s recommended that you avoid strenuous physical activity for a day or two to reduce possible swelling and bruising.
4. Chemical Peel
Chemical peels can be used as an alternative to regular anti-aging facial treatments. These peels remove any dead skin cells from the face, leaving behind smooth, blemish-free skin. By removing the top layer of skin cells, you can also reduce the appearance of scars and aging.
A chemical peel takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete and you’ll be able to see results in a week or so after treatment. You may experience a burning sensation after your peel, but it should only last a few minutes.
Hair Treatments
Wouldn’t it be nice if body hair would stay where we want it to and not grow in places we don’t want it? Both unwanted hair loss and growth are a normal part of life, but can be eliminated through cosmetic procedures!
The following are non-invasive treatments targeting hair:
1. Microblading
Chiseled eyebrows are a sign of beauty, but filling them in every day can be incredibly time-consuming. Rather than filling in your brows with a pencil, consider microblading! Microblading is a form of cosmetic tattoo, during which tiny needles are used to mimic the appearance of hair strokes.
The treatment will need to be touched up about every three years, but only takes a couple of hours to complete. After treatment, it takes a week or two for the pigment to settle and the skin to heal.
2. Brow Lamination
If a cosmetic tattoo doesn’t sound appealing, brow lamination offers a totally non-invasive alternative to microblading. Instead of needles, a setting lotion is applied to the brows before brushing them forward.
There are no side effects or pain associated, and the results last up to six weeks. Because of the harsh chemicals used, however, it’s not recommended for those with eczema or other skin conditions.
3. Laser Hair Removal
Like filling in your brows, shaving or waxing unwanted hair is tedious and can become quite expensive when you account for the cost of razors, wax, strips, creams, etc.
Because laser hair removal is relatively affordable and the results can last years, it might be time to throw away your other products! During laser hair removal, hair follicles are hit with pulses of energy that inhibit hair growth while removing existing hair.
Each session takes around an hour and involves little pain. For the best results, expect to need 6 to 8 sessions, which can be done every 4 to 8 weeks.
4. Scalp Micropigmentation
If you suffer from hair loss, scalp micropigmentation is a great option. This procedure creates the illusion of fuller hair by recreating the look of natural hair follicles with a hair tattoo.
SMP requires 2-4 sessions, depending on the extent of hair loss, and each session takes about 2-4 hours. You can receive treatments every 10 days until you reach your desired results, after which you will need about a week to heal.
Consider Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatments to Boost Your Confidence
As long as you make your decision carefully, there’s nothing wrong with having cosmetic treatments to improve your appearance. At the end of the day, it’s your face and your body – do what you feel is right!
A strong sense of confidence can translate into a variety of benefits both the mental and physical aspects of your life. If a bit of filler or botox will give that to you, go for it!
To learn more ways to boost your confidence by improving your appearance, be sure to take a look at our blog!