Millions of non-surgical cosmetic procedures are performed
annually worldwide.
In
rapidly growing numbers, women are visiting dermatologists, aestheticians
and plastic surgeons for injections of Botox, Restylane, and other soft
tissue fillers, for laser skin treatments, for removal of tattoos, varicose
veins, and unwanted hair.
The top procedures for women are soft tissue fillers,
Botox, and chemical peels, followed by microdermabrasion, treatment
of leg veins, and laser hair removal.
Soft tissue fillers and other injectables
Artecoll, Radiance, Radiesse
Artecoll is a new implant product used to treat
folds and wrinkles of the face, for lip augmentation, acne scars and
other skin disorders. Unlike traditional collagen and fat injections
that last 3-6 months, Artecoll can last up to 5 years. The U.S. Food
and Drug Administration does not currently approve Artecoll, but in
six years’ use in Europe, South America and Canada, it has been
proven safe with less than 0.1% of incidence rates reported. Approval
from the FDA is anticipated soon.
Hyaluronic acid fillers Restylane, Restylane Fine Lines, Perlane, Hylaform,
Hylaform Plus, Juvederm Considered the new future of cosmetic dermal
fillers, Restylane is the most highly purified form of hyaluronic acid
gel on the market. Completely natural, biodegradable, non-animal derived,
it poses no risk of rejection. It lasts longer than Botox. Six months
is standard and a year is not unusual. Restylane has just been approved
by the F.D.A. Restylane Fine Lines addresses those finer lines of the
upper lip. Other products are better for deeper facial contours like
cheeks and chins.
Botox,
Dysport
These injectables can reduce the appearance of certain
wrinkles. It's particularly effective on forehead wrinkles, frown lines
and crow's feet. The substance temporarily paralyzes the muscles that
cause wrinkles and prevents wrinkles from forming. This results in a
fresher, younger looking appearance. Dysport is also a botulinum toxin,
which is not yet approved by the F.D.A. in the U.S, but is very popular
and well liked by doctors.
Fat Injection
Some choose to have fat injections instead of collagen.
Usually done when undergoing liposuction, some of the fat is removed
and treated, then used to fill in facial lines and wrinkles, and to
fill lips. Increasingly, fat is used to enhance feet or hands. Allergic
reaction is not an issue because the fat is harvested from the ’s
own body.
Collagen-based
fillers Zyderm, Zyplast, CosmoDerm, CosmoPlast
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein used in
the aesthetics industry primarily to fill surface wrinkles, lines and
scars and on the face and sometimes the neck, back and chest. It fills
in these lines and creases to restore youthful looks in the patient’s
appearance. These are decreasing in popularity because the newer injectables
cause less, or no, reaction.
Laser and light treatments
Cool, hot, IPL, Erbium, carbon dioxide, pigment,
Alexandrite, Lyla. It seems there's no end in sight to the development
of specialized laser and light tools for the dermatologist and esthetician.
Many treat only one problem. The good news is they're all available
in Subic. If you are scheduled for a treatment back home and don't want
to miss it, or if you want to try one without making a large financial
commitment, you can do it here.
Laser
hair removal
This is a permanent fix for unwanted hair. Most
patients tolerate this straightforward procedure well. But some areas
of the body are more sensitive than others, and topical anesthesia may
be used. Since the laser tends to affect hair follicles that are in
the active growth phase, a series of three or four sessions are generally
required to disable the hair follicles. Depending on the amount of hair
and the size of the area being treated, the sessions can vary from a
few minutes to an hour or more.
Laser resurfacing helps minimize fine lines particularly
around the mouth and eyes. Brief, high intensity emissions of light
remove layers of damaged or wrinkled skin at precisely controlled levels
of penetration. Sometimes laser resurfacing is performed in conjunction
with a facelift. As loose, sagging skin is tightened and firmed by a
facelift, skin texture is improved by laser resurfacing.
The procedure may be performed in a hospital, an
outpatient surgical facility, or surgeon’s office, depending on
its extent. Even patients who remain awake during the procedure report
feeling only minimal discomfort. After the surgery, the pain is mild
to moderate.
Lasers can sometimes be used to remove facial scars,
acne scars, and unwanted hair.
Other skin resurfacing and other treatments:
Chemical peel
This procedure uses a chemical solution to improve
and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer
layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles
and uneven skin pigmentation. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous
skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne.
A medium to deep chemical or laser peel requires
a minimum two weeks stay in a controlled environment, with daily change
of dressings for the first week.
Microdermabrasion
This process helps diminish fine wrinkles, sun damage,
and acne scars. A highly controlled spray of fine chemical crystals
are applied under vacuum pressure to the skin. It can leave your skin
softer, smoother and fresher looking. The process involves far less
pain and recovery time than laser or chemical peels, with no anesthesia
or irritation.
Varicose & spider veins
There are several procedures to have varicose
veins eliminated or removed. These include injection or sclerotherapy,
excision of veins via micro-incisions, 'stripping' of veins; transluminal-powered
phlebectomy (vein removal).