People who want to erase signs of age but are afraid to undergo surgery often resort to another solution - non surgical face lifts. This technology is becoming more and more popular because of its reduced risks.
What is a non-surgical face-lift?
Non-surgical face-lifts rely on computer aided cosmetology instrument (CACI) treatment. CACI is a machine that makes use of low-frequency 'micro currents' to boost facial muscles, and therefore intensify the regeneration ability of skin cells.
Non-surgical face-lifts are sometimes referred to as 'photo rejuvenation.' The procedure is said to significantly boost the skin's production of collagen and also helps in facial blood circulation, so that facial cells are renewed.
The best thing about non surgical facelifts, according to industry practitioners, is that it is safe and noninvasive, and in fact, almost 'natural.' The tissues are stimulated, so that they can naturally heal themselves, lessen melanin production, and create a younger looking effect. Acne scares and redness are effectively minimized when a patient regularly goes back for non surgical face lift procedures.
How long does it take?
A non-surgical face-lift takes about as long as an intensive facial. Expect to spend about two to three hours in the clinic. There is almost no downtime after the treatment, unless your skin is very sensitive (in which case your face may be red for a day or so).
How much will it cost me?
The price of non-surgical face-lifts varies depending on the extent of the treatment. Clinics typically offer packages. An intensive treatment can set you back about $1,500 to about $2,000. Remember that most insurance companies do not cover aesthetic procedures like this, which means you will have to pay from your own pocket.
If you are looking for a way to provide a smooth retexturing for your face, there are many treatments to select from at your local day spa, as they often now employ the services of dermatologists and plastic surgeons as well as those of estheticians.
There are a wide variety of options that you can try in order to reduce facial surface irregularities and blemishes. The day spa menu may now include facials, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion as well as Fraxel and Thermage treatments.
The Fraxel treatment is a non-surgical procedure which uses a laser system to achieve results. A laser is a high beam of light that is delivered intermittently in order to rejuvenate the skin. It produces microthermal zones which in turn stimulate the production of collagen.
Collagen is a protein building block in the body which is present internally and externally in cells. It is sometimes referred to as the glue holding various parts together. One of its extremely important traits is elasticity, something desired in skin rejuvenation.
The Fraxel method is used to fade scars, wrinkles, reduce pore size, and to eliminate discoloration and age spots. The treatments take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on the area to be covered.
Usually three to six procedures are recommended in order to obtain the optimum effect. Each application should have a space of four to six weeks between them. Improvement in irregular color could be noticeable immediately but the reductions of wrinkles and scarring usually take several weeks and up to a few months before the effect has been fully achieved.
Sometimes it is recommended that other treatments are combined with this intermittent light treatment in order to achieve the best result. For example, Botox can relax more defined wrinkles and fillers such as Restylane can be injected in order to plump up creased indentations.
Thermage treatment is also a non-surgical method to resurface one's skin. Radio frequency waves are used instead of light in order to achieve the results. Like Fraxel, this is done in order to stimulate and increase the production of collagen. The radio waves are delivered via a hand held tool which heats deep layers of the skin's tissue, which encourages tightening as it heals. The top layer is sprayed with a cooling substance and to keep it protected.
With Thermage, only one treatment is needed to see results and the recovery time is shorter. This procedure has a similar application time factor and may also take just a few minutes and up to an hour to perform. Its results may take up to several months to be visible.
Both treatments have side effects of swelling and reddening of the skin. It is highly recommended that you protect yourself from sun exposure before and after both types of procedures in order to have optimum healing, as well as healthier skin.