When you think of cosmetic surgery, the first things that come to mind might be liposuction, breast implants, and face lifts, just for example. But these invasive surgical procedures, while providing immediate and dramatic results, are not without risk. Unfortunately, we live in a society where physical beauty is revered. And some of us were born with faces that only a mother could love. The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to spend a ton of dough undergoing invasive cosmetic surgery in order to improve your appearance and feel good about yourself. Although you may eventually opt to undergo more permanent and intense surgical procedures such as rhinoplasty, here are a few cosmetic surgery options that may do the trick via non-invasive practices.
Botox. In case you didn’t know, botulinum toxin, more commonly known as Botox, is actually a toxic substance that causes botulism when ingested, leading to a state of paralysis and potentially death. But it has been refined for a number of purposes, most notably of the cosmetic variety. When injected in specific doses, this toxin will temporarily block signals from the nerves to the muscles, reducing the ability of affected muscles to contract and thus “softening” wrinkles. Effects can last as long as 4-6 months and the procedure is a lot less expensive and risky than going under the knife.- Fillers. Even with a reputable doctor and good health on your side, you never know what can happen on the operating table, under anesthesia, or during the recovery process. And because your face is so visible, even minor complications can lead to major problems. It is for this reason that more and more people are turning to fillers as a way to fill in wrinkles and lift sagging skin. It won’t take much more than your average lunch hour to add some collagen, calcium hydroxylapatite, hyaluronic acid, polylactic acid, or other fillers to your face in order to soften wrinkles, fill in hollow areas, and see some lift where sagging has started. Obviously the results won’t be as pronounced as a surgical facelift, but you will look younger and fresher afterward.
- Chemical peels. Over time you may start to notice fine lines, discoloration, and age spots on your face. And many adults still suffer ongoing acne issues, not to mention scarring. A chemical peel can help you to deal with several skin issues at once by systematically peeling away the top layers of skin to reveal a fresh, smooth, perfect surface underneath. The process is technically non-invasive, but it can be painful and require several days or even weeks of recovery time, so be prepared. If you’re not keen on the idea of chemicals, laser resurfacing is an alternative that delivers similar results.
- Laser hair removal. Many adults go through a slew of methods for removing unwanted hair, from plucking and shaving to waxing and using depilatory creams. And over time, these procedures can be expensive, time consuming, and annoying, to say the least. Laser hair removal, however, may offer you the option to permanently get rid of any peach fuzz or thick, dark hair that is plaguing you, and it is generally safe to perform even on sensitive areas like your face, underarms, and bikini line, not to mention the rest of your body. As cosmetic beauty treatments go, this is one that nearly everyone can agree is useful.
- Sclerotherapy. You won’t necessarily find this option at your average cosmetic surgery practice like Beau Visage Center, for example. But if you are embarrassed by unsightly spider veins on various parts of your body, these minimally invasive injections can help you to once again feel comfortable wearing shorts or swimming suits.