The Pros And Cons For Today’s Popular Skin care Procedures
With age comes wisdom but also lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and diminishing of elasticity in the skin. There are many options available today for aesthetic treatments, but just as you would investigate the benefits of skin maintenance and enhancement, you should make an informed decision(and review the cons) before committing to these popular skin care solutions.
1. Injectables and Fillers
What does it do? This quick non-surgical procedure smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, replenishing collagen and elastin lost by the natural progression of aging.
Pros – Immediate results, this noninvasive cosmetic treatment prevents and reverses the visable signs of aging. “Injectables can offer instant results, which is a major draw for many consumers; many patients don’t want or can’t afford the downtime that comes along with surgery,” says Palm Beach, FL, dermatologist, Layne Nisenbaum, DO discussed with New Beauty.
Cons – Redness, bruising, and swelling to the injection site. The popularity of this procedure in the United States has brought unqualified injectors to cash in on the demand, and the goal for the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safetyis clear: to “eradicate the practice of unqualified persons providing injections, to promote treatment supervised by properly qualified and trained, board-certified doctors and to promote only the use of U.S. FDA-approved, appropriately administered products.”
2. Microdermabrasion
What does it do? Accelerates exfoliation process and helps hyperpigmentation, sun-damaged spots, dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. Using a highly controlled flow of medical grade crystals, Microdemabrasion removes the dead outermost layer of the skin.
Pros – A quick procedure with immediate results, Microdemabrasion stimulates collagen production with the “fast forwarding” of natural exfoliation.
Cons – People with very sensitive skin should steer clear of this treatment as the “buffing” of the top layer of skin may only cause more irritation and inflammation.Infection is a possibility if your practitioner does not properly clean his/her equipment. It is crucial that you find a reputable source for treatment by searching for a board-certified medical practicioner. New Beauty can help you find an expert in your area.
3. Fractional CO2 Skin Resurfacing
What does it do? Targets areas deep in the dermis and stimulates collagen production. “Tiny wounds are made and the surrounding healthy skin helps with healing, making new collagen and elastin,” said Los Angeles dermatologist Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD to New Beauty.
Pros –One-time treatment with optimal results of improving fine lines and discoloration after healing.
Cons – Recovery time often takes longer than surgery. Skin is raw and oozing and eventually begins to form a crust. Redness last 2 – 3 months.
4. Skin Tighteners
What does it do? Constricting skin below the surface, skin tighteners use radio frequency, infrared light, or ultrasound energy to heal the dermis and stimulate new collagen growth.
Pros – Non-invasive. “The nice thing about skin tighteners is that they’re more gentle, they don’t break down the top layer of skin, and usually there’s a low risk of scarring, blistering or pigment changes,” says Montclair, NJ, plastic surgeon Barry DiBernardo, MD.
Cons –The results are usually not permanent and yearly treatment is suggested to maintain the tightness of the skin. Experts recommend skin tighteners for younger women.
With multiple options available for popular skin care solutions, the resounding advice from experts is to do your research to find which procedure is right for you and remember that commissioning work from a reputable, board-certified and licensed practitioner is key.
