Our faces – namely our skin conditions – hold one of the few keys to maintaining a youthful look. Alas, achieving a fresh, younger looking face, sans the frown lines, wrinkles and age spots, not to mention the unforgiving reminder of adolescent days that is acne scarring, is not as simple as shoring up the diet or applying the optimal amount of sunscreen. Everyday stressors, including the job environment, family life and relationships each take a heavy, consistent toll on the way we show out to the world, making it difficult to correct years of skin abuse. Although it may be appealing to relocate to a quiet beach town where concerns are few and stress is nearly nonexistent,rejuvenation of the skin on and around the face takes some work.
While some go to the extreme of cosmetic surgery and toxic injections to help recreate youthfulness in the skin, most have growing concerns over the risk taken versus the reward or results achieved. Common risks – and the subsequent costly claims – associated with plastic surgeries like face lifts (rhytidectomies) include unnecessary and hard-to-repair facial scarring, infections at the treatment area, and irreversible or long-lasting damage to the nerves. Additionally, invasive cosmetic procedures may not produce the results you want in a single surgery, leading to excessive costs and unavoidable recovery time. With those inherent hazards, it is no wonder why individuals unsatisfied with the aging of their skin have sought out alternatives.
Fortunately, advances in technology are proving beneficial in helping men and women alike steer far clear of the knife or needle.Cosmetic devices built with the ingenuity of technology are coming available steadily, making the opportunity to find an agreeable alternative simpler for the masses. Tech-based cosmetic procedures that do not require cutting or anesthesia are often safer than traditional surgical, invasive procedures, and in some cases, offer results that leave us with only memories of an older facial front without the damaging side effects or extensive bill. There is no need to slice away imperfections when non-invasive facial treatments are readily available to assist in repairing a myriad of skin conditions. Let’s dive into the six most popular tech devices that can help us achieve a more youthful look, without the need for invasive surgery.
Laser Treatments
Facial rejuvenation through laser treatment may sound like something straight out of a sci-fi flick, but technology has made it a reality. Cosmetic procedures with the help of lasers works to correct conditions of the skin associated with aging, like sun or dark spots, acne scarring, and even the reduction in visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. Laser treatments come in a variety of forms, from ablative (strategic damaging) to non-ablative (gentle resurfacing) to assist patients with a wide variety of rejuvenation needs. For instance, Fraxel resurfacing is an ablative procedure that utilizes laser technology to damage the top layer of the skin, ultimately encouraging the body’s natural healing process. As new skin cells are formed, collagen production increases which leaves you with a freshened, youthful glow. Ablative laser treatments are often done in one to two sessions, while non-ablative procedures may be performed repeatedly over time for the best results.
Microcurrency
No, we aren’t talking about miniature money with this tech-based solution. Microcurrency offers a facial rejuvenation treatment that harnesses the power of electrical stimulation. Through careful application, microcurrency treatment works to penetrate deep into the dermis, promoting both collagen and elastin production which in turn create a more toned, firmed treatment area. The gentle stimulation provided by microcurrency treatments reduces signs of aging by tightening pores that can cause fine lines and wrinkles. The procedure itself is painless and extremely safe, and offers a non-invasive alternative to drastic cosmetic surgery with little to no down time.
Heat Treatments
Advancements in the use of heat technology have been warmly embraced (no pun intended) within the anti-aging world. Radiofrequency treatment options, which effectively send safe, targeted heat into the deep dermis, are known to tighten the loose skin on and around the face while also promoting collagen production over time. Similarly, ultrasound therapy, more commonly referred to as Ultherapy, is used in a similar manner for lifting sagging skin around the eyelids, neck, brow line and jaw. Heat treatments are targeted only to the specific tissue areas needing a boost, without damaging the surrounding skin of the face. As radiofrequency therapy and ultrasound therapy do not require substantial recovery and are non-invasive in nature, these heat treatments make for sound alternatives to a conventional face lift.
Microneedling
Tech devices in the microneedling category have gained popularity in recent years because of their proven results in achieving facial rejuvenation. Microneedling devices, also known as microneedling pens or microneedling stamps, are armed with a number of fine-tip needles. As the pen or stamp is rolled across or applied to the skin, the small needles work to puncture the treatment area in a strategic, targeted way. The tiny needle pricks cause controlled damage that subsequently promotes the body’s healing process naturally over time. Collagen production is stimulated through the microneedling process as well, helping to reduce visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, and for some, light scarring and age spots.
Light Treatment
Another surgery alternative for help in obtaining a youthful face is light treatment, most often done with the help of light emitting diode (LED). The skin’s cells are reached through intense light application which causes, you guessed it, production of collagen and elastin beneath the skin. Pesky fine lines and wrinkles, trauma or acne scarring, age or dark sun spots, and enlarged pores can all be treated effectively through the use of light procedures. Similar to non-ablative laser treatments, light treatments for facial rejuvenation do not require any recovery time, and may be repeated over time for enhanced results.
Acupuncture
Treatment through acupuncture may not seem clearly rooted in technology, but a new found adoration of the centuries-old technique lands it safely on our list of non-surgical options. Acupuncture needs are most often used in treatment of issues not related to cosmetic intervention, but more patients are turning to this alternative because of its proven benefits. Facial rejuvenation is achieved as needles are placed into sagging, loose skin to effectively correct muscle weakness below the treatment area. Cosmetic acupuncture may also be used to soften dark skin spots as the treatment works in a similar fashion to microneedling, causing minuscule injuries to which the body responds with healing.
Invasive cosmetic procedures do not have to be the go-to for experiencing a fresh, younger looking face, nor does abruptly leaving your stress-filled job for respite on a sandy beach. The advancement of technology-based treatments has made it possible for men and women to achieve that coveted youthful glow without needing to go under the knife or heavy anesthesia. When at home remedies like regular cleansing, moisturizing, diet and exercise, or sun exposure protection fail to do the trick, there is a safe, non-invasive answer out there for just about every skin condition. Treatments that utilize the power of lasers, heat and light work to resurface the outer layers of the skin, leaving your face smooth, bright and free from uneven tone. Alternatively, microneedling, microcurrency and acupuncture allow for controlled, small injuries on the treatment area that ultimately lead to natural healing without drastic side effects. Regardless of the treatment you think sounds like the most appropriate fit, a medical professional trained in non-invasive procedures can easily direct you to the course of treatment most suitable for your facial rejuvenation needs.
