Minimally Invasive Skin Procedures
Why and how does facial ageing occur?
Facial ageing occurs due to changes and complex interactions within the skin, subcutaneous fat, muscle and bone. With age, there is atrophy of subcutaneous fat and the overlying skin loses support and starts to sag or droop. Sun exposure can damage the skin. Changes in the skin and underlying muscular layer can cause wrinkles to develop and lines of facial expression to be exaggerated.
What are minimally invasive skin procedures?
An understanding of the changes that occur due to age and weather along with the desire for youthful and flawless skin has resulted in the development of numerous minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedures that address problems such as volume loss, sun damage, wrinkles and pronounced facial lines in a safe and cosmetic manner with little down time. Some of these procedures include Botulinum toxin, intradermal fillers and chemical peels.
How does botulinum toxin work?
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin derived from bacteria that is injected in dilute form into the skin to decrease pronounced facial lines and wrinkles. It acts by blocking nerves that contract facial muscles. It usually takes about 2-5 days for the treatment to be fully effective. Occasional side effects from the use of botulinum toxin include pain, edema, bruising, headache and temporary ptosis (drooping eyelids)
What are intradermal fillers?
Intradermal fillers are injected into the skin to treat volume loss due to atrophy of the subcutaneous fat. They restore fullness and smoothness to the face and may also be used to treat acne. There are different types of fillers. Some contain collagen or hyaluronic acid, biodegradable substances found naturally in the body. Others contain permanent materials. A local anesthetic may also be administered to decrease pain from the injection. Fillers are injected into the superficial layers to treat wrinkles and in the deeper layers to treat pronounced facial lines. When combined with botulinum toxin the results are long lasting.
How are chemical peels used?
Chemical peels contain agents that cause skin to exfoliate or peel off so that new skin is formed. The depth of treatment depends on the condition being treated. Superficial peels are used to treat sun damaged skin. Wrinkles and pigment changes may be treated by medium-depth peels. Deep peels treat deeper skin folds but require a slightly longer period of recovery. Risks are rare and include pigmentary changes and scarring.
These minimally invasive procedures may be combined for better, more natural looking results.