Every year, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons releases the number of procedures performed by their surgeon members. In 2013, four surgical and non-surgical facial cosmetic procedures saw large increases from 2012. Check out the trending cosmetic procedures below.
Botox Cosmetic Uses
While Botox Cosmetic may be related to botulism, it’s a safe, very effective technique in easing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles and creases on the face.
The medicine in this injectable temporarily blocks the nerve impulses that cause muscle contractions. As the muscle relaxes, the skin also relaxes and smoothes out.
As a result, creases between the eyebrows, crow’s feet, forehead lines, and neck bands become less noticeable. The effects of Botox Cosmetic last approximately four months. At this point, you return to your facial plastic surgeon for touch-up injections or return to having noticeable lines and creases.
Dermal Fillers for your Eyes
Dermal fillers are injected into the tissue below the skin to fill in facial folds and hollowed areas. Not only does this ease some of the depressions that make you look older or worn out, but it also smoothes the skin and eases visible wrinkles and creases. Some injectable fillers also boost volume in the lips or on the chin and cheeks.
Hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm and Restylane) are made from a component found naturally within your tissue. It helps smooth lines and wrinkles. Many patients also opt to have Restylane or Juvederm to make the lips appear more shapely and plumper. Juvederm often needs touch-ups after six months, while Restylane can last up to a year.
The calcium hydroxylapatite filler Radiesse is also used for creases and wrinkles. It’s also an effective tool in lifting and reducing the appearance of scars. Its lifespan is between one and two years.
Sculptra is a popular choice for filling in hollows on the cheeks and sunken tear troughs below the eyes. This poly-L-lactic acid filler usually needs touch-up injections approximately two years after the initial injections.
Eyelid Surgery Procedure
Blepharoplasty is the formal term for eyelid surgery. Patients can have surgery performed on just the upper or lower eyelids, or on both. This surgery tightens skin and removes excess fat on the upper and lower eyelids. This alleviates a drooping upper eyelid and removes bags that form under the eyes.
Following blepharoplasty, you need about a week to recover. It is highly unlikely that people will see any scars. The incision on the upper eyelid is made within the natural crease. The lower eyelid surgery is made inside the eyelid.
Facelift Process
A facelift addresses sagging skin, weakened muscles, and excess fat on the lower cheeks, jawline, and neck. If you have jowls or the appearance of a turkey waddle on your neck, a facelift can help. The surgery isn’t as difficult as some imagine.
Incisions are made in the hairline on the temples, travel around the front of the ear, and returns into the hairline behind the earlobe. Fat is removed, if necessary, and muscles are tightened. Excess skin is removed before the incisions are closed.
Following a facelift, expect bruising and swelling. You can use pain relievers for a few days to lessen the discomfort that comes with the swelling. After a week, the stitches are removed, and then you need one more week of rest before returning to work.
Dr. Michael Schwartz became a board certified facial plastic surgeon in 1996. He has years of expertise in both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic surgeries in Florida. Check out Dr. Schwartz’s cosmetic procedure specials before you call to schedule an appointment for these and other procedures. You can reach the Palm Beach facial plastic surgeon at 561-228-5888.