Cosmetic "non-surgery"
by Jennifer Pitzi Hellwig, MS, RD
Years ago, people who wanted to kiss their facial wrinkles goodbye did so surgically, with a facelift, spending thousands of dollars and possibly several weeks recovering while they were at it.
Today, however, people wishing to change their appearance have additional options, which can be done in a physician's office rather than an operating room, with little or no anesthesia.
Here's a rundown of some of the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedures and what they entail.
Note: In some cases, more than one treatment session is required to achieve the desired result. Side effects are generally temporary and the risks and recovery times may vary. Your physician can give you an estimated recovery time that is specific for you. Cosmetic procedures that are not necessitated by a medical condition are generally not covered by insurance.
Removing wrinkles
Chemical peel
Description – a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the wrinkled top layer, so that a healthier layer can take its place. You are awake during the procedure.
Side effects – tingling, burning, swelling, redness, flaking, and increased sensitivity, especially to the sun
Potential risks – infection, scarring, fever blisters, cold sores, sun sensitivity
Recovery time – five to 21 days, depending on the strength of the chemical solution used
Microdermabrasion
Description – microdermabrasion is a form of "controlled surgical scraping," in which the outer layer of the skin is exfoliated with an instrument that blasts tiny aluminum oxide particles against the skin to smooth out lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. You are generally awake during the procedure; the surgeon may apply a local anesthetic to the area being treated.
Side effects – redness, swelling, discomfort in the treated area, itchiness as new skin grows back
Potential risks – swelling, increased skin sensitivity, sun sensitivity
Recovery time – immediate
Botox injection
Description – the Botulinum toxin is injected into facial muscles to temporarily paralyze them, thereby reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. You are awake during the procedure, which is generally painless, although you may feel a slight burning sensation on injection. Effects are temporary and last about four months.
Side effects – redness
Potential risks – allergic reaction, bruising, numbness, swelling, headache
Recovery time – immediate
Zapping spider veins
Spider vein removal (sclerotherapy)
Description – spider veins are cleaned with an antiseptic solution and then injected with a solution called a "sclerosing agent." Approximately one injection is administered for every inch of spider vein, resulting in anywhere from 5-40 injections per treatment session. A cotton ball and compression tape is applied to each area of the leg as it is finished. You are awake during the procedure and may feel a slight burning sensation, but the needle used is so thin and the sclerosing solution is so mild that pain is usually minimal. Results are usually permanent after a few sessions.
Side effects – bruising and redness at injection site, leg cramping
Potential risks – blood clots, severe inflammation, scarring, allergic reaction, pigmentation irregularity
Recovery time – immediate; compression tape removed after 48 hours
Removing unwanted hair
Laser hair removal
Description – a laser beam is directed at the area of unwanted hair. Areas treated include the face, arms, legs, back, and bikini area. You are awake during the procedure and must wear special glasses to shield your eyes from the laser beam. The procedure is virtually painless, although you may feel a very slight stinging or tingling sensation in the area being treated. Hair generally grows back in a few months, but becomes finer with multiple treatments, eventually resulting in permanent hair removal.
Side effects – redness, blistering
Potential risks – skin discoloration, scarring
Recovery time – immediate
Resources:
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Plastic Surgery Information Service
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/
American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
http://www.cosmeticsurgery.org/
American Board of Plastic Surgery
http://www.abplsurg.org/
Last reviewed May 2002 by Medical Review Board
