Looking Younger Without Having Plastic Surgery

By Martin Fox, M.D.

Options to erase the signs of aging to delay or avoid invasive surgery are becoming increasingly popular. According to statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, consumer demand jumped 41 percent in 2003 for minimally invasive plastic surgery, exceeding more than 6.9 million procedures.

Leading the jump in demand were Botox injections, up 157 percent from 2002 to 2003, and collagen injections, up 30 percent. With injectables like Restylane, which received media with its late-2003 FDA approval, as well as strong marketing from the Botox manufacturer, the general public became more aware of these alternatives. Ultimately, the concept of cosmetic injectables has become more mainstream and accepted.

The overall top-five procedures were:

• Botox injections - 2,891,390
• Chemical peel - 995,238
• Microdermabrasion - 935,984
• Laser hair removal - 623,297
• Collagen injections - 576,255

Eighty six percent of those who had minimally invasive cosmetic surgery procedures were women, while 14 percent were men. Botox injections were the most popular minimally invasive procedure with both genders.

The 35-50 age group made up 46 percent of all minimally invasive procedures in 2003. The 51-64 age group made up 26 percent of the population receiving these procedures, while patients 19-34 made up 19 percent of the minimally invasive procedures. Botox was the most popular treatment among all three age groups.

Who should perform these non-surgical procedures? It may seem paradoxical, but the most qualified expert is probably a plastic surgeon. A physician who is properly trained, routinely performs cosmetic procedures, and is prepared to offer the full spectrum of surgical as well as non-surgical treatments can fully evaluate the patients and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Let's review the most commonly available non-surgical procedures:

BOTOX

Botox is a natural, purified protein produced by a bacterium. Very low doses are injected directly into muscles that cause wrinkles to form. Botox works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles. The effects are confined to the injected muscles. It is commonly used for frown lines between the eyes, crow's feet and forehead wrinkles. The results are apparent within days and usually last three to six months.

DERMAL FILLERS

Several injectables, such as Restylane, Collagen and Radiesse, which are referred to as fillers, restore volume and fullness to the skin to correct facial wrinkles and folds. They can also be used for lip augmentation.

• RESTYLANE is a filler made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. Restylane is a crystal-clear gel, which is biodegradable. It is virtually risk free of any allergic reaction or disease transmission. The average treatment result lasts approximately six months.
• COLLAGEN is a natural substance that replaces the collagen your skin loses over time. Derived from bovine (cow) collagen, it is placed beneath the skin to restore the volume and smooth out wrinkles. The results usually last approximately six months and since it is derived from cows, an allergic response is possible; therefore an allergy test is necessary.
• COSMOPLAST & COSMODERM are human-derived forms of collagen and do not require an allergy test. The collagen allergy test requires at least a 30-day wait. Cosmoplast, like Restylane, can be used immediately.
• RADIESSE has the distinct advantage of providing results that lasts three to five years as opposed to six months. It is best used beneath the skin for the deep folds such as the nasolabial folds and for lip augmentation.

THERMALIFT

Thermalift or Thermage is a non-surgical skin-tightening procedure that utilizes radiofrequency energy transmitted to the skin through a specialized computerized tip. This can be used to tighten skin on the face, neck, abdomen, arms and other areas of the body. It also improves the appearance of stretch marks and in some cases has been shown to improve active acne. With this procedure, there is no cutting, bleeding or down time. Patients can return to normal activities immediately following the procedure.

MICRODERMABRASION

Microdermabrasion is a procedure performed with a special device that smoothes the skin and improves the skin texture. It can be used to improve or eliminate skin irregularities resulting from acne, sun damage and scars. It is painless and there is no down time.

CHEMICAL PEELS

There are a variety of chemical peels, which use liquid solutions placed on the skin. They can be used to correct blotchiness, wrinkles and can improve the appearance of scars. Some peels are especially useful for producing an even, uniform quality to the skin.

SKIN-CARE PRODUCTS

There are a variety of prescription skin-care products available through the doctor's office to improve the skin quality and maintain a youthful appearance. They are usually less expensive and more effective than over-the-counter skin care products where a large portion of the expense is a result of marketing and packaging.

A significant number of non-surgical cosmetic procedures have been developed in response to consumer demand. It is now possible to improve and maintain a youthful appearance and postpone major cosmetic surgery. To locate a board-certified plastic surgeon, contact the American Society of Plastic Surgeons at 888-475-2784 or visit their website at www.plasticsurgery.org.

Dr. Martin Fox is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He has been in practice in Louisville for 18 years. His practice includes all the cosmetic procedures as well as providing skin care programs and services. For more information or a complimentary consultation, call 502 895 5850.