Medical Spa Procedures

The most frequently performed procedure was Botox injection. More and more people are opting for nonsurgical procedures due to economical factors and reduction of downtime, according to Lawanna Brock

The top five nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in the United States in 2010 were:

• Botox injection (2,437,165 procedures)
• hyaluronic acid (1,315,121 procedures)
• laser hair removal (936,270 procedures)
• laser skin resurfacing (562,706 procedures)
• chemical peel (493,896 procedures)

MicrodermabrasionMicrodermabrasion is a skin-freshening technique that helps repair facial skin that takes a beating from the sun and the effects of aging. As with other skin rejuvenation techniques, more than one treatment may be needed to reduce or remove fine wrinkles, scars and unwanted pigmentation.  The goal of treatment is exfoliation and with several treatments, the skin looks years younger. Typically, there are usually two versions of microdermabrasion, one uses crystals and the other one uses diamonds. Both crystal and diamond microdermabrasion machines have slightly different benefits to them, so deciding which one will be up to your aesthetics practitioner.

Chemical PeelChemical peels use a chemical solution to in effect smooth the face.  Special training is required and this is not recommended for the summer months.   In this procedure, layers of skin peel away reducing fine lines and wrinkles, exfoliating and rejuvenating the skin.  The results last up to 6 months and are remarkable.Botox InjectionsAccording to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS): The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, often referred to by its product name Botox®, is a popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crows feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck. The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance. Lawanna Brock found that studies have also suggested that Botox is effective in relieving migraine headaches, excessive sweating and muscle spasms in the neck and eyes. This is a medical procedure and should be completed in an aseptic environment.

DermaRolling, also referred to as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) or Micro-Needling, is aimed at stimulating the body’s own collagen production to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, skin laxity and scarring such as that caused by acne or chicken pox. It have also been successfully applied to the indication of hair restoration in cases of alopecia.The treatment introduces a series of fine, sharp needles into the skin. The needles are attached to a single use, sterile roller which is moved over the surface of the skin to create many microscopic channels. This damage encourages the body to produce new collagen and elastin which generate new skin cells to repair itself; the skin becomes thicker, plumper and more youthful.Hyaluronic AcidAccording to ASAPS, hyaluronic acid is a natural polysaccharide, that in appropriate form, is versatile soft tissue filler. Currently available as the product name Restylane or Perlane distributed by the Medicis company, and Hylaform distributed by a company named Inamed. Hyaluronic acid is being widely used for the management of wrinkles, fine lines, contour deformities, and volumetric deficiencies of face, cheeks, and lips associated with aging, developmental anomalies, and certain diseases. Restylane/Hylaform does not represent the final answer in the search for an ideal tissue filler but provides a predictable, safe, user-friendly approach. The results can last up to six months. It is especially effective for the nasolabial folds, lip augmentation, and areas of contour deformities. It is also an ideal adjunct for Botox treatment and is frequently used in conjunction with Botox to correct lines and creases that persist.