I See Your Epidermis! Newest Trends in Med Spa Treatments for the Face

Want-it Wednesdays:

In Dallas where there’s just as many med spas as there are Starbucks and McDonalds (want proof, look here), I’ll take a look at the newest options for making you look like a million bucks (or at least take a few years off your face.)

I had no idea that most of these existed!  After researching all these procedures, I needed a graph to remember what each one was, what it did and to what. 

So to break it down even easier, I’ve got it down to the basics, starting out with the easiest and minor procedures until the more intensive. 

DISCLAIMER: This list is what I was able to research; it's not by any means a complete list and none of the information here is medically approved as I've researched using each of the individaul websites, blind interviews over the phone with local med spas, and general knowledge.

First, before you consider going head first into making a BETTER YOU, remember, you are already beautiful just the way you’re made. However, I’ll admit, I think there are some things that were created to make you shine just a little brighter! Just remember there are some limits. REALLY. LIMITS PEOPLE!

Source: thinknice.com via Tonya on Pinterest

Looking to get rid of some dark pigment on your skin, minor acne scars and just brighten up your complexion?  First, let’s talk about microdermabrasion treatments, dermaplaning and chemical peels.  (No needles here.)

IPL Photofacials:

Did you ever sunbathe on the trampoline or use Crisco oil to suntan like I did? Well that’s where photofacials come in to the picture. For those of us with sun damage, sun spots and rosacea, a program of photofacials give your skin an overhaul by using Intense Pulsed Light in a series of 4-6 sessions.

Results: Depends on each person and how you treat your skin.

Microdermabrasion:

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliation treatment that repairs the skin by reducing the appearance of acne scars, cleaning clogged pores, and smoothing skin while helping to fight signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. Normally its recommended to have around five treatments at least a week apart. THINK: A big scrub down on your face.

Results: Can last around 2-3 months

Dermaplaning:

Sometimes Dermaplaning is a gentle, superficial exfoliation process that removes the outer layer of dead skin cells, and as an added bonus, it also removes the fine facial hair often referred to as “peach fuzz”. This is a safe and effective technique that leaves your skin with a smooth fresh look.

Results: Around 3-4 weeks (the hair cycle)

Chemical peels:

While they may tingle a little upon application, peels can produce even more dramatic improvement in skin texture, tone, skin tightness and wrinkles. It improves sun damage and brown spots as well.

Results: From immediate to 5-10 days after application and can last according to how you treat your skin.

Are crow’s feet tracking all over your face? Then let’s look at Injectables. (Yep, I said Injectable.)

Botox:

Oh, reliable and what I considered to be the gateway medical treatment for many women. Botox is used to temporarily smoothen moderate to severe facial lines and wrinkles. Also, Botox is FDA-approved for the treatment of severe underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis)!

Results: Can last up to five months.

Dysport:

Botox now has a competitor…maybe that’s why “sport” is in the name?” Anyhow, similar to Botox, Prescription Dysport®is an injection used to temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults under 65 years old.

Results: Lasts around 90 days.

Xeomin:

Xeomin, just like Botox and Dysport, is used for the treatment of wrinkles, lines, and the aging face. Xeomin is a highly purified, naturally occurring protein which has the ability to very precisely relax the muscles to which it is applied. This reduces muscle activity that causes moderate to severe lines to form between the brows.

Results: Lasts around 90 days.

Need some more help to give your face more volume and create smoother skin while getting rid of those wrinkles for now? Then let’s move on to injectable gels.

Juvederm:

Juvederm™ injectable gel is the first hyaluronic acid dermal filler that has been FDA approved and is proven to be safe and effective for persons of color. This smooth consistency gel aids in restoring your skin’s volume and smoothens facial wrinkles and folds. It helps get rid of “smile lines” and “parentheses.”

Results: Lasts around 3-4 months.

Restylane:

Using a clear gel formulation of hyaluronic acid, this family of cosmetic dermal fillers (there’s more where this comes from) adds volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds.)

Results: Lasts around 3-4 months.

Belotero:

This one was so new I actually got info on it today from one of the only places in town that performs the procedure. Belotero is a soft, dermal filler, comprised of hyaluronic acid-based cohesive gel made to assist in the correction of fine lines and wrinkles.
Results: Lasts around 3-4 months.

*RADIESSE:

This “volumizing filler” is an injectable gel that works by immediately restoring facial volume to smooth out the signs of aging found in the smile lines, marionette lines, corners of the mouth, pre-jowl and chin wrinkles.  By acting like scaffolding under the skin, providing structure and stimulating your own natural collagen to grow, Radiesse is a long-term solution to consider.  

Results: Lasts around 12 months.

*While this one seems a little different than the others, it’s still an injectable and I couldn’t find anything that competes with this result time.

Are you scared to have instant results and everyone will know that you had work done? Then definitely look into aptly named Sculptra. However, if you are looking for a longer lasting solution for more intense aging and wrinkling solution, there are many options like ARTEFILL and AquaDerma.

Then there was more! Yep, there’s more and more, but I have to admit, I’m not a doctor so after a while, I just felt like it was SO over my head! Don't consider any of these as recommendations for what you should have done; consider this a starter - a list of what's out there and to learn more with someone with a license!

The last thing I must say, which should go without saying is TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR and know all the facts before making any choices about your skin! There are certainly downfalls to anything you do to your body or your skin, so make sure you know before you go under the needle, laser or light!