Non-Invasive Cosmetic Procedures a Trend in 2012

Cosmetic procedures, both non-invasive and surgical forms, are continuously increasing in the US, according to a survey from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).  However, the organization said more patients are favoring non-surgical treatments such as Botox injection and soft tissue fillers.

In 2010, 13.1 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the country, with about 88 percent accounting to non-invasive treatments.  Meanwhile, almost half of the patients were in their 40s and 50s, a clear manifestation of Americans’ obsession to youthful beauty.

One advantage of non-invasive cosmetic procedures over surgical ones is that they involve no recovery or require little downtime.  However, one consideration is that they often need maintenance so the patients can preserve their youthful appearance; for instance, Botox and collagen injection must be repeated at least every six months.

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM) is expecting that non-invasive cosmetic procedures especially those treating the signs of aging will increase in numbers.  Botox and Dysport, which both uses neurotoxin in small dosage, will continue their popularity.

Dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm will also continue their popularity.  These treatments are used to “fill in” hollowed facial areas such as the cheeks although certain types can also used in lip augmentation.

In addition, non-surgical body contouring procedures such as VelaSmooth and Zerona will continue their popularity.

Over the past couple of years, liposuction has been one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the US.  But nowadays, new technologies have made it possible to perform the procedure without using incisions; in fact, some doctors simply inject a concoction of drugs to the fatty areas to melt these away, allowing the body to naturally flush these out.

These are the advantages of minimally invasive procedures over cosmetic plastic surgery:

·         The treatments are performed quickly.

·         Most procedures are relatively painless or at least the discomfort can be minimized by local anesthesia.

·         Bed rest is not required because there is little or no downtime.

·         Side effects are minor.  But in case the patients develop some swelling, redness, and bruising, these symptoms will likely subside a day or two.

·         The procedures are ideal for patients who do not want the idea of going under the knife.

·         Most non-invasive treatments provide instantaneous results because there is little or no symptom such as swelling and bruising.

·         The non-invasive cosmetic procedures are much cheaper than plastic surgery.