Adam Lueken
It’s no secret that the effects of aging on the skin leave many people feeling self-conscious and unhappy with their appearance. And in addition to aging, lifestyle and environmental factors (as well as genetics) also have an impact.
That’s a big reason why cosmetic dermatology has become so popular. Each year, more and more new products and technological advancements appear in the dermatology world, allowing providers to counter the effects of aging in patients just a little more. Cosmetic services continue to become more effective, convenient and accessible to patients.
If you’re considering diving into the world of cosmetic dermatology but haven’t, or if you have and are looking for new cosmetic services to add to your current lineup, let’s take a look at some of the more popular non-surgical treatments being discussed in 2022.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing uses light energy to repair and regenerate skin cells. There are a variety of lasers when it comes to resurfacing, such as CO2 (more often used for wrinkles, scars, warts, etc.), erbium (often used for superficial and deep lines and wrinkles), pulse-dye lasers (often used to treat skin issues related to blood vessels) and fractional lasers (often used for hyperpigmentation, acne scars and wrinkles). Which laser (or combination of lasers) you choose depends on your preference and what you think will be more popular for your patient base.
Laser resurfacing boosts the formation of new skin cells by promoting collagen activity, gives patients younger-looking skin, promotes better blood circulation, reduces swelling and in some cases, can even improve patients’ immune systems. So it’s possible for laser resurfacing to improve patient health in addition to skin appearance.
Microcurrent
This non-surgical facelift uses an electrical current is used to increase the production of adenosine triphosphate to stimulate structural proteins in the body (like collagen and elastin). This lifts and tones a patient’s facial muscles and improves their complexion. This results in almost instantaneous erasing of the aging signs and wrinkle formation in just one session.
Dermal Fillers
Injectable dermal fillers are still a very popular cosmetic option. These offer a minimally-invasive way to reduce facial lines and wrinkles while restoring volume and fullness in the face. More than 2.7 million dermal filler procedures were performed in 2019, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and that number has continued to expand the last couple of years.
These fillers are soft tissue fillers that are injected into the skin to fill facial wrinkles, as well as provide volume and improve facial features. However, the fillers are usually temporary because the body will absorb the material slowly. Filler brands include Restylane, Juvederm, Belotero, Radiesse and Sculptra.
Radiofrequency Skin Tightening
Radiofrequency (RF) treatment is a non-invasive procedure that uses energy waves to heat deep layers of the skin, which produces collagen. These electromagnetic waves are a form of radiation but are absolutely safe for patients. RF skin tightening releases around a billion times less energy than X-rays. The main benefits of this treatment include the reduction of wrinkles and skin tightening. It can also fight sun damage.
The signs of aging in the skin are unavoidable, so the ways to counteract the effects will only continue to advance. This means cosmetic dermatology will only continue to advance this year and beyond.
If you need extra assistance implementing new cosmetic treatments, we’re here to help! Schedule a consultation with one of our practice management experts today!