10 Feb Skin rejuvenation with a WOW effect – from non-invasive to surgical
Fewer wrinkles, firmer facial features, a fresher complexion and more radiance. Whatever the patient’s wishes are, the same question always arises: which treatments provide the desired wow effect and how do the procedures differ in terms of intensity and downtime? In this article I would like to shed some light on the subject – or rather provide an overview of skin rejuvenation treatments – from non-invasive to surgical.
Non-invasive
Skin care and skin optimization with ZO® Skin Health
Optimal skin care is the foundation for healthy and beautiful skin. ZO® products offer sustainable solutions for every skin type and combat the signs of ageing with an innovative combination of highly effective ingredients. Specific skin problems such as acne, couperose and rosacea as well as hyperpigmentation can also be treated with the highly potent ZO® Medical products. A comprehensive consultation and typing of the skin is the be-all and end-all for a successful treatment. Only with a carefully coordinated care concept can skin health be sustainably improved and signs of ageing effectively combated.
Downtime ZO® Skin Health care products: none
With high-dose peels, the skin is noticeably reddened in the first two weeks of treatment, peels in certain areas, itches and feels dry. Many patients find this phase unpleasant and it can restrict social activities.
Area of application: Daily skin care, skin rejuvenation, treatment of acne, redness and rosacea
Possible complications: none
Non-invasive
HydraFacialTM
If you want to do something good for your skin, a HydraFacialTM is the perfect choice. Among the non-invasive treatments, HydraFacialTM stands out above all for its versatility and remarkable immediate effect. The treatment can be used for regular deep cleansing of the skin as well as for the treatment of acne or to reduce fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
Downtime: none
Area of application: Skin refreshment and skin optimization, pore refinement, acne, hyperpigmentation
Possible complications: none
Minimally invasive
Laser treatments
We classify laser treatments as minimally invasive applications. Although the intensity is already higher than with a HydraFacialTM treatment, for example, the downtime is still very short. In our practice, we work with the multifunctional M22 system from Lumenis®. Indications such as pigmentation disorders, scars, wrinkles and redness can be treated gently with little effort. The Lumenis® laser is also ideal for pore refinement. Depending on your needs, the IPL, ResurFX or photofractional treatment attachment is used.
Downtime: IPL: 2-3 hours
ResurFX & Photofractional: A few hours to 1 day (depending on intensity)a
Area of application: wrinkles, pore refinement, pigmentation disorders, sun damage, redness, couperose, rosacea, scars
Minimally invasive
Ultraskin
Like laser treatment, ultrasound is also a minimally invasive treatment. However, this application is not used for skin optimization, but for skin tightening. In our practice we work with the original UltraSkin® device. The treatment tightens the tissue and regenerates collagen and elastic fibers. The effect is achieved over a period of three to four months. UltraSkin® is a gentle alternative to a surgical lift, especially for middle-aged people.
Downtime: none (possibly discrete redness for 1-2 hours)
Area of application: skin tightening on the face, neck and décolleté
Minimally invasive
Botulinum toxin
Botox and filler treatments are still among the most common aesthetic procedures on the face. Although both applications are used to reduce wrinkles, they differ fundamentally in the way they work. Botulinum toxin specifically weakens the mimic muscles, which leads to a visible reduction in wrinkles.
Downtime: none (possibly discrete redness for 1-2 hours)
Area of application: frown lines, wrinkles to the side of the eyes (crow’s feet), transverse wrinkles on the forehead
Rare complications: Headache, bruising, temporary disturbing weakening of mimic muscles, feeling of weakness for a few days (very rare)
Minimally invasive
Hyaluron filler
Hyaluronic acid injections can not only be used to treat wrinkles, but also to sculpt and plump up areas of the face. Depending on the area of application, different viscosities of hyaluronic acid are available. After about 12 to 18 months, the hyaluronic acid is broken down again by the body.
Socially acceptable: Immediately or, in rare cases, if swelling or discoloration occurs, after about 12 hours
Area of application: Various wrinkles such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines (corners of the mouth at the sides), wrinkles around the mouth (at the edge of the lips), frown lines, drooping corners of the mouth, dark circles under the eyes, lip injections
Rare complications: Unevenness that does not disappear on its own may require a limited correction. In very rare cases, pronounced swelling and discoloration may persist for about two weeks.
Minimally invasive to invasive
Chemical peelings
Chemical peeling offers a wide range of application options due to the different intensities – from gentle skin optimization (fruit acid peeling) to the correction of medium-deep wrinkles and tissue tightening (medium-deep peeling) to complete skin renewal (phenol peeling). In principle, the intensity of the peeling also increases the possibilities for correction. Phenol peeling, for example, has what it takes to replace a complete facelift. We achieve remarkable results with a phenol peel, especially for deep wrinkles, severely photodamaged skin and acne scars. However, it should also be mentioned at this point that phenol peeling in particular requires absolute expertise and many years of experience on the part of the treating doctor. You should also take a break of up to 3 weeks.
Phenol peeling facts:
Socially acceptable: Depending on the extent of the treatment, we recommend a break of 10 days to 3 weeks.
Area of application: Complete renewal and rejuvenation of the facial skin
Rare complications: Scars, prolonged redness, infections, light and dark pigment changes
operative
Facelift
Minimally invasive treatments do not always lead to the desired result. In this case, a facelift may be the right choice. The challenge of a successful facelift lies, among other things, in the correct incision. This runs along the hairline, at the edge of the ear canal and behind the ear. In most cases, they are virtually invisible later on. Using a surgical method developed by us, sutures are fixed in the deep layers of the face to safely and permanently restore youthful contours. Thanks to this gentle technique, we are able to perform all lifts under local anesthesia and twilight sleep. This means that stressful anesthesia can be dispensed with, which is usually very much in line with the patient’s wishes. After the operation, patients spend one to two nights in our clinic.
Area of application: Facelift and general rejuvenation
Socially acceptable: After 8 to 14 days
Rare complications: Postoperative bleeding (in the first few hours after the operation), visible, reddened scars, swelling or induration
Individual, personal and transparent
Beauty, as we all know, is in the eye of the beholder. The same applies to blemishes. Optimizing one’s appearance through an aesthetic procedure is therefore a subjective decision. As a doctor, I see it as my duty to inform patients transparently and honestly about the possible risks and side effects of individual treatments. Always with the aim of finding a customized treatment strategy that is as gentle as possible.
Do you have questions about a specific treatment? Would you like a personal consultation? My practice team and I will be happy to assist you at any time.
