More Working Women Demanding Lunch-Hour Facial Cosmetic Procedures
A rising number of women are climbing the ladder to success by undergoing cosmetic facial procedures to look as young as the competition. When the signs of aging start to appear, many of these women head to cosmetic surgeons for non-invasive procedures that get them in and out of the office during their lunch hour and back to work the same day.
The goal isn’t necessarily to undergo dramatic procedures, but to slow the signs of aging. Many patients are able to do this through treatments like 15-minute nose jobs, dermal fillers, liquid facelifts, and neuromodulators injections.
15-Minute Nose Jobs
The 15-minute nose job is a non-invasive procedure that uses fillers to improve the symmetry and appearance of the nose. The procedure involves the application of a topical numbing agent. Once the nose feels numb, dermal fillers like Radiesse or Restylane help build volume in areas of the nose where it is needed to help hide bumps or build up a drooping tip.
Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapatite filler that lasts for about a year and a half. Restylane, a hyaluronic acid filler, lasts upwards of a year. Both are preferred fillers for nose jobs, and as these fillers rarely cause allergic reactions, you do not have to wait for the results of an allergy test like you would with collagen.
With a 15-minute nose job, you’re in and out of the office during a lunch break and do not show any signs that you’ve just been at your cosmetic surgeon’s office. People may notice that there’s something different, but they’ll struggle to pinpoint exactly what is making you look so radiant.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers help add volume to the face and reduce the appearance of creases, lines, and wrinkles. There are a few options available, so be sure to discuss the pros and cons of each with your doctor.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are considered one of the safest fillers available. Because your tissue contains hyaluronic acid, you do not need allergy tests prior to the injections. These fillers include Belotero, Juvederm, Perlane, and Restylane. Hyaluronic acid fillers last anywhere from 6 to18 months depending on the particular filler used.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are not your only options. Collagen fillers do require an allergy test prior to their use, so you need to take that into consideration. Artefill, Radiesse, and Sculptra are other options.
With Artefill, the filler helps the cells produce collagen. This creates a long-lasting product that, after the first few injections, really doesn’t require frequent maintenance. It does contain bovine collagen, so allergy tests are necessary. Common side effects include mild bruising that lasts for a few days.
Radiesse contains calcium hydroxylapatite and also helps the cells produce collagen. As the body absorbs Radiesse, the new formed collagen remains in place to create lasting volume in the facial tissue. Most patients find they only need Radiesse injections once a year.
Finally, Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid, and that acid also helps trigger the body to produce collagen. Even as the body absorbs the acid, the new collagen remains behind. For this reason, Sculptra lasts for two years or more. Side effects include mild pain, bruising, and swelling.
Liquid Facelifts
With a traditional facelift, incisions are made from your temple to your ears. Your face may be swollen and bruised or several weeks. Plus, you need to rest for a week or so and avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks. Few working women have time for that type of procedure.
A liquid facelift offers similar wrinkle-reducing results without the downtime. Your doctor injects a variety of dermal fillers into specific areas of the face to help fill in sunken areas, plump the cheeks, and smooth some fine lines and wrinkles. When the procedure is done, you’ll gain a more youthful appearance and you can get right back to work.
A liquid facelift begins with your entire face being washed with an antibacterial cleanser. Next, a topical numbing agent is spread over the face and dermal fillers are injected into the target areas. The type of injectable filler depends on the problem area.
- Artefill is helpful for softening nasolabial creases and for adding volume in the chin and cheeks.
- Juvederm is preferred for filling in the lips and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
- Restylane is also beneficial for adding volume to the lips and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
Neuromodulators
Botox is the most popular of the neuromodulators. The substance is derived from the botulinum toxin. When injected into muscles, Botox causes temporary paralysis of that muscle. The lack of muscle tension helps smooth creases, lines, and wrinkles for three to six months. At this point, additional injections become necessary.
With Botox, expect to see the full benefits in approximately two weeks. There are very few side effects. Mild bruising is the most common, though there is the very slim chance of an allergic reaction to the substance.
Skin care treatments don’t have to empty your bank account. Check the listing of current skin care specials at The Naderi Center’s Virginia facial plastic surgery office. Dr. Jessica Kulak is an expert in cosmetic procedures that take years off an aging face. Schedule an appointment with the Virginia plastic surgeon by calling (703) 481-0002 or by filling out the online form.
