Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that can be the solution for patients who suffer from fine wrinkles, sun damage, blotches or scars on their skin. During laser resurfacing treatment the plastic surgeon uses a laser to carefully remove a very thin layer of skin to allow new skin cells to grow in its place. The result is smoother, tighter and younger looking skin. Since it is a non-surgical procedure it can be a good solution for patients who wish to avoid going under the knife. The procedure can also work in combination with other cosmetic procedures such as blepharoplasty.

It is possible to treat specific problem areas with laser resurfacing or to have the procedure over the entire face. The treated area will be numbed with a local anesthetic and prepared for the laser. The procedure typically takes around 30-45 minutes when treating specific areas or up to one hour when treating the entire face.

After the procedure bandages or ointment will be placed on the treated area. After a day patients are advised to use water compresses on their face four or five times a day and use a special ointment to make sure that no scabs are formed. In the days immediately following the procedure it is normal to experience itching and swelling and if necessary patients will be prescribed a mild steroid to help with the symptoms. Around a week after laser resurfacing the treated skin will become dry and will peel revealing newly formed skin underneath. The recovery period will depend on the size of the area treated but should take around 10 – 14 days. It is important to wear a high SPF sunscreen after the procedure to protect the new skin cells and to prolong the effects of laser resurfacing.

It is worth noting that laser skin resurfacing is an outpatient procedure so there is no need for the patient to stay overnight. Laser resurfacing is one of the best ways to treat fine lines and sun damaged skin without the need for a surgical solution.

Botox injections are a popular solution for patients who prefer not to undergo surgery but who suffer from deep wrinkles or frown lines. Botox injections follow a simple logic: if an area of the face will not move then skin will not wrinkle and will appear youthful and smooth. Some confusion is often caused by the marketing of Botox Cosmetic. This is essentially the same as regular Botox and can be used for all the same purposes.

How does Botox work?

When injected into the face Botox relaxes muscles and lines and wrinkles will smooth out and stop from forming. Botox injections work on a deeper level than wrinkle fillers. While fillers target the dermis and work as a cushion to smooth out lines, Botox is injected directly into the facial muscles that are responsible for creating frown lines. Botox is most successfully used on forehead lines as well as crow’s feet around the eye area.

Other uses of Botox

Another use for Botox injections is the treatment of excessive sweating. Botox is injected into the underarm area where it inhibits the production of sweat and gives patients relief from severe sweating. It is important to remember that sweat will still be produced in other parts of the body. Fears of sweat build up in the Botox treated armpit are unfounded. When treating armpits with Botox sweat doesn’t go anywhere else, it just stops being produced altogether.

Patients with severe migraines may also benefit from Botox treatment. Although it is not completely clear why Botox helps with headaches it has been reported to improve migraines in a large number of patients.

The cosmetic Botox procedure only takes a few minutes and results last around 2-3 months, in some cases they can last up to 6 months. Complications and risks involved in Botox procedures include swelling or bruising around the place of injection and flu-like symptoms. It is important to choose a well-trained medical professional when undergoing cosmetic Botox treatment, bad placement of Botox can result in eye droopiness, a crooked smile or uneven eyebrows as well as eye tearing and dryness.

What is Botulinum Toxin?

Botulinum Toxin is just another name for Botox. The name Botox often puts people off because of the presence of the word ‘toxin’ but they need not worry as Botox has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the FDA).