How Long Do Non-Surgical Procedure Results Actually Last?

Data from leading plastic surgery organizations shows that non-surgical cosmetic treatments are more popular than ever.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 13.9 million non-surgical procedures were performed in 2014. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery also found  statistics that non-surgical cosmetic procedures are 520 percent more popular now than they were in 1997. That’s a huge jump!

Without incisions, anesthesia or the long recovery downtime typically associated with surgical procedures, patients can enjoy noticeable results.

Can a non-surgical procedure be a smart move? Will the results be worth the money? Should you opt for a non-surgical procedure or take the plunge and request plastic surgery?

Here, we explain how long you can expect results of the most popular treatments to last:

Botox

Botox injections generally last three to six months. You can schedule regular treatments to maintain the wrinkle-fighting and facial rejuvenation effects of Botox.

Injections of highly diluted botulinum toxin have become one of the most common aesthetic procedures performed in the country, and Xeomin and Botox are certainly favorites among our Marin County patients. Xeomin is a good alternative for patients who are allergic to Botox because it doesn’t include the same additive, although the other ingredients are the same.

It’s important to remember, though, that cosmetic procedures, including these injections, depend on highly trained practitioners performing the procedures in a safe environment to get the results you want.

Fillers

How long the results of dermal filler treatment last depends largely on the chemical composition of the particular product. Some fillers are designed to restore volume lost with aging, typically with naturally occurring hyaluronic acid. Others like Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid, a naturally-occurring compound in the body)are bio-disrupters, and work by introducing collagen-stimulating micro-particles to rebuild the skin and reduce sagging and wrinkles. The upside of Sculptra is that it lasts longer, and the downside is it takes longer to see the improvement as the body builds collagen. Sculptra can also be effectively used to reduce the appearance of cellulite on the legs and butt.

Results of treatment with hyaluronic acid-based fillers, such as Juvederm, typically last six to 12 months. And poly-l-lactic acid-based fillers can last up to two years before they eventually disintegrate and are absorbed by the body.

Juvederm Voluma XC is is the first filler approved specifically for the cheeks and is an excellent alternative to surgical procedures like a facelift. The results are clinically proven to last up to 2 years.

Dermal fillers have a very specific function unrelated to other medical corrective procedures. By directly injecting a naturally derived or synthetic material into the frown lines between your brows, the deep lines from the corners of your nose to the corners of your mouth, depressions along the jaw line, the sunken areas under your eyes, or the hollowed areas of your face, wrinkles and lines immediately become filled-in and skin is plumped up to the point where the wrinkle, depression, or fold is gone. This improvement can last from 3 months to 2 years or even longer depending on the type of filler used, how you take care of your skin, and how your face continues to age.

Don’t confuse dermal fillers with how Botox works. Although both procedures involve injections, Botox is most often injected around the forehead and wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet) to stop muscle movement that results in wrinkles. It has nothing to do with the plumping smoothing effect dermal fillers have. Many people get both Botox and dermal fillers because the combination can produce a remarkably younger-looking face.

Hair Removal

Laser hair removal generally requires a series of treatments to achieve the desired result of smooth, hair-free skin. After a series of treatments, most hair is permanently removed.

Laser Hair Removal at our Marin County practice is accomplished with Sciton’s BBL (Broadband Light) hair removal system. This system has the ability to select a treatment setting that uniquely targets the hair follicle without stimulating the cells in the skin, which can cause pigmentation irregularities. It also incorporates a controlled, adjustable and reliable cooling system. These two features, tied to a full range of adjustable fluencies, a rapid repetition rate, and large spot size, allow for quick, safe, and virtually painless Laser Hair Removal treatments.

CoolSculpting

Treatment with the CoolSculpting device doesn’t require an incision, needles, or anesthesia.

After just a single, brief procedure the frozen fat cells are effectively destroyed and flushed from the body through its normal metabolic processes.

The result is a noticeable fat reduction of about 25% per treatment, which can be repeated.
Many report seeing changes in as little as 3 to 4 weeks, but the full benefit may take as long as 60 to 90 days. However, results are permanent.

Venus Legacy

The Venus Legacy, offered in Marin County by Plastic Surgery Specialists, is a non-invasive treatment that combines pulsed magnetic fields and radio frequency to penetrate all three layers of skin—epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. Venus Legacy treatments improve the flow of blood, and encourage the formation of new blood vessels, which in turn stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibers. The Venus Legacy is appropriate for improving cellulite, tightening skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It can be used all over the body, including face, neck, arms, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.

Venus Legacy can make a noticeable difference in six to eight sessions (about a week apart) for anyone. It can also be combined with CoolSculpting procedures.

Conclusion

One of the best things about non-surgical options is that many of the procedures can be done numerous times with little down-time.

Without having to commit to surgery, you can get noticeable results that last for a fair amount of time. As soon as you need a re-touch, you can pop back into the office.

Here’s a breakdown of the list:

• Botox/Xeomin – 3 to 6 months before a touch-up
  
• Fillers – depends on the ingredients; can be 3 months to 2 years depending
• Juvederm – 6 to 12 months
• Juvederm Voluma XC -2 years
• CoolSculpting – results are permanent but may take 60-90 days before full benefit of results
• Venus Legacy – might need multiple treatments but should last with proper diet and exercise
• Laser Hair Removal – results are permanent but can take numerous sessions to achieve maximum results

What do you think about non-surgical options? Are they worth it? Comment below!