“Are they starting as young as me?” I asked my dermatologist at the last appointment. I was asking about botox to “fix” laugh lines that have deepened in over three decades. Your 30s are when the signs of aging emerge, and it was a good time to enter the world of cosmetic treatments. facial rejuvenation procedures increased drastically to 75 per cent to 80 per cent by 2022-23,” says Dr Karishma Kagodu. plastic and cosmetic surgeon and founder of cosmetic surgery clinic Dr Karishma (Kaesthetics), “In a recent survey, 75 percent of board certified plastic surgeons practicing in Bangalore said they had seen many patients seeking cosmetic procedures. , including men and women aged 25 to 65, prefer non-surgical facelifts and skin rejuvenation.”
While pop culture and celebrities may have popularized botox and fillers, dermatologists still use a number of procedures to achieve a smooth and lifted appearance. “A non-surgical facial rejuvenation targets three main concerns: wrinkles and deep folds, loss of facial volume, skin tone and texture,” explains Dr Kagodu. “The correct choice of treatment depends on the condition of the problem, the anatomic profile and the desired rejuvenation goals.” She advises techniques such as Morpheus8, Forma by InMode and CO₂ lasers to improve tone, texture and looseness. Morpheus8 and Forma deliver a sculpted look, while lasers tighten the skin, especially around the neck and legs. Some preferred treatments by Dr. Madhuri Agarwal, founder and medical director of Yavana Aesthetics, include “Botulinum toxin (Botox), dermal fillers, threadlifts, HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) and radiofrequency microneedling.” HIFU uses ultrasound energy to tighten the skin and microneedling stimulates collagen to improve texture, firmness and fine lines. Apart from these, microcurrent therapy also remains useful. “It provides a non-invasive lifting effect by enhancing muscle memory and boosting collagen and elastin production,” explains Dr. Kiran Sethi, medical director of Isya Aesthetics. She also recommends chemical peels to “improve texture and reduce signs of aging.” In addition, “PRP (platelet-rich plasma) skin rejuvenation or vampire facelift is recommended for patients seeking skin rejuvenation through natural methods,” says Dr. Kagodu.
A pinch here and a pinch there are preventive procedures to prevent aging (as if by magic). “People are starting these treatments at an earlier age to prevent the signs of aging before they become severe,” says Dr. Sethi. “Early intervention by non-surgical treatments can delay the need for more drastic measures.” Without taking a scalpel to your face, you can get out of the leather chair and head straight for dinner—no downtime, no extended healing. “The fast fact about choosing non-surgical options for facial rejuvenation is the many benefits, including minimal downtime, the fact that it can be performed in less than an hour and with no aftercare,” says Dr. Kagodu. While most of these procedures give temporary results, Dr. Agarwal claims that they can offer benefits at a deeper level. “They can give proven long-term results,” he says. “For example, fillers can replace volume loss and erase deeper wrinkles, non-surgical threading can reposition loose skin like a mini facelift, microneedling radiofrequency can create new collagen and prevent future signs of aging. ».
The idea is to make these subtle tweaks over the years to maintain the look you know. “These procedures offer natural, appearance-enhancing results without being obvious,” says Dr. Agarwal. “Modifications are more subtle and gradual, which can be less disruptive and more acceptable.” But this also means regular maintenance and more hours at the clinic and increased costs. “Individual non-surgical treatments may seem less expensive than a facelift, but cumulative costs over time can add up,” warns Dr. Sethi. “However, many find the cost manageable as it is spread over months or years.” A facelift, on the other hand, has an immediate cost, Dr. Agarwal points out. “It is a planned surgery that will require all the dos and don’ts of major surgery, including an extended recovery period.” But Dr. Kagodu cautions us that recommending a particular resuscitation option is about more than cost and recovery — it requires evaluating a number of parameters. “Nothing is the preferred choice in cosmetic treatments – it’s about the right candidacy.”
Feature Image Credits: Getty Images
This article originally appeared in Harper’s Bazaar India June-July 2024 print issue.
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