Non-surgical skin rejuvenation
	By Tracey Hotta RN, Skin Care Specialist www.torontoplasticsurgery.com

  The field of plastic surgery is ever evolving and changing with the times. New technologies are allowing plastic surgeons to provide more predictable and improved results in areas such as breast augmentation and lifting, body contouring and facial aesthetic surgery. Perhaps nowhere are these changes making more of an impact then in the field of non surgical skin rejuvenation.

  According to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 7 million minimally invasive cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States in 2004, an increase of over 50% compared to two years earlier. Treatments such as Botox, injectable fillers, Thermage skin tightening and newer skin care programs are providing men and women with options to maintain a youthful, healthy appearance with an approach that is less costly and less invasive than traditional surgical methods.

   As we age, our skin produces less collagen and hyaluronic acid, both of which are needed to provide us with structure and volume. The use of hyaluronic acid products, such as Juvederm and Restylane, are ideal for filling lines, wrinkles and folds that appear on our face. These include the lines around the nose, the corners of the mouth, lip lines, cheek folds, acne scars and forehead lines. These fillers are also ideal for lip enhancement.

  After you have tried a temporary dermal filler, such as collagen or hyaluronic acid, you may subsequently wish to chose a longer lasting treatment. Artecoll is a permanent dermal filler that stimulates your body to produce collagen around the injected material providing the structure to fill in lines, folds, scars or lip volume. Because it is your own collagen that is being formed, the result is much more long lasting than with temporary fillers.

  Botox is the temporary treatment of choice for any line that is produced from the movement of muscles and is commonly used for the forehead, eye area and neck bands. Botox can also provide significant relief for those suffering from migraine headaches or excessive underarm sweating.

  An addition to our anti-aging skincare line is Cosmelan which is excellent for reducing hyperpigmentation or brown spots. This is a treatment for patients presenting with uneven skin tone from sun damage, pregnancy mask, acne scarring or hormonal imbalance. It involves one peel and a 3 month home treatment regimen.

  Thermage skin tightening is the newest addition in our clinic to address the signs of aging resulting from skin laxity. As we age the collagen fibers under our skin stretch causing a fullness along the jawline, laxity under the neck and more prominent cheek folds. Thermage uses radiofrequency to heat the collagen fibers causing them to tighten and resulting in a firmer skin tone with visible lifting of the skin. Thermage may also be used for body contouring where there are small amounts of excess skin such as on the abdomen, the upper arms or thighs.