Today’s expert opinion will discuss some of the various types of non-invasive (also minimally invasive) aesthetics available on the market right now. As the name implies non-invasive refers to that which does not invade or cut into the body and Aesthetics refers to a set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty.
So we have the ability to medically beautify without surgery. Technology is amazing and now patients can achieve increase confidence through beautification of oneself without the needed down time and cost related to surgery. We can do so using the body’s ability to regenerate and eliminate without injection or operation. This is not to say that surgery and new surgical technologies aren’t keeping pace with the more holistic organic non invasive procedures. So let’s explore some of the non-invasive aesthetic procedures available right now.
Sculpture a non-invasive body contouring handles stubborn fat in areas such as the belly, flanks (love handles), back (bra fat), inner and outer thighs, triceps and also handles the gobbler fat under the chin. These trouble spots are the ones resistant to diet and exercise. Usually needs three sessions on an area. The best results come after careful consultation with your health professional. It is also usually well tolerated with minimal discomfort and no down time. Results seen within six weeks as the body evacuates destroy fat cells through the lymphatic system. Optimal results at 12 to 14 weeks. The destroyed fat cells do not regenerate. This treatment combined with the later described Flexure allows for loss of fat and stimulates simultaneously tightening of the skin. This combination therapy is unique to Florida. As HealStrong in Venice, is the first provider to offer both technologies in combination.
Tempsure Envi, Firm and Vitalia use radio frequency energy to create heat in the dermis layer of the skin to promote collagen regeneration and skin tightness. It is less aggressive then the later described Potenza, but ideally handles smooth fine lines and wrinkles. All skin types all year with no down time. Envy works on the face. Firm works on the torso and thighs and in most cases can eliminate unsightly cellulite. One usually needs 5-6 treatment sessions every 2 to 4 weeks. Before and after photos are dramatic. Vitalia is helpful in the vaginal area inside and out. It works particularly well for women dealing with mild to moderate stress incontinence. Have you ever leaked a little urine with a cough, sneeze or laugh? This is likely due to stress incontinence. Vitalia by strengthening the tissue around the urethra through collagen build-up can lessen these symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider for additional benefits.
Flexsure is the newest radio frequency device treatment that is more intense. Large or medium applicators or place around parts of the torso and extremities creating even tissue heating. As mentioned before it works incredibly well to tighten skin that is lax after weight loss or fat reduction and also helps reduce fat. It is a perfect complementary combination treatment with Sculpture.
The icon is a laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) generator. The one device has several modalities.
Permanent hair removal typically requires a series due to hair growing in stages that are different based on the area, hair color and hair density. The intense pulsed light or IPL admitted is attracted to the hair follicle then heats and finally kills follicle and by heat diffusion also injures surrounding stem cells that help keep the hair from regenerating.
Revitalization needs due to aging, sun damage, freckles on the face, hands, feet, neck and decolletage can also be removed and skin refreshened. Your provider can determine what IPL and Laser is right for your skin type sun exposure and other factors. Treatments are usually three sessions for best results, but is typically customized for each patient. This is evident with the “Three for Me” a clinically proven safe and effective stratgy combination of IPL and laser treatments. Together they alter skin contour and help resurface skin while getting rid of unwanted pigment changes, acne scars and overall leave the targeted region refreshed. Intervals are 4 weeks with, as the name implies, three sessions for most skin types.
Finally, we have the Potenza which is minimally invasive and stems from the art form of micro-needling. However, this micro-needling. is reinforced with bipolar radio frequency and other technological advances. It tightens and firms skin minimizing the aging effect and it’s a wonderful treatment for acne and acne scars.
It is also for stretch marks and surgical scars. More aggressive then the non-invasive laser, results can be seen as early as 72 hours. It can be used anywhere on the body with all skin types and any time of year. Once again, we harness the body’s ability to heal and build new collagen and elastin. This time through the process of microdamage and heat. This takes place in about 4 to 6 weeks with optimal results seen in about 12 weeks. Your practitioner’s approach will affect results, treatment times, as will the individual, depth of penetration and number of passes, but it is usually less than an hour of treatment without downtime.
I hope this has opened your minds to the new advances in medical technology and the improvements that have been made as primary care providers open their practices to procedures previously perform by plastic surgeons and dermatologist.