The effects of aging on the skin shouldn’t necessarily be dreaded or feared.  Likewise, treatments and procedures that are surgical in nature are not the only options in combating the natural process of getting older.  There are a wide variety of non-invasive, non-surgical choices in today’s world of advanced technology and amazing scientific research.  Several non-invasive procedures are listed and briefly described below. 

As with any form of skin treatment, there is a risk of unwanted side effects; likewise, each procedure should always be performed by a trained and certified practitioner.

Laser Therapy – This form of therapy applies a one-way, targeted laser beam to destroy and remove specific structures on the skin.  Each form of laser beam targets a specific component based on the element from which the laser is composed.  For example, in the removal of wrinkles, a neodymium:yttrium-alluminum-garnet, or Nd:YAG for short, is used.  This laser targets anything with water in it and vaporizes it.  What this means for wrinkles is that the cells surrounding the unwanted shallow wrinkles are vaporized away, leaving a smooth, wrinkle-free appearance.  Other forms of laser therapy target deeper wrinkles, blood spots such as broken capillaries and spider veins, dark pigmented spots and even tattoos.  For these procedures different laser beams are used.   

Nonablative Lasers Therapy – A subtype of the general “laser therapy” category, nonablative laser therapy offers treatment that virtually eliminates any down time for the patient and is well suited for treating atrophic acne scars.  There are two forms of this treatment most commonly employed – Nd:YAG, also known as “The Cool Touch”, and the 1450nm diode, sometimes referred to as the “Smoothbeam”.

Ultraviolet Light Therapy – UV light therapy employs the use of UV A and UV B rays to treat certain skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo and, in more urgent cases, skin tuberculosis. 

Electrotherapy – Treatment with electricity is mainly used to speed the process of skin healing and repair after an injury, to treat skin problems involving the nerves of the skin, and for controlling pain during certain forms of skin treatment. 

Radiofrequency Therapy – Acne and varicose or spider veins at one time were the most common problems treated with radiofrequency therapy.  However, a new wave of research has introduced radiofrequency as a treatment for facial sculpting.  In this procedure the fat is heated through radiofrequency causing it to contract.  The fat releases the heat and transfers it to the surrounding collagen causing it to also contract and in the process lifting and pushing the skin outwards.  Over a few months time, the body’s fibroblasts replace the contracted collagen causing the “face lift” change to become permanent.  The result – a slimmer, smoother, firmer look – from heat! 

Ultrasound – Ultrasound therapy is considered a safe and effective way to gauge the depth of melanomas.  Additionally, with the help of a galvanic current, ultrasound has been used to drive water soluble vitamins into the deeper skin layers.  The vitamins are then available in the lower levels where they combat acne breakouts and quite possibly the deterioration of collagen and elastin.

Electrostimulation – In contrast to Botox ®, where muscles are paralyzed for an extended period of time, electrostimulation aims to contract specific facial muscles maximally for an extended period of time giving the impression of a tighter, firmer face.  Some patients swear by this non-invasive treatment while others see little or only short term benefits.

Microdermabrasion – This is the less invasive form of dermabrasion.  Microdermabrasion removes the top layers of old skin allowing younger, healthier, and smoother skin to take its place.  Please see the in-depth section on Microdermabrasion for further information.