There are two obvious frontrunners to cosmetic treatments. Laser and injectable therapies can each address a myriad of everyday concerns, and as we strive to maintain youthful appearances, it is crucial to understand both approaches.

What Are Laser Treatments?

Laser treatments are non-surgical cosmetic procedures that can reduce the signs of aging. As we age, skin becomes less elastic, and damage is more apparent—moles, freckles, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation appear. Quick laser treatments offer a non-invasive way to minimize the appearance of undesirable blemishes and require minimal recovery time.

Types of Laser Treatments

There are two main types of laser treatment: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative treatments smooth skin texture and remove blemishes. Skin resurfacing involves controlled removal of the outer layers of the epidermis to reveal softer, regenerated skin below. It can also promote collagen and elastin formation, leading to a more youthful, plump appearance.

Non-ablative treatments heat the surface of the skin without damaging the epidermis. They are less severe as they do not remove any skin. The results may not be as significant, but many patients prefer non-ablative laser treatments. Neither type is permanent and requires repeat treatments to maintain the effects.

1. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a non-ablative laser treatment used to reduce the appearance of brown and red hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and acne.
2. CO2 laser therapy is a powerful ablative treatment that vaporizes the epidermis by acting upon the water in the skin. It is used to treat lines, scars, and sunspots.
3. Fractional lasers are non-ablative and create minor heat injuries on the epidermis, which heal and create new, smooth skin. This treatment is used for mild sun damage and to smooth the appearance of wrinkles.
4. Erbium lasers can be ablative or non-ablative, depending on how they are used. These lasers promote collagen production and are typically used to treat wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and scars.

The Pros and Cons of Laser Treatments

Pros

• Lasers offer effective treatment for the early signs of aging
• Lasers are helpful for many of the most common skin concerns
• There are several laser options to meet your specific needs and goals
• Lasers are precise and can target minute areas accurately without damaging the surrounding skin
• With proper aftercare, the effects of laser treatment can last for up to a year
  
  

Cons

• The results are not permanent and require repeat treatments
• Laser treatments can be more expensive than other cosmetic treatments
• Specific laser treatments can be painful, and there’s no way to know your tolerance beforehand

You may also experience side effects, the most common of which include irritation, infections, burns from the laser, changes to your skin color, dryness, scarring, and crusting.

What Are Injectable Treatments?

Cosmetic injectables include injections to treat specific aesthetic concerns such as wrinkles, excess fat, and specific signs of aging. Some injections can relax muscles, while others can fill hollow areas to create the desired appearance. Injectables can also manipulate the shape of the face, jaw, neck, chest, hands, abdomen, and legs.

As we age, we can lose volume in certain areas like the face, which leads to sagging skin and hollowness in the cheeks, under the eyes, and around the temples. Injectables are a non-surgical option for treating and minimizing the undesirable signs of aging. The outcome of injectables is visible immediately and can provide a refreshed, youthful appearance.

Types of Injectable Treatments

There are three main injectable treatments: Botulinum Toxin, widely known as Botox, dermal fillers, and fat-dissolving injections. Botox is the most commonly known treatment for fine lines and wrinkles. It can be used between the eyebrows, around the eyes, and on the forehead. Botox is highly effective and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles after only one treatment.

Dermal fillers are administered to replace fat loss in the forehead, temples, and cheeks, which can lead to a sunken appearance, drooping brows, dark circles around the eyes, and, in extreme cases, a very skeletal appearance. Dermal injections can also fill deep scars and smooth out folds and wrinkles.

Lipolysis injections, also known as fat-dissolving injections, are used in areas with excess fatty buildup, such as the area under the chin. This treatment causes the rapid breakdown of fat cells, so they leave the body naturally, leading to a slimmer appearance without surgery. The most common areas treated with lipolysis injections include:

• double chin
• inner thighs
• stomach
• knees
• hips

The Pros and Cons of Injectable Treatments

Pros

• Injectables are minimally invasive
• Treatments are quick and typically affordable
• Injectables provide quick results
• Treatments can be customized to meet your specific aesthetic goals
• There is minimal downtime after injections

Cons

• The results are not permanent, and treatments need to be repeated regularly.
• Some common side effects include bleeding, bruising, scarring, swelling, and potential infection.
• Cosmetic injectables are not risk-free, and you may experience muscle weakness, allergies, and hematomas.

Which Treatment is Appropriate for You?

The choice between cosmetic laser treatments and injectables depends on your desired outcome. Discussing your goals with your aesthetic nurse will help them plan a customized treatment plan, which may include a combination of the two approaches.

Laser treatments might be the right choice for one area, while injectables might be better for another. Your nurse will explain all your options at your first consultation to ensure you know all the possibilities and can make an informed choice.

Find Your Ideal Cosmetic Solution

Laser and injectable treatments each offer unique benefits. Lasers offer precision, while injectables provide quick results and minimal downtime. As with any cosmetic procedure, it’s essential to consult with a qualified aesthetic professional who can assess your needs and recommend the best treatment plan. Remember, the goal is not just to look younger but to feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin.