Non-Surgical Procedures
Advances in facial cosmetic technology allow your surgeon to lift, add volume, smooth, and rejuvenate without surgery.
Our surgeons offer a full range of rejuvenation options — surgical, non-surgical, and minimally invasive — for the head, face, and neck. Below are descriptions of commonly performed non-surgical procedures, along with reasons to choose a facial cosmetic specialist in order to get professional, safe, and lasting results.
Laser skin resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing involves passing precise wavelengths of light across the skin (usually the face) to trigger the body to supply new collagen to the skin. As the results gradually develop, patients see a smoother, more youthful appearance. Laser skin resurfacing can improve the appearance of scars, sun damage, blemishes, discoloration or hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and more.
There are numerous name-brand lasers on the market, with options that are either ablative or non-ablative, and fractional or non-fractional:
- Ablative resurfacing removes the outer layer(s) of skin, encouraging the body to supply fresh cells and leading to dramatic results; some ablative laser treatments may be fractional, which means the laser beams are spaced apart, which shortens recovery time.
- Non-ablative lasers, rather than removing skin, heat up the skin below the surface to encourage collagen renewal more gently; repeat treatments with non-ablative lasers are typically needed for best results.
Why your choice of provider is key to safe, effective laser treatment
Laser skin resurfacing can be performed with a number of different devices and settings, each with different results for different patients. For instance, melanin-rich skin types require a non-ablative laser and certain pre-treatments for best results. Choosing a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon — or a highly qualified provider who works under the direction of an ABFCS surgeon — helps to keep you safe by ensuring your provider is properly trained and experienced to choose the correct laser treatment regimen for you.
Injectable neurotoxin
Botulinum toxin type A is an injectable neurotoxin marketed under the brand names BOTOX®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Jeuveau®. It is used to temporarily treat dynamic wrinkles, including frown lines (glabellar lines) between the eyebrows, crow’s feet at the outer corners of the eyes, and creases in the forehead. Neurotoxin may also be used in numerous “off-label” areas. When injected into the muscle, the neurotoxin limits the movement of the muscle that forms wrinkles and thereby stops wrinkles from forming. The effects last for about 3-4 months.
Why your choice of injector makes all the difference
With a surgeon’s knowledge of facial anatomy and advanced aesthetic understanding, facial cosmetic surgeons are adept at using nuanced dosages of neurotoxin, properly placed to accomplish your aesthetic goals. While many medical spas may offer injectables from less-qualified providers, choosing a fully board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon helps to ensure you will receive an ideal treatment plan and enjoy the best possible results.
Dermal filler injections
Injectable dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to treat volume loss, smooth and plump the skin, or enhance facial features. Dermal filler may be used throughout the face, including to soften the nasolabial folds (smile lines) and marionette lines, add volume and smooth the lips, enhance the structure of the cheeks, fill acne scars, and smooth creases below the eyes (tear troughs). Fillers may be composed of hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), poly-L-lactic acid, or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), with different formulations suited to different areas of concern.
Why your choice of injector helps you get beautiful results
Injection technique requires specialized training in addition to a medical background; there is a complex world of options and good results depend on a deep understanding of each filler’s action and best uses. Beautiful results also require an understanding of where added volume is needed in the face; novice injectors often misjudge this, leading to unnatural-looking results. Working with a diplomate of the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery will help ensure you get attractive, personalized results using the appropriate dermal filler formula.
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal reduces unwanted hair at the follicle. Lasers may be calibrated to the appropriate wavelength for your skin and hair color; they are most effective on hair that is darker in pigment than the skin. Multiple treatments (anywhere from 3 to 8) are often necessary to satisfactorily stop hair growth. Results can be permanent, although hormone fluctuations may affect hair regrowth.
Why your choice of laser specialist matters for effective hair removal
Laser hair removal may seem straightforward, but lasers are powerful instruments that, if misused, can damage or scar your skin. This makes choosing a specialist especially critical when you wish to remove excess hair in delicate facial areas. We recommend that you put yourself in the hands of a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon who understands hair follicle growth patterns, has experience treating various skin tones, and uses the most up-to-date and efficient lasers on the market.
Find a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon to give you safe, attractive results from non-surgical treatment
The American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery is the only medical board dedicated to certifying surgeons exclusively in facial cosmetic surgery. Our board-certified facial cosmetic surgeons have a deep understanding of the functional and anatomical aspects of the face and are highly trained in the appropriate surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Schedule a consultation with a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon to see for yourself what makes our surgeons stand apart.