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Eye & Facelift Alternative Information

Facelifts and eye lifts are painful and expensive procedures that reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. Technology such as facial fillers and Botox injectables reduce the need for extensive cosmetic surgery to appear youthful. Thermage is also a popular treatment that uses heat to stimulate collagen and reduce wrinkles. Finally, laser therapy is a skin-tightening treatment to reduce wrinkles and increase collagen production. Speak to an experienced dermatologist about your alternative options in order to determine which is best for you.

  1. Dermal Fillers

    • As you age, your face loses firmness and collagen which causes wrinkles and sagging skin. Dermal fillers Juvederm and Restylane contain hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally-occurring amino acid in your skin. When first injected, the filler adds volume to your face and over the course of six months to a year it breaks down. While it is breaking down, hyaluronic acid stimulates new collagen growth to fill in the face. Side effects of Juvederm and Restylane include temporary bruising, swelling and redness.
      Botulinum toxin type A, commonly known as Botox, temporarily deadens the muscle that causes frown lines and forehead wrinkles. According to drugs.com, Botox treatments generally last three months and touch-ups are necessary to keep the muscle from contracting. Temporary side effects are bruising, swelling, nausea and facial pain.

    Thermage

    • According to docshop.com, Thermage is an FDA-approved cosmetic treatment that reduces wrinkles and restores collagen. Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to tighten the subcutaneous layer, the layer of skin that consists of collagen and fat. As the heat tightens the skin, the appearance of wrinkles and sagging gradually fades. According to docshop.com, Thermage treatment costs up to $2,000, and only one session is necessary. Results improve over the course of six months, and side effects include minor swelling, redness and blisters immediately after treatment. These side effects clear up shortly after treatment. Eyes by Thermage uses a radiofrequency tip that improves the skin around the eye by eliminating wrinkles and crow's feet, along with tightening the skin.

    Laser Therapy

    • Laser therapy is similar to Thermage as it heats the collagen underneath the skin and causes it to tighten, but requires multiple sessions for maximum results. This treatment also works on any part of the body, not just the face. According to docshop.com, the treatment requires no downtime, and continues to tighten the skin after six sessions. The cost of treatment ranges between $450 to $2,000 for the entire six sessions. Yearly maintenance is recommended to target trouble spots. Side effects for laser tightening therapy include redness, bruising and swelling for a few days after treatment.

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