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Nonsurgical Cosmetic Procedures Can Take Years Off Your Face

“You should walk out of the office looking refreshed, like you have just returned from a relaxing vacation. No one should know you have had anything done,” said Diane Dado, MD, professor of pediatrics and surgery in the division of plastic surgery at Loyola University Health System. This is the ideal result of a nonsurgical, wrinkle-reducing procedure, Dr. Dado explained.

Clearly, many people think that a refreshed face is worth a few hundred dollars and a visit to the doctor’s office. The demand for nonsurgical cosmetic procedures has grown by

36 percent in the past five years. Botulinum toxin injections and soft tissue fillers are among the top five nonsurgical cosmetic procedures performed nationwide and are among the most common office procedures performed in Loyola’s Aesthetic Center at Oakbrook Terrace.

Dr. Dado provides these injections and fillers to men and women, usually in the 35 to 50 age range, from diverse backgrounds and professions. Since the procedures provide attractive results, have been proven safe and are performed quickly during office visits with no missed work, these services have grown in
popularity.

Botox® is a brand name for a cosmetic form of inactivated botulinum toxin. When it is injected in miniscule amounts, it temporarily paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles. The substance has been used to treat wrinkles since 1997 and has “exploded in popularity” in recent years, Dr. Dado said. The treatment’s effect wears off gradually after three to six months. Dr. Dado recommends it for someone who is not ready for a face lift or who does not want surgery. It works well for lines in the forehead, crows feet, wrinkles between eyes and lines at the corners of mouth.

Injectable fillers have been used since the late 1970s to fill in deep facial lines and creases or to plump up the lips. Collagen, a natural protein, is the substance most commonly used for filler. Originally, collagen from cow cells was used and sometimes caused allergic reactions, but these days, newer collagen products have no allergy risk. As with botulinium toxin, the results are temporary – seven months at best – but a new filler product called Radiesse™ promises results that last nine to 18 months.

Another skin renewal procedure recently available in the Aesthetic Center at Oakbrook Terrace is a nonsurgical face life. After making tiny incisions that are hidden by the hair line, the physician can use special threads to lift facial tissue. The threads degrade over time, giving a result that lasts one to two years. Dr. Dado might recommend this procedure for someone approximately 60 years of age who wants to put off having a surgical face lift.

For surgical and even nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, Dr. Dado recommends consulting a physician who is board certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “Even though these skin renewal procedures seem minor, there can be problems if they are not done correctly,” she said. For example, botulinum toxin can migrate to the wrong muscle and cause a droopy eye. Fillers injected at the wrong level can appear lumpy.

“A plastic surgeon at a major medical center is very familiar with the anatomy of the facial muscles and skin. We understand the different depths of injections. We know what can be done with certain procedures and what can not,” Dr. Dado said.

To make an appointment at the Aesthetic Center at Oakbrook Terrace, call (708) 216-8563.