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People these days prefer non-invasive procedures to enhance their appearance without the need for major surgeries. These alternatives have gained popularity due to their reduced downtime, lower risk profile and ability to produce natural-looking results, experts say.
This World Plastic Surgery Day, observed annually on July 15, plastic surgeons shed light on some of these innovative procedures and their benefits for both hair and facial rejuvenation while underlining some pertinent considerations.
Non-surgical and minimally invasive options for individuals seeking to enhance hair loss
“Low-light laser therapy (LLLT) is one of the non-surgical approaches for hair enhancement. This treatment utilises red light wavelengths to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth,” said Dr Parag Sahasrabuddhe, senior consultant, plastic and cosmetic surgeon, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana.
“LLLT can be administered through specialised laser helmets that are worn on the head. It is a painless procedure and it has shown promising results,” said Dr Sahasrabuddhe.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has gained significant attention nowadays. This procedure involves extracting the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the platelet-rich solution into the scalp. “PRP contains growth factors that promote hair growth and stimulate dormant hair follicles. It is a safe and minimally invasive option,” said Dr Sahasrabuddhe.
Nonsurgical and minimally invasive options for individuals seeking to enhance facial rejuvenation
One of the most widely recognised non-surgical options is botulinum toxin injections, commonly known as Botox. This injection paralyses the underlying muscles partially, which effectively reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It is used to treat wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes and works for three to six months, said Dr Anmol Chugh, consultant, plastics and aesthetics center, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon.
“Botox injections are quick, virtually painless and require minimal recovery time, making them an attractive choice for those seeking facial rejuvenation,” said Dr Sahasrabuddhe.
Dermal fillers are another non-surgical alternative that can address various facial concerns which do not respond to Botox. According to experts, these fillers are of different types depending on the composition and duration. “Results can last for 18 months to two years and also there are permanent fillers available,” mentioned Dr Sahasrabuddhe.
Dr Chugh explained that the advantage of fillers is that they can be used when there is a volume loss with ageing like under eyes hollowness or deflated/saggy cheeks. “It’s an OPD procedure which takes 20 minutes and the results last for 1 to 1.5 years,” said Dr Chugh.
These injectable treatments utilise substances such as hyaluronic acid to add volume, plumpness and contour to specific areas of the face. Dermal fillers can effectively address concerns like thin lips, nasolabial folds, and hollowed cheeks, providing a youthful appearance with little to no downtime, noted Dr Sahasrabuddhe.
Experts opine that another effective treatment for skin pigmentation issues is laser therapy. Laser treatments, such as intense pulsed light or Q switch Lasers can target areas of hyperpigmentation, such as age spots, sun spots, and melasma. “These procedures work by delivering concentrated light energy to the affected areas, breaking down excess pigmentation and stimulating collagen production for improved skin texture and tone,” said Dr Sahasrabuddhe.
Dr Varun Dixit, consultant, plastic surgery, P D Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Khar, said threadlifts are used to lift and rejuvenate face, neck, breasts etc. “This avoids the long scars and potential hazards of a facelift surgery,” said Dr Dixit.
Dr Chugh also mentioned that fat dissolving injections are used If you have a double chin problem or want to get rid of lumps of small fats.
Chemical peels are another non-surgical option for addressing skin pigmentation. “A chemical solution, typically containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or lactic acid or salicylic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA), is applied to the skin to exfoliate the outer layer and reveal a more even complexion underneath. Chemical peels can effectively reduce the appearance of sunspots, freckles, and mild pigmentation irregularities,” said Dr Sahasrabuddhe.
Additionally, there are skin boosters which call for an OPD procedure where a small injection is applied on your face so that your face remains hydrated and glows for six to nine months, said Dr Chugh.
It is imperative to realise that these procedures can have their share of problems and complications.
Lasers are commonly associated with skin burns, scarring or incomplete removal of lesions, said Dr Dixit. “Botulinum toxin for facial rejuvenation may be associated with exaggerated effect with freezing of expressions, asymmetry or undesirable effect due to migration of the toxin. Fillers may be associated with lumpiness, exaggerated looks (e.g. pillow face) or asymmetry. In the short term there may be bruising and swelling,” said Dr Dixit.
Furthermore, the effects of toxin and fillers last for a certain duration only i.e. toxin lasts for 4-6 months and fillers may generally last for 9-12 months. “Very few people are aware that fillers may also be associated with dreaded complications such as skin necrosis (wound formation), blindness or stroke due to intravascular migration of the filler. Fortunately, these unwanted effects can be treated in most cases with certain other injections,” said Dr Dixit.
Energy based devices are commonly associated with lesser than expected results, contour irregularities or short lasting results. Further, the various non-surgical procedures have their own costs and some of them can be quite expensive.
“Please discuss the cost, expected results, potential complications and long-term efficacy of these procedures with your doctor. One must realise that as the severity of the problem or signs of ageing advances, non-surgical procedures will reach their limit beyond which they are more likely to cause unwanted effects or results. A good doctor will recognise when you reach this threshold and advise you of other treatment modalities or surgery,” said Dr Dixit.
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