But are they safe and worth all the hype? Do they have any adverse effects? In this article, we will discuss some promising anti-aging treatments, their benefits, potential risks, and the costs involved. Let us get started. What Does It Do? Laser resurfacing, laser peel, or light therapy is a well-known anti-aging treatment that uses light energy to repair and regenerate skin cells. Benefits Of Laser Resurfacing Among some of the key benefits of laser resurfacing include (1):
An increase in the energy levels of cells in the treated area. Boost in collagen for the formation of new skin cells to make your skin look younger. Better blood circulation in the area of treatment. Improved lymphatic drainage, which also reduces swelling.
How Does It Work? It is a popular anti-aging treatment for the face that works by directing sharp and concentrated vibrating rays of light at the areas of the skin that are damaged and remove the skin layer by layer. Pain Factor Although there is a slight possibility of pain in some cases (when the procedure is not performed carefully), there is no need for painkiller medications after the treatment. Possible Risks Involved Similar to any other skin treatment, laser therapy also has certain risks involved (1):
Skin discoloration Swelling Crusting Infection Scarring Pain
Note: Except for hyperpigmentation, all these risks are temporary and resolve within hours to days. Certified dermatologists/medical aestheticians have several ways of minimizing these risks. Cost The cost for laser treatment varies based on the types of lasers used. In general, non-ablative laser treatments can cost approximately $1,031 each session, whereas ablative therapies can cost up to $2,330 a session. Hence, the overall cost for laser treatment depends on the number of sessions you require and the specific area that needs treatment.
2. Dermal Fillers
It is quite natural for your skin to lose collagen, elasticity, and hyaluronic acid as you age, which results in wrinkle formation. Dermal fillers refer to the injection of soft-tissue fillers (Restylane, Juvederm Stylage, and Revanese) into these areas around the cheeks, nose, eyes, jawline, and mouth, resulting in an improvement in the skin’s appearance (2).improvement in the skin’s appearance. What Does It Do? Dermal fillers, an injectable treatment performed under the supervision of a certified medical practitioner, can help smoothen lines and replenish lost volume, thus restoring a more youthful appearance (2). Benefits Of Dermal Fillers One of the main benefits of dermal fillers as an anti-aging treatment is that they can be easily dissolved by a special solution in case of an adverse event or if you dislike the appearance. Further, most dermal fillers are premixed with lidocaine, a numbing agent, to help you feel comfortable during treatment (3). How Does It Work? One of the most common compounds used in these dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid (HA). It is a naturally occurring substance found in our skin, and it plays a key role in keeping skin hydrated and volumized. Depending on their specific composition, HA dermal fillers can last six months to several years before being gradually absorbed by the body (2). Pain Factor There is a rare possibility of pain in some cases where the procedure is not performed carefully. Possible Risks Involved The most common side effects of dermal fillers include redness, pain, bruising, or swelling (2). However, all of these symptoms go away within one to two weeks. Cost Dermal fillers are typically priced per syringe. The number of syringes required for treatment mainly depends on which areas you get treated. For instance, the average cost of each syringe of Juvederm is approximately $620. It is also important to note that these costs depend on the credentials and experience of the administering doctor or cosmetic injector.
3. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a relatively less invasive anti-aging procedure that is used to renew the overall skin tone and texture. It can help improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, acne scarring, melasma, and various other skin-related concerns and conditions (4). What Does It Do? Microdermabrasion is a relatively lesser-known facial treatment for aging skin that helps renew the overall skin tone and texture. It helps exfoliate the surface layers of the skin using techniques such as suction and abrasion. Benefits Of Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion is a good treatment option for patients with superficial skin problems and hectic lifestyles who are looking for quick benefits with virtually no side effects or downtime. How Does It Work? The microdermabrasion procedure uses a special applicator with an abrasive surface to remove the thick outer layer of the skin to make it look replenished and rejuvenated. Pain Factor Although there is a slight possibility of pain in some cases, there is no need for painkiller medications after treatment. Possible Risks Involved Among some of the common side effects of microdermabrasion include swelling, redness, and mild tenderness (4). However, these effects generally last only a few hours after treatment. Cost As per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national average cost of a microdermabrasion procedure is $167 (as of 2020) (5). The total cost of the procedure generally depends on your medical practitioner’s fees, as well as geographic location.
4. Botox Injections
Botox or botulinum neurotoxin is primarily a substance injected into the skin to temporarily decrease the facial muscle tone. What Does It Do? It is an excellent treatment to prevent wrinkles from developing or becoming worse (6). It is mainly used for cosmetic purposes, and the results of Botox treatment last for 6-9 months when the nerve fibers start to regenerate. Benefits Of Botox Injections Botox is considered to be the best anti-aging skin care treatment. Its key benefit is wrinkle-free skin. This happens because it paralyzes the muscles around the area of treatment. Another key benefit of Botox injections is that they are very useful for the treatment of hyperhidrosis – a skin condition that causes excessive sweating (6). How Does It Work? When injected into the muscles, Botox injections lead to the blockage of nerve impulses to tissues. This results in a reduction of muscle activity, causing smoother-looking skin. Pain Factor If not administered under the supervision of a certified medical practitioner, there is a possibility of pain, swelling, or bruising at the site of injection (6). Possible Risks Involved Botox injections are completely safe when administered by certified dermatologists. However, there is a possibility of side effects and complications if Botox is not injected properly. Some of the side effects that can develop:
Droopy eyelids Headache Flu-like symptoms Dryness in the eyes
Also, it is recommended to avoid taking Botox treatment if you are pregnant, lactating, or allergic to cow’s milk protein. Cost The overall cost of Botox treatment depends on how many injections you get. Since these injections are available in units, the units are administered based on how active your muscles are. A single Botox injection unit costs between $9-15. It is important to note, however, that different medical practitioners charge differently for Botox treatment.
5. Chemical Peel
A chemical peel is essentially a skin-resurfacing procedure where a solution of different acidic chemicals is applied to the face. What Does It Do? A chemical peel is a unique technique that makes the superficial layer of skin peel off, thus smoothening the skin’s surface and reducing fine lines and wrinkles (7). They are generally gel-like formulas that are applied to the face and sometimes to other parts of the body, such as the hands or the neck. Benefits Of Chemical Peels The key benefits of this non-surgical wrinkle treatment include (7): Reduction in fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth Improvement in the appearance of mild scars Reduction in freckles, age spots, and dark patches due to pregnancy. How Does It Work? Chemical peels work by peeling away the damaged skin cells, which allows healthy skin to grow in its place. Pain Factor Although there is a slight possibility of pain in some cases if the procedure is not performed carefully, it gets better after a few hours of the treatment. Possible Risks Involved Some of the possible risks involved with chemical peels include (8):
Numbness Burning sensation Scabbing of the skin because of the removal of skin cells Excessive peeling of the skin for those with deep wrinkles Increase in skin sensitivity due to the sun, which can lead to sunburn
Cost The cost of chemical peel treatment generally depends on the type of skin peel that you get. On average, a chemical peel treatment can cost between $250-700 for a single session. The prices are around $150 if you go for a mild skin peel and up to $1000 in cases of deep peels.
6. Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
Fractional laser skin resurfacing is considered to be the best anti-aging laser treatment for softening wrinkles and reducing pigmentation issues on the various parts of the body, including the face, chest, neck, arms, and hands (9). What Does It Do? The treatment targets pulsating beams of light precisely on the skin to remove the damaged top layer and deliver a visible improvement in your skin’s texture. Benefits Of Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing It is a completely non-invasive laser therapy that helps treat:
Fine lines Wrinkles Surface scarring (such as the scars caused by acne Surgical scarring Actinic keratosis (a pre-cancerous skin condition) Safety from sun damage Hyperpigmentation such as age spots
How Does It Work? A fractional laser delivers short, precise microbeams of laser light into the lower layers of the skin. This helps create deep and narrow columns of tissue coagulation, thus stimulating natural healing and the growth of healthy new tissues. Pain Factor If not administered under the supervision of a certified medical practitioner, there is a possibility of pain, swelling, or bruising at the site of treatment (9). Possible Risks Involved Among the possible risks of fractional laser skin resurfacing treatment include redness, pain, and scarring. Cost The cost of fractional skin laser resurfacing varies depending on the type of lasers used. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), non-ablative laser treatments cost about $1,445 per session, while ablative treatments are about $2,509 per session (as of 2020) (5). The overall cost of the treatment also depends on how many sessions you need and the area being treated.
7. Stem Cell Facelift
Stem cell facelift is another revolutionary anti-aging treatment that provides the regenerative benefits of stem cell therapy. The main benefit of this treatment is that it requires no surgery and no downtime at all. However, not much research has been conducted on the efficacy and benefits of this anti-aging treatment. How Does It Work? In this anti-aging skin care treatment, stem cells migrate to sites of inflammation, thus calming down the inflammatory effects and laying down a new cellular framework. The result is dramatic skin rejuvenation and a natural lift that can last for as long as three years without surgery or any considerable downtime (10). Benefits Of Stem Cell Facelift Stem cell facelifts help fight all the signs of aging with the help of stem cells (10). The treatment can help restore the quality of your skin by providing collagen and elastin. How Does It Work? The treatment harnesses stem cell technology to create more collagen. Apart from this, it fills in the tissues with healthy blood flow, resulting in a glowing and youthful appearance. Pain Factor Although there is a slight possibility of pain when the treatment is not performed carefully, there is no need for taking painkillers after treatment. Possible Risks Involved Among some of the minor side effects of the procedure include (10):
Skin scarring Bruising Redness
Cost Stem cell facelifts are less expensive compared to other facelift procedures. The approximate cost of the procedure is between $18,000-28,000, depending on factors such as the treatment plan, the extent of damage to the skin, and the site of treatment.
8. Non-Ablative Skin Rejuvenation
Non-ablative skin rejuvenation is an anti-aging treatment that uses lasers and other techniques to treat age spots, wrinkles, and loss of skin tone (9). What Does It Do? This procedure incorporates a non-wounding laser to remove layers of the skin as well as minor skin blemishes such as fine lines and dark spots. The treatment targets different skin imperfections throughout several treatments with shorter recovery time and long-lasting results. Benefits Of Non-Ablative Skin Rejuvenation The heat generated by the laser promotes collagen production, leading the skin to tighten and look young and healthy (9). How Does It Work? In this treatment, the outer layer of the skin is not removed, and there is no recovery time required as such. To achieve the best results, you may need several treatments, and it can take up to a few months to see the full effects. Pain Factor If not administered under the supervision of a certified medical practitioner, there is a possibility of pain, swelling, or bruising at the site of treatment. Possible Risks Involved Some of the possible side effects from non-ablative skin rejuvenation may include:
Burns or other injuries from the laser’s heatScarring Changes in the skin’s pigmentation Bacterial infection Milia in the laser-treated areas during healing
Cost The cost of non-ablative skin rejuvenation ranges from approximately $1,031-1,144, depending on the amount of skin treatment.
9. Microneedling
Microneedling is a collagen-inducing therapy used to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of acne scarring, sun damage, fine lines, and enlarged pores. What Does It Do? Microneedling creates micro-channels using tiny needles that are set to penetrate different depths of the top layer of the skin, which allows serums and skin care products to penetrate deeper and treat the skin better. Benefits Of Microneedling This skin treatment for aging skin is considered effective and safe for treating minor scarring related to wounds, acne, and aging (11). After the treatment, you will likely notice brighter and firmer skin. However, ideal results are achieved after multiple sessions. How Does It Work? Microneedling works by encouraging the skin to make more collagen. Pinpricks from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin, which then responds by making new collagen-rich tissue. This new skin tissue, in turn, is more even in tone and texture. Pain Factor There is a slight possibility of pain in some cases where the procedure is not performed carefully, but the pain fades away within a few hours. Possible Risks Involved The most common side effect of this treatment is minor skin irritation immediately following the procedure. There can also be redness for a few days, and in rare cases, one might experience symptoms such as bruising, bleeding, peeling of the skin, and infection (12). Cost Microneedling can cost anywhere from $100 to $700 per session. The overall cost of the treatment also depends on the size of the area being worked on. Is there a permanent treatment for wrinkles? No, there is no permanent treatment for wrinkles. You can consult your dermatologist for the best treatment suitable for you. Is vitamin C anti-aging? Yes, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts collagen production and protects the skin from oxidative damage (13), (14). This may slow down the aging process. Why is my face aging so quickly? Factors like poor lifestyle, overexposure to the sun and poor sleep intake may result in premature skin aging (15), (16). Is vitamin E or C better for the face? Both vitamins E and C boost collagen production and protect your skin from UV damage (13), (17). You can use either product or both together.
