Perhaps you are frustrated with noticeable signs of facial aging, but are not yet ready to undergo a cosmetic surgery procedure. Or, maybe you would like to optimize the aesthetic effects of facial rejuvenation surgery. If either of these sentiments sounds familiar, you may benefit from undergoing a nonsurgical facial rejuvenation treatment with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Florence Mussat.
Dr. Mussat offers a range of nonsurgical treatment options to address various signs of facial aging, from wrinkles around the eyes or forehead to acne and signs of photo damage, such as hyperpigmentation (dark spots). The following are some of Dr. Mussat’s most popular nonsurgical treatments.
Topical Retinoids
Dr. Mussat prescribes medical-grade, topical retinoids to treat a variety of conditions, including mild to moderate acne, comedones (whiteheads and blackheads), signs of sun damage (e.g., dark spots, scaly spots), freckles, fine lines and wrinkles. Also, some bleaching creams contain retinoids to decrease pigmentation in melasma (a brown skin discoloration).
Topical retinoids are derived from vitamin A. They can be applied to almost any area of the body, but they are most commonly used to treat signs of aging on the face, neck and back of the hands.
There are three main topical retinoids that are available with a prescription, in the United States. They are:
- Retin-A Cream (tretinoin)
- Differin Gel or Cream (adapalene)
- Isotrex Gel (isotretinoin)
Some patients may experience skin irritation when using topical retinoids. Also, using topical retinoids increases the risk of sunburn. For these reasons, it is important to follow all of Dr. Mussat’s instructions when applying a topical retinoid.
Hydroquinone
Dr. Mussat prescribes 4-percent or 6-percent topical hydroquinone to help improve the look of hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and melasma (larger patches of brown to brownish-gray discoloration) due to sun overexposure and other factors. Hydroquinone can also be used to lighten the appearance of post-inflammatory conditions, such as injury, trauma, rashes, acne and some surgical or cosmetic procedures.
Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Medical Grade Peel
The TCA peel, a medical-grade, nonsurgical solution for skin resurfacing and skin rejuvenation, is an effective way to treat a variety of skin concerns, such as acne scars, other types of scars, age spots, stretch marks, tattoos, freckles, wrinkles and more. Achieve healthy-looking skin with a more even tone and texture with the TCA peel, administered exclusively by Dr. Mussat.
BOTOX Cosmetic
More than 6.6 million BOTOX treatments were performed in the United States in 2014, making it the most common nonsurgical facial rejuvenation treatment in the U.S.
Dr. Mussat injects small amounts of BOTOX Cosmetic into the treatment area to suspend muscle activity temporarily. Relaxing the muscles in the treatment area also relaxes the overlying wrinkles and lines, for a smoother, younger appearance.
The BOTOX procedure is quick and can be performed over a lunch break. It is a relatively painless procedure, with no downtime needed. Patients will notice the aesthetic benefits of BOTOX treatment within a few days of the procedure. The results typically last between four and six months.
Dermal Fillers
Dr. Mussat offers dermal filler treatment to fill in — and thus smooth out — facial wrinkles and lines. Dermal fillers can also be used to restore lost volume throughout the face and enhance certain facial features, such as the lips or cheek area.
Common dermal fillers include Restylane and Juvéderm, which are hyaluronic acid (HA) based. HA is a naturally occurring substance that allows the skin to retain moisture and helps restore volume to facial tissues.
Dermal filler treatment is a quick procedure that can be performed on a lunch break or on the way to pick the kids up from school. Dr. Mussat uses topical anesthetic cream to minimize discomfort during treatment. Minimal downtime is required. The cosmetic effects typically last about six months.
Rejuvenate Your Look Without Surgery
If you would like to rejuvenate your look without surgery or optimize the aesthetic benefits of a facial rejuvenation surgical procedure, consider starting retinoid treatment or undergoing an injectable treatment, such as BOTOX, Restylane or Juvéderm. To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Mussat and learn more about your nonsurgical facial rejuvenation treatment options, contact her office by calling (312) 751-9000 today.