Overview of Nonsurgical Treatments
Over time, factors like genetics, environmental damage and lifestyle choices create the visible effects of ageing. Non-surgical treatments can address these changes by softening wrinkles, plumping volume deficits and tightening the skin.
Young patients can also explore non-invasive and minimally-invasive cosmetic treatments. A variety of procedures are available to enhance facial shapes, nose and lip contours, jaw angle, skin tone and skin clarity.
At Asian Plastic Surgery and our partner clinic AF Aesthetics, we specialise in providing surgical and non-surgical treatments for patients of Asian heritage. Our practitioners are well-versed in the unique characteristics of Asian skin, Asian anatomy and Asian aesthetic preferences and adapt procedures accordingly.
Benefits of Nonsurgical Treatments
Non-surgical treatments can be an option for patients who are not ready or not suitable for surgical solutions. The benefits of a non-surgical approach may include:
- In-office procedures
- No need for general anaesthesia
- Reduced discomfort
- Little to no downtime
- Fewer recovery restrictions
If you are not a candidate for any of the treatments outlined below, you may be a candidate for a surgical procedure with one of our specialist plastic surgeons.
Laser Treatments
PicoWay
Asian skin is prone to developing pigmentation — such as age spots, sun spots and melasma — caused by excessive melanin production. The PicoWay laser system is a pigmentation removal treatment for Asian patients seeking a clearer, more even skin tone. PicoWay utilises ultra-short laser pulses that have a ‘photoacoustic’ effect rather than a photothermal (heating) effect. This technology keeps the skin at a safer temperature, thereby reducing the risk of side effects and limiting downtime after treatment. The laser travels through the skin layers to vaporise unwanted pigment while leaving the skin surface intact.
CO2RE
Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers have played important roles in the medical and aesthetic industries for decades. A CO2 laser can penetrate the skin deeply for the treatment of various concerns, including wrinkles, sun damage, scarring, rough texture, uneven tone, reduced elasticity and large pores. CO2RE is a versatile laser system with different treatment modes to address both the superficial and deeper dermal layers. CO2RE reduces the downtime associated with conventional resurfacing procedures, yet produces significant improvements with as little as one treatment. CO2RE resurfacing is suitable for all skin types.
Vbeam
Vbeam is the gold standard for the treatment of diffuse redness, rosacea, dilated facial veins, broken capillaries and other vascular conditions. The light from the Vbeam laser is selectively absorbed by the haemoglobin found in red blood cells. This heats the blood, which in turn causes the walls of the blood vessel to narrow. Visible redness can be significantly reduced after a series of two to five short treatments. The Vbeam laser is well tolerated thanks to a built-in cooling system, with a relatively short recovery period and an acceptable safety profile for most skin types.
Energy Treatments
Profound
Profound is a minimally-invasive skin tightening procedure that combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy. The device uses tiny microneedles to deliver radiofrequency energy in the form of heat directly into the skin’s deeper dermal level, where it triggers the production of new collagen and elastin fibres. The combination of microneedling and RF energy produces more significant skin remodelling than can be accomplished with either type of procedure individually. Profound treatments are most often performed around the cheeks and mouth, along the jawline to diminish jowls and on the neck. For patients with appropriate concerns and realistic expectations, Profound may act as a non-surgical alternative to a facelift.
Thermage
Thermage is a non-invasive treatment for skin tightening on the face and body. The device works by using radiofrequency energy to heat the dermis and stimulate collagen production. A Thermage treatment can yield subtle skin firming right away as it contracts existing collagen fibres, followed by more skin tightening and wrinkle smoothing as new collagen develops over time. One treatment with little to no downtime can deliver results that last one to two years. For the longest-lasting benefits, consider making Thermage an annual part of your skin rejuvenation maintenance regimen.
Secret RF
Secret RF is a fractional radiofrequency microneedling treatment. The device’s unique technology and adjustable microneedles can deliver heat energy into various layers of the skin, allowing providers to tailor treatments for a range of skin concerns and skin types. It is well suited for patients who wish to minimise fine lines, wrinkles, photodamage like hyperpigmentation, acne scars and stretch marks. By kickstarting collagen development, Secret RF can also produce firmer, more supple and evenly toned skin over time. Improvements build with each successive session.
Ultherapy
Ultherapy targets areas beneath the skin surface with focused ultrasound energy. The Ultherapy system leverages traditional ultrasound imaging so providers can see the layers of tissue they are treating and go deeper than other non-invasive collagen stimulation treatments. This ensures the ultrasound energy is delivered to where it has the greatest effect. Ultherapy is commonly administered on the brow, on the neck and under the chin for skin tightening, but it can also improve lines and wrinkles on the chest. The treatment is safe for all skin types and tones, and most people can be candidates.
Accent Prime
Accent Prime combines technologies to reduce fat and tighten loose skin. The platform utilises ultrasound and radiofrequency to deliver highly customised body contouring treatments with the potential for long-lasting results. Ultrasound energy is distributed evenly throughout the treatment area, disrupting fat cells. RF energy is then used to heat the tissue for skin tightening and cellulite reduction. This unique blend of technologies reduces individual treatment time and total number of treatment sessions while yielding results. With Accent Prime, it’s possible to reshape a number of body areas, including areas that have previously been hard to treat.
Thread Lifting
A thread lift is a non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedure in which suture threads are inserted under the skin to reduce sagging in the brow area, under the eyes, in the mid-face, around the nasolabial folds and along the jawline. A thread lift is sometimes referred to as a ‘lunchtime facelift.’ Although it can be suitable for some patients, anyone considering this procedure should be realistic about their expected results. A thread lift cannot achieve the same improvements as a surgical facelift.
Making an Informed Decision
Undergoing a cosmetic procedure is a significant decision that should be made only after careful consideration of all aspects involved, including the potential risks and complications.
General Risks and Complications
There are general risks and complications that apply to many surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. These are discussed in detail on our Risks and Complications page.
Specific Risks and Complications
In addition to those that apply generally to plastic surgery, each individual procedure comes with its own specific risks and complications. These may include:
- Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, bleeding, bruising, inflammation, pain)
- Skin discolouration
- Headache
- Abscess formation
- Flu-like symptoms
- Vision loss
- Anaphylaxis
- Necrosis (tissue death)
- Drooping eyelids or brows (ptosis)
- Changes in skin pigmentation
- Dry eyes or excessive tearing
- Temporary numbness or tingling
- Blurred or double vision
- Scarring
- Crooked smile or drooling
- Blistering or burns
- Difficulty swallowing
- Herpes simplex virus reactivation
- Lumps, bumps, nodules or granulomas
- Photosensitivity
- Vascular occlusion
Next Steps
Request a consultation at Asian Plastic Surgery for a detailed discussion of these considerations. One of our specialist plastic surgeons will conduct a thorough risk assessment based on your individual factors and outline the measures that can be taken to minimise these risks. Our entire team are here to support your decision-making process, providing all the information you need to make well-informed choices about your care.
Request More Information About Asian Non-Surgical Treatments
As we age, our skin becomes less elastic and loses the ability to ‘bounce back’ in the face of stressors. Lifestyle choices and sun damage have an effect, and a combination of diminishing muscle tone, fatty deposits and moisture leads to facial lines and loose skin. Asian patients in all stages of life are increasingly seeking non-surgical cosmetic treatments to address these changes.
To receive more information about the non-surgical treatments we offer in Sydney, contact Asian Plastic Surgery today on (02) 8985 9850.
