Most of us, at one time or another, are tempted by plastic surgery. We think it might be an option to get that youthful appearance that has eluded us as we’ve gotten older.

But there are other treatments you can try that might achieve the same goal with less pain, and without the danger, the pain, and the expense.

Let’s look at a few.

Botox

Botox has gotten a bad rap in recent years, but it’s as popular as ever. Essentially, Botox involves the injection of the botulinum toxin into the skin. Botox is generally performed only on the forehead and around the eyes and nose. It is a quick, relatively painless procedure that can last up to several hours.

Botox is relatively quick, but it does require a recovery period of about a week. afterwards. Botox treatments can be repeated as needed.

Chemical Peel

One of the most popular non surgical face lifts is the chemical peel. A chemical peel is a skin treatment that removes the uppermost layer of skin, usually not the dermis, which lies beneath. A chemical peel practically eliminates the wrinkles in the face as the uppermost skin layer is removed. There are different types of chemicals for different types of skin.

Depending on the depth of the peel, the results may last for several months. There are three main types of chemicals for the different areas of the face. Phenol, trichloroacetic, and salicylic are the three most common. Phenol peels, like the other chemicals, remove the outer layers of skin but don’t affect the deep skin layers like trichloroacetic or salicylic peels do.

Trantloroacetic acid (TCA) is a medium peel in the sense that it leaves skin slightly red and a little swollen for a day or two. It is most commonly used on the face and neck, but is also used on the hands and chest. TCA peels are similar to phenol peels but slightly milder.

Chemical Peels as Rejuvenation and Normal Skin Care

TCA treatments are most often performed as a series with an initial peeling and then a follow up peeling every couple of weeks. Some experts believe that a TCA peel can even stimulate collagen growth on the face.

However, others disagree with this claim and claim that a TCA peel can do more harm than good. They point to the fact that many people see and feel more collagen on their skin after a TCA peel as evidence that the procedure is harmful.

Other skin experts, including dermatologists, agree that TCA peels are excellent for normal skin care. Several chemically based peels, including AHA peels, have been shown to increase skin cell turnover and stimulate normal collagen production. In addition to glycolic and lactic acid peels, TCA peels are one of the best options available today.

TCA peels may be more aggressive than other alternatives, but they do yield results. Chemical peels can normalize skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles,38 make the skin smoother and softer, and aid in the healing of blemishes and acne. There is even a TCA peel that can make an individual look younger without a surgery.

With any procedure, knowledge is key. If you know that TCA peels can be done, choose a doctor who is experienced with the procedure. On the other hand, if you know you will need more than a single peel, schedule your appointment for a series of peels.

Anyone considering a TCA peel should also research the donor sites of the TCA. It is possible to get counterfeit TCAs, which can be dangerous. Anti aging skin care experts agree that research gleaned from different studies will help improve the maintenance of TCA peels and other skin care procedures done with these chemicals.