Today, whether you want to smooth lines and wrinkles or improve skin tone and texture, there's little need to go under the knife. It's now possible to turn back the clock in under a day or two — or indeed under an hour, with minimal or no downtime.
Where cosmetic procedures were once the domain of the rich and famous, they are now accessible to all. According to Sydney cosmetic surgeon Dr Anoop Rastogi, a youthful appearance is becoming of increasing importance in our society.
"The availability and accessibility of these procedures has made them part of everyday life," he says. Here's a rundown of the latest non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
Omnilux Revive
Omnilux Revive is a non-surgical light therapy that targets ageing, rejuvenates skin and enhances the effect of skincare.
What is involved? A spectrally pure, non-laser light source is directed onto the skin for 20 minutes. Through the use of only the red light part of the natural white light spectrum, the skin is rejuvenated.
Expect to see: "I tell my clients to imagine a shrivelling plant that has not been watered," says Dee Davies of the Clear Skin Clinic, Sydney. "Then imagine it is nurtured with regular watering and nutrition. In the same way, the light breathes life back into the skin."
Downtime: The treatments are pain-free and relaxing, with no downtime.
Cost? Approximately $990 for 10 sessions, each of which includes a facial.
Where can I get it? Call 1800 808 993 or Clear Skin Clinic, Sydney: (02) 9327 5033
Aptos threads
Aptos threads are placed under the skin to lift sagging facial contours and smooth wrinkles. They can be used on the face as well as for breast and buttock lifting and neck lifts," advises Dr Swapan Chowdhury of Simply Beautiful Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Clinic in Sydney.
What is involved? A local anaesthetic is administered and threads are placed between the skin and muscle using a specifically designed needle. They are then tightened to deliver the desired result.
Expect to see: Think of it as a non-surgical facelift. Skin is smoother and firmer.
Downtime: Some bruising and discomfort; downtime of three days to one week.
Cost? Upwards of $500 per thread.
Where can I get it? Call Simply Beautiful Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Clinic, Sydney: (02) 9363 0060.
Sculptra Wrinkle Treatment
This is an injectable form of polylactic acid which helps stimulate the body's own production of collagen, making skin firmer. "Sculptra can be used on the face and neck but is particularly successful when used to counteract ageing of the hands," says Dr Chowdhury.
What is involved? Multiple injections into the specific area, followed by massage to aid absorption. Sculptra's microparticles then work to help diminish flaws.
Expect to see: Skin hollows filled around eyes, forehead and mouth; chin and cheeks can be plumped.
Downtime: There is some swelling and discomfort; downtime of up to four days.
Cost? Up to $1600.
Where can I get it? Call Simply Beautiful Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Clinic, Sydney: (02) 9363 0060.
Restalift
A stabilised hyaluronic acid is strategically injected to lift and fill hollowing cheeks and sagging jowl areas.
What is involved? A topical anaesthetic and numbing injection is given before the acid is strategically injected to treat the affected areas.
Expect to see: An instantly more youthful appearance in cheek and jowl areas.
Downtime? Patients can return to work the next day.
Cost? Upwards from $800.
Where can I get it? Call Shape Clinic and MediSpa, Sydney: (02) 8356 2888.
Fraxel laser treatment
This is a specifically targeted laser used to eliminate pigmented or damaged cells. It is unique in that it leaves the healthy cells untouched.
What is involved? A topical anaesthetic is applied, followed by a blue tint that highlights skin contours and allows for increased accuracy.
Expect to see: Diminished fine lines and wrinkles. A reduction in the appearance of pigmentation.
Downtime? Skin is pink for up to a week and will flake until new skin grows.
Cost? $1500 per treatment.
Where can I get it? Call Laser Cosmetic Day Procedure Centre, Sydney: (02) 9665 3247.
Mesolift
This is a series of injections that aims to tighten and firm sagging facial contours.
What is involved? A combination of vitamins, minerals, hyaluronic acid and amino acids is injected under the skin. This has a lifting and rejuvenating effect.
Expect to see: After a few treatments, skin appears rejuvenated and lifted.
Downtime? Mild discomfort while the solution is injected; there's no downtime.
Cost? Expect to pay around $275 per treatment.
Where can I get it? Call International Centre of Cosmetic Medicine, Sydney: 1300 558 214.
IPL LaserSmooth Photorejuvenation
Developed by Sydney cosmetic surgeon Dr Mark Kohout, this treatment directs Super Intense Pulsed Light onto the skin to reduce pigmentation, broken capillaries, enlarged pores and fine lines.
What is involved? An intense pulsed light is applied in a series of gentle pulses. The heat from the light causes damage to abnormal blood vessels or pigmentation. The body heals and clears away the blemish in the process.
Downtime? There are no side effects. You may experience slight redness, similar to waxing, which usually subsides within 15 minutes.
Cost? Expect to pay up to $120 per session. A series of four sessions over four weeks is suggested for best results.
Where can I get it? Call Dr Mark Kohout, Sydney: 1300 551 151.
Botox and dermal fillers
Despite — or as well as — this plethora of new non-surgical, anti-ageing advancements, Botox remains popular. Today it can be administered to not only erase lines and wrinkles, but to re-shape the face to create a more youthful, softer appearance, to give a lifting effect to the brow or to make the face appear more slim-lined and soft. Likewise, dermal fillers (Restylane, Perlane) remain popular to fill out smile, frown and worry lines or better define lip contours.
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