Non-Surgical

Not every patient wants or needs cosmetic surgery to achieve his or her cosmetic goals. In fact, one of a plastic surgeon's primary goals is to stave off the need for cosmetic surgery as long as possible so that patients see significant benefits and long-lasting results when cosmetic surgery is finally performed.

When combined with an effective skin care regimen, non-invasive laser treatments, injectable fillers and wrinkle relaxers can not only correct the signs of aging without surgery, but also slow the skin's aging process by preventing wrinkles, stimulating collagen production and improving skin tone and texture.

A variety of non-surgical anti-aging treatments, facial rejuvenation procedures and skin care maintenance options are available at Azalea Plastic Surgery, and Wilmington plastic surgeon Dr. Tor Ljung can help you decide which of the following treatments is right for you:

Botox

Botox Cosmetic is a popular, non-surgical wrinkle treatment that temporarily reduces frown lines, forehead creases and crow's feet. Botox works by blocking targeted facial nerve impulses, which temporarily prevents muscle contractions that are known to cause wrinkles and fine lines in the upper face.

For some patients, Dr. Ljung may recommend a different injectable wrinkle relaxer called Dysport, which is the only FDA-approved Botox alternative.

Lumenis Laser

The Lumenis One Laser platform is one of the most effective, versatile laser devices on the market today. With the Lumenis Laser, a variety of treatments are available to correct a variety of cosmetic concerns, including spider veins, sun damage, unwanted hair, facial wrinkles, acne scars and more.

Lumenis Laser allows IPL Photofacial, Yag Laser treatment and Lightsheer laser hair removal procedures all to be performed using a single platform.

Radiesse

Radiesse is an injectable filler that offers long-lasting results for nose, jawline and cheek enhancement, as well as correction of facial folds and creases. Radiesse last longer than hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane because it is made of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres, a biocompatible, biodegradable mineral component of teeth and bone.

Radiesse is also sometimes used to restore volume to the backs of the hands, however it should not be used for lip enhancement.

Ultrapulse CO2 Laser

The Ultrapulse CO2 Laser is a fractional laser resurfacing procedure known as Active FX. The Active FX is great for treating sun damage and age spots. It also works well for treatment of skin texture irregularities like wrinkles, fine lines and acne scars & tightening of the skin.

Depending on the intensity of treatment, fractional CO2 lasers can offer maximum skin resurfacing results with minimal downtime. Just be sure to seek an experienced physician for laser resurfacing procedures to avoid complications and long-term side effects.

Restylane

Restylane is an injectable dermal filler made of hyaluronic acid that is often recommended to fill facial wrinkles, such as the nasolabial folds, or the creases that extend from the sides of the nose. Restylane is also frequently used for lip augmentation and soft tissue augmentation of the cheeks and nose.

Unlike collagen injectables, allergic reactions are extremely rare with Restylane and other hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm, so no skin test is required prior to injection.

IPL Treatment

The IPL Photofacial is arguably the best procedure available to safely and effectively treat sun damage, hyperpigmentation and skin redness caused by rosacea and broken capillaries.

IPL is a non-ablative light-based skin treatment so when the procedure is performed by an experienced and competent practitioner, it carries a very low risk of side effects.

Juvederm

Juvederm, like Restylane, is one of many injectable fillers made of hyaluronic acid and designed to temporarily reduce wrinkles and facial creases, as well as fill areas of depressed or sunken skin, such as under eye hollows and some types of acne scars.

Juvederm is also often recommended for lip enhancement and may be used to augment soft tissue in a variety of other facial areas.

Yag Laser Treatment

Although Yag Laser treatment is most commonly recommended for spider vein removal in the legs, the multi-tasking Nd:Yag Laser also offers non-ablative wrinkle reduction, vascular birthmark removal and reduction of dilated superficial blood vessels known as telangiectasias.

Unlike many lasers that operate at shorter wavelengths, the Yag Laser is safe for treating dark, ethnic and tanned skin types, so the risk of serious complications like burns and scarring are extremely unlikely with Yag Laser treatment.

Dysport

In 2009, Dysport joined Botox Cosmetic as one of the only two injectable botulinum type A wrinkle treatments available in the U.S. market. Like Botox, Dysport treats dynamic wrinkles, or wrinkles caused by muscle movement, on the forehead, between the eyebrows and around the eyes.

Although Dysport works almost exactly the same as Botox, there is some debate in the medical community as to whether Dysport is more fast-acting and longer-lasting than Botox.

Lightsheer Hair Removal

Lightsheer Laser hair removal is considered by many to be the gold standard in permanent hair reduction. The Lightsheer Laser makes laser hair removal possible for patients of all skin types and tones, even those with dark or tanned skin because unlike other permanent hair removal methods, Lightsheer Laser is extremely unlikely to cause serious side effects like burns or scarring, so you can expect safe, effective hair removal results.

After a series of Lightsheer hair removal treatments are performed, body and facial hair of nearly any color and diameter is permanently reduced.

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel improves skin tone and texture and can also correct acne, reduce wrinkles and even out skin pigmentation. Chemical peels provide a wide range of results depending on the peeling agent used and its dilution, from mild skin exfoliation to deep skin resurfacing.

Common peeling agents used for chemical peels include (from mildest to strongest) glycolic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), salicylic acid and other beta hydroxy acids (BHA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and carbolic acid (phenol).

Lip Enhancement

Lip enhancement procedures temporarily plump thin lips and improve lip shape and definition. In addition, smoker's lines or mouth wrinkles can also be improved with lip enhancement.

At Azalea Coast Plastic Surgery, non-surgical lip augmentation options include injection with Juvederm, Restylane or collagen fillers. Fat injections and lip implants are also options for lip enhancement, however these procedures involve surgery.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation procedure designed to exfoliate and regenerate facial skin, as well as improve skin tone and texture. With periodic treatments and a medical-grade skin care regimen, microdermabrasion is an excellent way to promote cell turnover and maintain healthy skin.

There is no downtime with microdermabrasion, so it is often performed as a "lunchtime procedure," meaning that patients undergo treatment over their lunch break and return immediately to work.

Skin Care Products

A daily skin care regimen with medical-grade skin care products and cosmeceuticals is an important part of keeping your skin vibrant and healthy. Good skin care habits also help you maintain the results of other non-surgical skin rejuvenation procedures, such as chemical peel, laser resurfacing and IPL treatment.

All of the choices in skin care products can be overwhelming, but Dr. Ljung will evaluate your skin and help you find the perfect daily regimen to keep your face looking youthful and beautiful.