Today women can reduce, prevent or even erase the signs of aging without resorting to surgery. Nonsurgical aesthetic treatments ranging from injections and microdermabrasion to laser and hair removal treatments can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, facial lines, unwanted hair, broken blood vessels, large pores and acne scars.

With all of these options, women—and men—are embracing the possibilities. Doctors perform an estimated 8.3 million minimally invasive aesthetic treatments annually, while dermatologists, otolaryngologists, ophthalmologists and other medical specialists perform millions more. In fact, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the number of nonsurgical aesthetic treatments has jumped 84 percent between 2002 and 2006—264 percent just for that headline-grabbing treatment: Botox Cosmetic.

The increased use of aesthetic treatments is being driven by several factors. According to a 2006 Harris Interactive survey of 800 American women aged 35 to 69, women report wanting to look an average of 13 years younger. The survey also found that 78 percent of women expect aesthetic treatments to leave them with a natural-looking, refreshed appearance, while 75 percent of women reported being concerned about the expense of such treatments, and 65 percent were concerned that the treatments don't last long enough. 

Despite the growing popularity of these procedures, it is important for consumers to do their homework when considering these treatments. Even something as simple as a chemical peel carries potential risks, particularly when performed by someone who is not properly trained in the procedure.

Dr. Tina Miranda is trained in Aesthetics and has performed these procedures on hundreds of patients.  Make an appointment at her office 1-888-DRTINA1 for your free consultation.

The most important things to remember about nonsurgical aesthetic treatments are:

• You will likely have to bear the entire cost; insurance rarely covers cosmetic treatments.
• Few treatments are permanent. Most will need to be repeated within a few months or a few years.

Laser techniques address fine lines, wrinkles, acne, scarring and pigmented lessions.  Profractional laser uses 2940nm Erbium Yag to deliver energy deep into the dermis to stimulate rejuvenation of the collagen matrix.  With lasers, the wound healing process produces fibroblasts that generate new collagen, plumping the skin and correcting wrinkles, scars, tone and texture.