Elevess is a non-invasive method of wrinkle reduction. This FDA approved dermal filler is one of several alternatives to more invasive methods. Alternative products and procedures to acquire smooth skin, such as creams/oils, soft tissue fillers, radiofrequency energy, infrared light, and thread lift sutures, are popular choices in the pursuit of a youthful appearance. Deciding which alternative to use is based on the condition of the skin tissue.
Non-invasive methods for decreasing fine lines and wrinkles needs to focus on skin's physiology. Skin is the largest organ of the body and is exposed to many external environmental factors. Some products concentrate their effects on the outer layer (epidermis), such as skin creams and oils. Others focus a bit deeper at the dermis where the collagen fibers are located (laser). Deeper yet, skin sutures can uplift all three skin layers and dermal injections (Elevess) can fill wrinkles from within.
Creams and Oils
Skin ages over the entire body, but greatest on the most exposed regions: face, neck and hands. Creams for skin contain various combinations of ingredients combating fine lines on the exposed regions. Some examples are retinol, a form of vitamin A, which can be used to increase skin cell turnover and vitamin E.
Botulinum Toxin
This toxin has been used for twenty years on skin. Bacterial toxins injected into muscles near wrinkles and deep lines relax the surrounding area by nerve tissue paralysis. The inability to move the muscles allows the wrinkles to relax and appear reduced.
Radiofrequency and Infrared (Laser)
Both radiofrequency energy and infrared light create heat to reach the collagen within the layers of skin. The fractional heat damage to the dermis causes a biological response by the cells to initiate a healing response, thus a tightening and remodeling of the collagen occurs, smoothing the external skin.
Injectable Dermal Fillers
A fourth non-invasive method to improve wrinkles is done with injectable fillers. These gel fillers are injected directly below the wrinkle, filling the area and making the skin smooth. One product, Elevess, is a hyaluronic acid based filler with the added benefit of cross-links. Cross-links hold the product together an extended amount of time, enabling the product to last longer within the tissue.
Other types of fillers are polylactic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite, both synthetic fillers. Since these fillers are not biological, the body tends to surround the compounds with collagen tissue giving bulk to the injections, allowing them to last longer and fill in severe wrinkles and folds.
Thread Lift Sutures
Thread lift sutures, although considered non-invasive, require a trained surgeon. This minimally invasive procedure can be done in an office within 1 to 2 hours. Barbed sutures are placed under the skin and the skin is pulled upwards to minimize sagging. This mini face lift is a fairly new procedure.
Many non-invasive options are available to the general public for wrinkle reduction or elimination. A person in their thirties may opt for a skin cream, while someone in their forties or fifties would find more benefit from skin abrasion (laser, radiofrequency) or dermal fillers (Elevess, collagen). Botulinum toxin and thread lift procedures are a bit more insidious, but many alternatives are available to create smoother skin.
