Valentine's Special

Lasers vs Injectables

Many of us have areas of our bodies we’d like to refine, but not everyone is willing to have plastic surgery.

For those people, there are a variety of options that are less invasive than surgery that can revive and rejuvenate your body.

At Centre Yourself™ Medical Rejuvenation Spa, our offering includes everything from body contouring to relaxation services like a therapeutic massage.

We also offer a variety of treatments designed to renew and invigorate your skin. Some are performed with a laser, while others make use of the wide range of injectables on the market and corrective skin care.

When looking at treatments to improve skin quality and appearance, one question many patients ask is, “what’s the difference between laser treatments and injectables?”

Although there are similarities between these two types of skin care treatments, there are some differences that you should consider before booking your procedure. In this article, we’ll talk about those differences, the pros and cons of each, and more.

Everything You Need to Know About Laser Treatments

Many people seek skin treatments to combat the wear and tear of aging. As the years go by, your skin loses some of the elasticity and vitality it once had. It can be seen in the wrinkles next to your eyes and the laugh lines around your lips.

Others undergo cosmetic laser treatments as a way to correct skin abnormalities that are hereditary or from sun exposure. These can include freckles, moles, and sunspots. Laser treatments provide a non-surgical option that is cost-efficient, quick, and easy.

 What Lasers Can Do

Laser treatments are ideal for individuals looking for skin rejuvenation this would help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

They can also remove unwanted body hair, treat the effects of aging on the blood vessels and spider veins, and eliminate spots of discoloration on the skin.

Pros and Cons of Laser Treatments

As with any medical procedure, there are advantages and disadvantages to using lasers as a treatment for skin imperfections and hair removal.

Pros:

  • Lasers can be used to treat acne scars
  • They can even out varied skin tones for a smooth appearance
  • Lasers can achieve some tightening of your skin and help remove wrinkles
  • They can remove some of the cosmetic effects of sun damage and aging
  • They can be used to treat enlarged pores
  • Laser treatments are non-surgical and offer little to no downtime afterward
  • They can be an effective way to boost your body’s natural production of collagen
  • Paired with corrective medical grade skin care laser can provide a great treatment for skin rejuvenation.

 

Cons:

  • Patients may experience pigment loss or hyperpigmentation
  • There is a slight risk for scarring
  • Laser treatments may cause patients mild discomfort during or after the procedure
  • Results may not be up to the patient’s expectations

 Potential Side Effects

Side effects are often mild and are not seen in every patient. Before you schedule your procedure, talk with your doctor about the potential for risks and complications.

  • Burns
  • Scarring
  • Reactivation of cold sores
  • Infection
  • Redness
  • Itching sensations
  • Milia (small, white bubbles on skin)

Recovery Times

Some redness and other side effects may last for several days, but patients are generally able to resume normal activities right away. Since this kind of treatment is non-invasive, some people choose to have it during their lunch break and return to work immediately afterward.

Recovery times vary depending on which procedure you choose, so talk to your surgeon to get more specific details about recovery times.

Everything You Need to Know About Injectable Treatments

Injectable treatments are designed to improve areas around the face, neck, and hands. It is an alternative to laser treatment that may be preferable depending on your goals and expectations.

When our bodies age, there is a natural reduction in the subcutaneous fat in our faces. This fat loss causes facial muscles to work their way closer to the surface, which creates unsightly lines and textures. Injectables are used to smooth wrinkles, lessen the appearance of crow’s feet, and reduce lip lines.

What Injectables Can Do

Similar to laser treatments, injectables are ideal for people who aren’t ready to commit to a surgical procedure. They’re also a good way for people who have surgical procedures, like facelifts, to maintain their results.

Injectables are not designed to improve skin tone or the texture of the skin. Their purpose is more geared to making the lines on the face fade over time. Most injectables use either a neurotoxin based product, like Botox, or a filler, such as hyaluronic acid. These materials slightly restrict certain muscles in the face from moving which, over time, allows wrinkles and lines to fade and prevent etched in lines.

Pros and Cons of Using Injectables

Injectables are a great way to avoid surgery and improve the appearance of the face and neck. Here are some pros and cons to consider before choosing your injectable procedure:

Pros:

  • The procedure is quick and results can be seen almost instantaneously
  • Little to no downtime after the procedure
  • Dependent on the materials used, some procedures may be reversible
  • Low risk
  • Injectables can give you an idea of what results may look like if you choose a surgical option later
  • More cost efficient than some surgeries
  • Injectables offer the opportunity to start low and add additional filler as needed to achieve the desired results

 

Cons:

  • Results are temporary, eventually requiring an additional procedure to maintain them
  • While initially cheaper than surgical options, the need to repeat injectable treatments means the cost will add up over time
  • Mild side effects, such as bruising, swelling may occur
  • Injectables, especially those in the lips, can be tricky and require an experienced surgeon, like those at Centre Yourself™, to achieve excellent results

Potential Side Effects

While there are no serious risks to receiving injectables, there are some you should consider before you go through your procedure:

  • Bleeding at the injection site
  • Swelling, bruising, redness, or tenderness
  • Asymmetry
  • Lumps or irregularities-Very rare
  • Scarring-Very Rare
  • Itching
  • Excessive stiffness
  • Allergic Reactions to fillers
  • Unintended injection of filler into a blood vessel

 Injectable Treatment Recovery Times

Patients may experience swelling, redness, bruising, or itching for up to 7 days after their injection. Those receiving lip injections may see symptoms for up to two weeks. In many cases, makeup can cover the visual symptoms. Most patients return to work and resume normal daily activities immediately after their procedure.

Combining Lasers and Injectables

Laser treatments and injectables may be combined to achieve the best results. It all depends on what your goals are and what look you’re trying to achieve.

The best way to figure out what combination of laser treatments and injectables are right for you is to speak with your surgeon. During your consultation, he or she can go over the different options and make suggestions based on their professional opinion.

Why Choose Center Yourself for Your Next Treatment

In this fast-paced, demanding world, you need a place to relax your spirit and refresh your soul. Centre Yourself™ Medical Rejuvenation Spa is just the place for you. It is an oasis of unparalleled luxury and personal attention; a place where professional, licensed skin care experts will help you rediscover a more beautiful you.

We’re here to answer your questions, help you arrange a consultation, and pamper you the way you deserve. Whatever your reason for exploring the world of skin restoration, call the professionals at the Centre Yourself ™ Medical Rejuvenation Spa.

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Meet the Doctors
Dr. Downs
Dr. Downs

Ronald K. Downs, M.D., F.A.C.S. founded The Centre, P.C. in Elkhart, Indiana in 1992. He is an active member in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Downs is also a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, The American Medical Association, The Ohio Valley Plastic Surgery Society, The Rush Surgical Society, and The Indiana State Medical Association where he serves on the board of directors and has served as the president from 2003 to 2004.

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Dr. Downs
Dr. Macias

Dr. Macias completed her plastic and reconstructive surgery residency training at Spectrum Health/Michigan State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is Board Certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

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Dr. Viscardi
Dr. Viscardi

Patrick J. Viscardi, M.D. has been part of the surgical team at The Centre, P.C. since 1998. Dr. Viscardi graduated from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, as a summa cum laude. He received his Doctor of Medicine Degree from the University of Rochester in New York. Dr. Viscardi completed his internship and general surgery residency at the University of Louisville, where he served as chief resident from 1994 to 1995.

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