Lasers vs. Injectables: How to Know Which One You Need
- What Are Anti-Aging Lasers Treatments?
- What Do Lasers Treat?
- What Are the Common Anti-Aging Laser Treatments in Dubai?
- What Are the Common Types of Cosmetic Lasers?
- What Are Injectables For Anti-Aging Treatments?
- What Are the Common Anti-Aging Injectables in Dubai?
- How Do Botox Injections Work?
- How Does Dermal Fillers Works?
- How Does Injection Lipolysis Work in Dubai?
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Injectables
Are you seeking a non-surgical treatment to restore your youthful profile? Then stick around as we will examine the top non-surgical anti-aging treatments in Dubai best suited for you.
As we age, it is natural for the skin to undergo several changes. However, the surge in skin blemishes that many individuals experience recently has become a growing concern. Some common aging changes include wrinkles and facial lines, skin sags, dry and itchy skin, thinned skin, age spots, sores, etc. Nevertheless, there are many treatment options for combating them, thanks to vital dermatological interventions and technological advances.
Lasers and injectables remain the most popular options for non-surgical anti-aging treatment. Laser or Injectables, what treatment option would be best for you? Continue reading to find out, as we will walk you through vital details to help you make an informed decision.
What Are Anti-Aging Lasers Treatments?
LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Cosmetic laser technologies are devices that emit an intense, narrow beam of monochromatic light that can be modified to specific wavelengths. This emission mechanism allows the light to focus on a small area on the skin surface or penetrate deep layers depending on the skin issue.
Thus, the focused light discharges the necessary heat to specific cells in the treatment area, causing fewer damages to the surrounding tissue. Presently, various cosmetic laser treatments help combat common aging symptoms. These lasers have proven to be effective for achieving optimal aesthetic results.
What Do Lasers Treat?
Laser treatments are excellent treatment options for patients just starting to experience aging symptoms who wish to combat it early, especially on the face, hands, chest, and neck.
You can opt for laser treatments to treat the following:
● Wrinkles, facial lines, moles, and birthmarks
● Acne scars and age spots
● Scars and sun spots
What Are the Common Anti-Aging Laser Treatments in Dubai?
Let's examine some popular cosmetic laser treatments and how they work.
1. Ablative Laser Treatments
Ablative laser skin resurfacing is an effective cosmetic treatment that helps improve the skin's appearance and texture and eliminate minor facial defects. This procedure reduces the cutaneous signs of photoaging by removing the skin's epidermal and upper dermal layers. Some indications for ablative laser treatments include fine to moderate wrinkles, age spots, uneven skin tone, acne scars, sun-damaged skin, chickenpox scars, etc.
How Does Ablative Laser Treatment Work in Dubai?
Ablative cosmetic laser treatment works by discharging an intense wavelength of focused light to the treatment area of the body. This removes the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) such that the emitted heat gets transferred to the underlying skin (superficial dermal layer). More profound laser treatment may require the use of local anesthesia to help lessen the pain.
The heat applied may cause collagen shrinkage in the treatment area, stimulating the natural formation of new collagen and elastin in your skin. Note that collagen is a protein responsible for the elasticity or stretchiness of your skin. Therefore, as the newly formed proteins help your epidermis heal and regrow, the treated area becomes smoother and healthier. In addition, this treatment targets loss of skin tone, as ablative laser treatments help improve your complexion.
2. Non-ablative Laser Treatments
Non-ablative laser skin resurfacing involves using suitable lasers to improve skin pigmentation, firmness, and smoothness without exacting any physical damage to the skin surface. This is why some patients prefer non-ablative laser procedures to ablative procedures. Non-ablative laser treatments are most suitable for many skin concerns. They include wrinkles, rosacea, spider veins, minor scars, brown spots, and moderate skin photodamage.
How Does Non-ablative Laser Treatment Work in Dubai?
The non-ablative laser treatments are less destructive than the ablative ones. Non-ablative lasers can either be fractionated or non-fractionated. The non-fractionated laser discharges gentle and uniform thermal damage to the dermis without injuring the outer skin surface.
On the flip side, the fractionated lasers deliver thermal damage to the treatment area through thousands of tiny, deep columns. But it does not damage the surrounding tissues. These columns are also known as microthermal treatment zones. The heat generated by the laser induces natural collagen production, which makes your skin brighter, healthier, and smoother.
Remember that both ablative and non-ablative laser treatments cannot remove deep wrinkles and sagging skin. Likewise, the effects of both treatment methods are temporary, so you may need multiple repeat treatments depending on the severity of your condition.
What Are the Common Types of Cosmetic Lasers?
Currently, no single laser type is available to treat all patients due to the wide variation in human skin type, color, and condition. As a result, medical experts employ various laser options to achieve desirable results while minimizing side effects. Let's take a closer look at the popular board-certified laser types for non-surgical anti-aging treatments in Dubai below:
1. Broadband Light or Intense Pulsed Light
This is a type of non-ablative laser. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is gentler and causes little to no damage to the epidermis. The IPL-based technology work by filtering UV radiations with wavelengths below 500nm. Additionally, dermatologists use this type of laser in non-surgical cosmetic procedures to improve color and texture. It is also indicated for the cosmetic reduction of brown spots, acne, sun-induced skin damage, and facial redness.
2. CO2 Lasers
Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers are generally ablative, and most health care professionals consider this type the most powerful cosmetic laser. Professionals usually apply CO2 lasers for skin concerns requiring more profound intervention. So, cosmetic surgeons take extra precautions when using CO2 lasers to ensure precision and unwanted effects.
CO2 laser technology work by emitting beams of laser light that penetrate the skin surface. Then, the water molecules in your skin cells absorb the light's heat. When this happens, your skin's epidermis gets vaporized, transferring the heat to the dermis. Afterward, the treated area heals to form a firmer and smoother skin. CO2 lasers are best applied to treat fine or deep lines, acne scars, and sunspots.
3. Fractional Lasers
These non-ablative lasers deliver heat energy in a process referred to as fractional photothermolysis. This laser technology works by discharging tiny laser beams into microscopic treatment areas. The emitted heat creates gentle thermal injuries to the applied area within the precise range of 100 to 400 um in width and up to 700 um in depth.
Then, the newly formed collagen helps remodel and rejuvenate the skin cells of the treated areas. Fractional lasers are popular options for patients with mild to moderate sun-induced skin damage and early signs of aging.
4. Erbium Lasers
Erbium (Er: YAG) lasers have similar effects to CO2 lasers but have fewer side effects and shorter downtime. Unlike other cosmetic laser types, erbium lasers can be used for either ablative or non-ablative laser treatments. They induce collagen remodeling, making them well suited for wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Lasers
Like every other non-surgical procedure, cosmetic laser therapies have specific pros and cons. These details will help you further ascertain if this treatment option is safe for you or not. Check them below:
Pros of Cosmetic Laser Treatments
Cosmetic laser therapies are widely accepted due to the following reasons:
● Non-surgical cosmetic laser treatments are very effective, giving age-defying results.
● They are excellent options for those with early aging signs.
● Laser therapies offer rapid pain relief, healing, and immediate repair of superficial injuries.
● They target many skin concerns like acne, scars, hyperpigmentation, and age spots.
● Laser treatments comprise multiple laser options to optimize your experience, safety, and aesthetic results.
Cons of Cosmetic Laser Treatments
● Cosmetic laser treatments require multiple repeat sessions to maintain results, and this causes inconveniences.
● Some skin laser therapies have high costs.
● Deep laser treatments have higher intricacy and sometimes become painful.
● You may experience some side effects.
Potential Side Effects of Laser Treatments
While cosmetic laser treatments offer many advantages, some patients experience side effects based on the type of therapy. Here are some of the common side effects of laser treatment:
● Irritation and Redness
● Skin infections
● Burns and other damages from the laser heat
● Potential changes in skin color
● Skin dryness
● Scarring
● Crusting
What Are the Recovery Times for Anti-Aging Laser Treatments?
Typically, your skin takes 2 to 4 weeks to heal after ablative laser treatment. You'll notice that new skin grows and cover the injuries. However, the treated area may stay red or pink for a few weeks, depending on the intensity of the procedure. Nonetheless, some patients apply prescribed makeup to cover the area's color after about two weeks. You may also need to revisit the specialist if you experience some side effects.
On the other hand, non-ablative laser treatments have a shorter recovery time compared to ablative therapies. In most cases, it takes a week for new skin to grow and cover the mild injuries of the treated area. Thus, the gentler and safer microscopic approach of non-ablative laser technologies is ideal for mild improvements with fewer complications.
What Are Injectables For Anti-Aging Treatments?
Cosmetic injectables are muscle relaxing, fat reducing, and dermal filling chemical solutions. They are administered in quick procedures with little to no risk or downtime to the patient. These liquid substances help contour the body to improve appearance by creating the desirable framework and adding the needed volume to various body areas. They include the face, neck, jawline, hands, legs, chest, etc.
Aging often comes with fat loss or redistribution away from critical areas, especially the face. This causes sagging and unwanted folds on the face and neck, and other body parts. Injectables have become popular for many patients as a non-surgical rejuvenation procedure to help get smoother, healthier, and brighter-looking skin.
In contrast to cosmetic lasers, injectables give almost-immediate outcomes. This makes them suitable for patients seeking simple and quick cosmetic treatments.
What Do Injectables Treat?
You can opt for cosmetic injectables to treat the following:
● Wrinkles
● Aging skin
● Skin sags
● Frown and Deep lines
● Forehead furrows
There are diverse types of injectable products and procedures for various skin concerns. These minimally invasive treatments require appropriate medical supervision in a controlled environment.
What Are the Common Anti-Aging Injectables in Dubai?
Take a look at some cosmetic injectables you can get to rejuvenate your appearance:
1. Wrinkle/Botox Injections
Botulinum injections, also fondly called Botox, are licensed and effective treatments to combat visible signs of aging on the upper face. They help treat conditions like:
● Frown lines between the eyebrows
● Crow's feet close to the eyes
● Deep lines and wrinkles around the forehead
Each of these facial blemishes results from muscular exertion. Botox injections contain the neurotoxic proteins called Botulinum Toxin Type A, which help weaken the muscles to dissipate the facial lines. This neuromodulating substance is majorly extracted from vast cultures of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
How Do Botox Injections Work?
The Botox injection procedure is a minimally invasive treatment that uses fine needles to inject the neurotoxin into the target area on your face. When administered, these neurotoxins temporarily block the nerve signals to the muscle. During the temporary blockage of these nerves, the injected muscles do not contract freely as before.
That way, the lack of muscular movement smoothens the skin and lessens the appearance of wrinkles and lines on the injected area. The intensity and duration of nerve blockage depend on the volume and Botox injection type administered, making it essential you receive appropriate Botox treatment to avoid unwanted Botulism symptoms.
How Long Does Botox Treatment Take?
Additionally, each Botox treatment takes 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the patient's facial concerns. Most client experience full effects from Botox treatment within 3 to 7 days, while the results last for about 3 to 4 months or longer. But you may need to opt for repeat treatment after some time to prevent the wrinkles or lines from reforming.
What Are the Common Botulinum Toxin Injections Available?
Some approved botulinum toxin injections include Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®. Even though they all contain the same active ingredients (Botulinum Type A), each injection type has unique intrinsic characteristics. Check them below:
● Botox®
Each vial of Botox® powder for injection contains Botulinum type A (onabotulinumtoxin A), albumin, and sodium chloride. Botox remains the most potent of all botulinum toxin injections. This makes it suitable for small areas and niggling wrinkles like the Crow's feet around the eyes.
● Dysport®
Dysport® powder for injection contains botulinum type A toxin-haemagglutinin complex (abobotulinumtoxinA), human serum albumin, and lactose. Dysport is less potent and spreads more quickly compared to Botox. This justifies its widespread usage for large areas on the forehead. More so, the lactose content of Dysport is contraindicated for patients with severe cow milk allergies.
● Xeomin®
Xeomin is often considered a natural alternative to Botox due to its unique formulation. This is because Botox's formulation comprises various protective proteins bound to the neurotoxin. On the other hand, Xeomin lacks these binding proteins, causing its shorter duration of action compared to Botox.
2. Dermal Fillers
The loss of fat on the forehead, temples, and cheeks leads to dropping brows, dark circles, and folds and, in worse cases, skeletonization. Patients with these skin imperfections also tend to look scooped, eventually impairing their self-confidence.
Hence, dermatologists specifically apply dermal fillers to restore volume to the specific area of the body. This improves the smoothness and elasticity of your skin for a rejuvenated appearance. You can opt for dermal fillers to address the following:
● Skin depression and scars
● Folds, fine lines and wrinkles on the face
● Hollow areas
How Does Dermal Fillers Works?
Dermal fillers are soft, gel-like substances that work by enhancing the skin's supply of hyaluronic acid. The acid draws water from the air to keep the skin hydrated, while the water attracts and holds the skin. You'll notice the plumping of your skin from the inside out to smoothen and tighten the treatment area. Various dermal fillers are often used for minimally invasive body contouring. Dermal fillers instantly diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles to give a more improved look.
The physician administers local anesthesia during the procedure to numb the target area. This helps reduce the painful sensations upon injection. While some fillers are temporary or semi-permanent, others are permanent. Above all, hydraulic acid dermal fillers play a pivotal role in body reshaping procedures.
Here are some popular dermal fillers options:
● Juvederm
This gel implant contains hyaluronic acid allowing many patients to regain their youthful appearance. It treats wrinkles and folds in different areas of the face, including the lips, chin, and cheeks. Juvederm is well-known for its quick and long-lasting results as it provides an improved appearance up to a year after treatment.
● Hyacorp
Hyacorp is made up of cross-linked hyaluronic acid particles. Dermatologists use this absorbable gel to restore the lost hyaluronic acid to the skin, which helps contour the treated area. Based on clinical evidence, Hyacorp lasts for 6 to 18 months. However, you may also need follow-up treatments every 6 to 12 months after the first treatment.
● Belotero
Similarly, this dermal filler also contains hyaluronic acid. Specialists apply this injectable gel to restore facial volume, thus filling moderate to severe folds and wrinkles. It is also used for lip enhancement. Belotero treatment lasts anywhere from 6 to 12 months, depending on several factors.
● Radiesse
Radiesse is a hyaluronic acid-based filler also comprising smooth calcium hydroxylapatite. It is indicated for subdermal implantation to correct moderate to severe facial folds and wrinkles. Generally, Radiesse treatment lasts roughly from 15 months up to 2 years. Even so, we strongly suggest you go for touch-up treatments after 7 months if you opt for this injectable.
● Restylane®
Restylane also contains hyaluronic acid, and its complete treatment helps restore volume to the face, hands, and cheeks. With Restylane, you can experience smooth and lasting results for up to 18 months for nasolabial folds, 12 months for the cheeks, and 6 months for facial wrinkles.
3. Lipolysis Injections
These types of injectables chemically diminish the fat cells in the treated site. It is a safe and effective choice of non-surgical lipolysis treatment for patients opposing surgical procedures. Injection lipolysis helps dissolve and remove local fat without needing liposuction or plastic surgery.
How Does Injection Lipolysis Work in Dubai?
The injection hydrolyses the walls of fat cells, making them release the lipid content within. As a result, the fat cells break down to ensure they can be easily removed from the body through natural processes. Injection lipolysis also causes the splitting of fat cells. Subsequently, there is natural fat clearance via the normal excretory system.
What Are the Popular Areas for Injection Lipolysis?
This flexible fat removal treatment works on almost any part of the body. It notably reduces fat deposits in the following areas:
● Upper arms
● Double chin
● Chest fat (in men)
● Inner thighs
● Lower abdomen
● Knees
● Muffin top hips
● Buffalo humps
How Fast Does Lipolysis Injection Work?
The effects of injection lipolysis are immediate. You will notice slight swelling in the first few days after treatment. Then the fat cells get broken down over six to eight weeks, depending on the treatment area. If you repeat the treatment thrice, you will notice the final results within six months of the first treatment.
Are There Any Risks of Lipolysis Injections?
Although fat removal injections are minimally invasive, they present possible side effects like
● Swelling
● Numbness
● Bruising
● Redness
● Pain or mild discomfort
● Hardness
These are minor side effects that last only a few days. The more severe side effects include nerve injuries. However, patients rarely report these issues.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Injectables
Cosmetic injectables have specific pros and cons. These details will help you further ascertain if this treatment option is best for you or not. Check them below:
Pros of Cosmetic Injectables
Cosmetic injectables are popular non-surgical treatment options for aging changes due to the following reasons:
● Cosmetic injectables are minimally invasive.
● Most injectable procedures are brief and cost-effective.
● You will get instant results.
● You may experience little to no downtime.
Cons of Cosmetic Injectables
● Some cosmetic injectables require touch-up sessions to maintain results, causing inconveniences.
● Most results are not permanent.
● You may experience side effects.
Potential Side Effects of Injectables
While cosmetic injectables provide many advantages, some patients experience side effects. Here are some of the common side effects of injectables:
● Bleeding
● Itching
● Bruising
● Skin discoloration
● Scarring
● Swelling and redness at the injection site
● Skin infections and inflammatory reactions
● Hematoma (a collection of blood lumps under the skin)
● Muscle weakness
What Are the Recovery Times for Injectable Treatments?
Generally, the recovery time for injectable cosmetic treatments varies from patient to patient and with each injection type. Most patients can get back to their normal activities shortly after the procedure. Still, we strongly recommend that you avoid strenuous activity for the first 1 to 2 days to reduce swelling and bruising.
Lasers vs. Injectables: How to Know Which One You Need
Yes, aging is inevitable, but there are several skin care treatments available to make you look and feel your best. Laser treatments are the best options to combat moderate wrinkles, acne, scars, and sunspots to replace the affected area with new skin. At the same time, injectables will best work if you must restore lost volume on an affected area.
Remember that laser treatments are not well suited to tighten loose skin without compensating for the lost volume beneath. This is because it can result in unwanted stretched skin. So, injectables will help tighten skin by restoring the needed volume to give more natural-looking outcomes.
You can schedule an appointment with our experienced dermatologists at EDEN AESTHETICS Clinic to evaluate the best treatment method for your skin concerns before you start.
Can You Combine Lasers and Injectables?
Medical professionals have debunked the long-held misconception that lasers cannot be safely paired with injectables for cosmetic treatments. Today, experts combine laser treatments with cosmetic injectables to provide synergistic effects, increased convenience, and reduced patient downtime.
Even though the combined treatments are effective, some theoretical concerns pose new risks. For instance, combining laser treatment with Botox injections may cause the unwanted spread of the neurotoxin, resulting in muscle weakness. So, any treatment combination must be done under professional supervision.
Who Are These Treatments Not Ideal for?
Not all cosmetic procedures are suitable for everyone. Medical professionals often consider and examine vital factors before settling on the treatment to give the best result. These factors include age, medical history, skin condition, etc. For this reason, ensure you consult an expert dermatologist before undergoing any laser or injectable cosmetic procedure.
As with every other medical procedure, poor overall health increases the risk of complications after unaccredited cosmetic treatments. So, avoid laser or injectable cosmetic procedures if you have any of the following health issues:
● Acute skin infections
● Diabetes
● Cancer
● Chronic skin diseases
● Autoimmune disorder
● Hypersensitivity
● Tendency to hyperpigmentation
● Pregnancy or lactation
Get Expert Cosmetic Laser or Injectable Treatment in Dubai!
As one age, the face, hands, neck, cheeks, eyes, and other areas begin to look hollow, giving a worn-out countenance. However, proficient dermatological interventions and technological advances have developed various lasers and injectable treatments to help combat the widespread effects of aging. This article extensively examined the safe and effective laser treatments and injectables you can get in Dubai.
At EDEN AESTHETICS Clinic, we have expert dermatologists ready to evaluate the best cosmetic treatment or combination to meet your aesthetic goals beyond expectation. With our state-of-the-art techniques and technologies, we assure astonishing results with little to no downtime. Our committed specialists will create a suitable treatment plan with appropriate touch-ups to maintain optimal results.
Are you seeking to restore your youthful and uplifting appearance? Then, contact us today!
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