For those of you who are not ready for a trip to the operating room and the extensive recovery required by most cosmetic procedures, one of the latest techniques available has to do with the non-invasive restoration of youthful facial contours and tightening of the skin, neck and brows. Specially trained physicians utilize a process called a Contour ThreadLift™, which is less invasive than surgery and can eliminate the need for—or decrease the frequency of—the more common techniques of Botox® and facial-skin fillers.

The procedure incorporates Contour Threads™, usually takes less than an hour and requires no more than a few days of recovery before the patient can interact socially, looking noticeably more youthful. The potential complications in this procedure are virtually nonexistent as compared to surgical intervention. Recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, this threading anti-aging treatment is gaining popularity throughout the United States. In fact, the only downside to this procedure is finding a physician who is both artistically inclined and appropriately trained.

Utilizing IPL

Other non-invasive treatments for facial aging that are becoming more popular have to do with intense pulsed light, or IPL. Utilizing intense pulsed light of different frequencies, facial skin, facial texture and age-related discoloration of the skin—including conditions such as rosacea and facial keratosis (dark age spots)— can be markedly improved.

These IPL frequencies actually target the cellular level and stimulate skin to make more collagen for improved facial-skin tightness and thickness. There is zero downtime involved in these treatments. This latest approach has been embraced with much enthusiasm by the baby-boomer population.

Anti-Cellulite Treatments

Recent advances in body contouring from the non-surgical point of view also have become extremely popular. Some of the most frequently requested treatments include anti-cellulite therapies. Endermologie®—the mechanical massage of fatty tissue throughout the body—has been utilized with notable success. Although this procedure requires a number of treatments, the approach is noted to produce significant results.

Also, the addition of ultrasound for 10 minutes prior to Endermologie has opened up a whole new dimension of anti-cellulite treatments. It is through the initial ultrasonic component of the treatment that fat cells become more responsive to mechanical massage. It is with this addition that the nutrient flow and lymphatic flow is markedly improved and together result in a more effective anti-cellulite treatment.

The most recent advances in anti-cellulite treatment have to do with the use of radio-frequency waves, IPL therapy and mechanical massage. All of these treatments focus on stimulating the underlying fat cells to decrease their overall size while stimulating microcirculation to improve nutrient flow to the surface of the skin.

The DNA Factor Skin aging most recently has been linked to changes and damage to DNA that occurs as we age. It is at this intimate level that the aging process—and ultimately our overall health—is controlled. Aging of the skin is directly related to the damage we suffer by ultraviolet radiation and environmental toxins. Part of this damage occurs to our DNA, which controls the deposition of new collagen and elastin as well as the contour, color and texture of our skin. Also, it is at the level of DNA that changes in our body composition begin to manifest.

Changes in hormone level and hormone receptors, accumulation of body fat and loss of muscle tone all are directly linked to our DNA’s ability to maintain optimal levels of youthful hormones and new body tissue.

One of the most recent programs available to address aging and minimizing the aging process is a personal genetic-health program for skin and body. This program begins with a personal DNA profile, which is obtained at the spa or aesthetic surgeon’s office. The DNA profile is taken from inside the cheek with a small swab. Cheek cells are analyzed for DNA content, and a series of key genes then are analyzed with the latest technology to determine how the individual’s genetic profile may affect the aging process of his or her skin and body. From this personal genetic profile, an individual nutraceutical regimen is recommended to make DNA work better, limit the damage to DNA and control free radicals.

A topical DNA skin cream also repairs damaged DNA with proprietary ingredients targeting damaged skin cells. Clinically tested for more than seven years at the medical-office level, this program has introduced patients to a simple and extremely effective regimen so they can look and feel their best.

Overall Wellness

Although aesthetic surgery is, without question, the most effective approach to reversing the effects of aging in the face and body, these latest non-invasive therapies are the best place to start—especially if someone is not quite ready for the surgical approach.

However, I believe the best plan for the prevention of age-related problems is through the optimization of the genes we have inherited combined with positive, healthy lifestyle choices. It is this approach that dictates our facial and body appearance and our overall health status.

For the first time, the medical spa is beginning to focus on personal genetic health and non-invasive treatments as a basis for optimal skin and body appearance. This new approach to age management is rapidly permeating the spa industry and will continue to gain acceptance over the next decade.

For more information on Contour Threads™, visit www.contourthreads.com or www.youthfulneck.com.