The Top 5 Most Popular Medical Aesthetic Procedures

As cosmetic procedures have evolved and gained visibility, new product and treatments trends have emerged. According to our research, here are the top 5 most popular procedures that patients are receiving right now:

Neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin)

As our bodies age, our skin also becomes less elastic and more fragile, causing wrinkles. Suddenly, expressions such as frowning, smiling, or squinting can crease the skin and take a toll on self-esteem. Neurotoxins such as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin provide a minimally-invasive treatment option for reducing wrinkles. 

They are all often referred to as Botox, however, they have different brand names. Different brand names, same results!. They are all non-surgical procedures that treat the same target areas with the same active ingredient. While they all achieve the same result, these three wrinkle relaxers are made by different manufacturers with slightly differing costs, potencies, and formulations. The active ingredient in each product is botulinum toxin type A with variations in the proteins that help the toxin bind to the nerve, which can affect the onset and spread of the product.

Aesthetic providers often offer all three wrinkle relaxers in their practice. Receiving a consultation with an aesthetic provider is essential in understanding which is product is favorable in a client’s situation. 

How does it work?

Each injectable has a primary active ingredient called Botulinum Toxin A. This blocks the nerve impulses of muscles and temporarily weakens muscle movements that contribute to wrinkles. The results last for months and

Nicole Brustkern, DNP, asserts, “My top requested aesthetic treatment is Botox and Dysport. Everyone wishes they would’ve started sooner.” 

Results

During injections, a slight stinging will be felt at the injection site. The effects of the neurotoxins typically begin to appear within a few days after the injection. However, the full results are not fully visible for about 1 – 2 weeks. Neurotoxins last an average of 3-4 months. As the muscles regain strength and the neurotoxin wears off, wrinkles and movement will gradually reappear in the treatment areas. It is important to consult providers for a touch-up treatment.

Many visible signs of aging are due to volume loss. As facial tissues thin out and with loss of bone mass, lines become apparent around the nose, mouth, and cheeks. These issues can appear as smile lines, sunken cheeks, hollowing eyes, or jowls. Fortunately, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers offer a cost-effective solution to aging without surgery or extended downtime.

How does it work?

Dermal fillers are soft injectable gels consisting of stabilized, non-animal hyaluronic acid. They are injected into various layers of the skin to restore the skin’s supply of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring compound that adds volume and hydration. Hyaluronic acid fillers restore lost volume to soften lines and enhance facial contour. Most importantly, the injection process takes only 15-30 minutes, and the results are immediate.

Results

Swelling, redness, lumpiness, and asymmetry are all normal following dermal fillers. They typically resolve within 2 weeks as inflammation from the injections decrease. The final results last from several months to several years, depending on the filler used, the patient, and the area injected.

Microneedling with PRF

Microneedling is a non-invasive procedure that stimulates the production of new collagen to smooth, resurface, and regenerate elasticity in the skin. Microneedling is particularly effective in the treatment of acne scarring. While microneedling can be performed alone, results are maximized with an adjunctive therapy called platelet-rich fibrin, also known as PRF. PRF ultimately serves to enhance the natural healing process.

How does it work?

PRF is obtained by extracting a patient’s own stem cells and platelets from a sample of their blood. PRF is applied like a serum during microneedling to boost the body’s natural restoration process to create new cells, produce more collagen, and release growth factors that result in younger, smoother skin. Topical numbing is very effective in providing a comfortable, pain-free experience for each client.

Results

Microneedling with PRF is best performed in a series of 3 treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart. Long-term results include enhanced skin quality, improved elasticity, and skin tightening may take up to 3-4 months to be noticed but can last for several years with maintenance sessions.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a simple, non-invasive treatment for improving skin tone and texture. They are often used as a method to target skin texture, melasma, and hyperpigmentation. Often called a “lunchtime” procedure because they require little downtime, chemical peels continue to attract clients as an effective and easy treatment. 

How does it work?

Chemical peels target the outermost layer of the skin, causing dead skin cells to peel off and stimulate new cells to take their place. While the skin is healing, it will be extra sensitive, so patients are advised to wear sunscreen at all times and avoid sun exposure. 

Results

Peeling begins 2-3 days after the treatment and continues for 4-5 days. Results are visible beginning at one week following the treatment when the peeling has resolved. Full results become apparent in four to six weeks as the skin continues to heal, leaving a more youthful and glowing appearance.

Kybella

Kybella is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment that permanently destroys fat cells in the stubborn area under the chin. The procedure is fast and highly effective in improving the appearance of the profile for certain clients. 

How does it work?

Depending on the size of the treatment area, Kybella can require 2-6 sessions using 1-5 vials per session. At each treatment, the patient receives multiple small injections under the chin. The injection process takes less than 5 minutes. The exact number of injections depends on the amount of adipose tissue. These small injections contain deoxycholic acid, which targets and bursts fat cells in the treatment area. The dissolved fat is broken down, excreted as waste, and cannot reform in the area that was treated.

Results

While it can take up to 6 treatments to achieve desired results, the results of Kybella are permanent. Hence, there is no need for frequent touch-ups once optimal results are attained. Swelling and redness are normal after the injections and can last up to 2 weeks. The results are noticeable beginning 4 to 6 weeks following treatments.