When it comes to cosmetic surgery, recent trends indicate that many women and men in the United States are seeking rejuvenation without invasion.  Many individuals want to achieve natural looking aesthetic enhancements without undergoing surgery.  According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Americans received nearly three million Botox injections in 2003, while the popularity of brow lift surgery declined by 24 percent.  More and more, Americans are choosing other non-surgical options, like chemical peels, dermabrasion, and microdermabrasion, to achieve younger looking skin.

Chemical peels use alphahydroxy and other acids to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin, thereby smoothing out wrinkles, balancing skin tone, and reducing the appearance of scars and acne.  Dermabrasion also removes the top layers of the skin to reduce wrinkles, scars, and even precancerous growths.  Microdermabrasion removes dead skin cells by spraying fine crystals over the skin and suctioning them off to reveal healthier younger-looking skin. 

Dr. Tracy Childers, otorhinolaryngologist and owner of Reflections Skin Care Clinic, finds that many of her clients “prefer a more rejuvenative style of skin care management.”  Her clinic offers skin peels, Botox, collagen injections, and even some surgical procedures like rhinoplasty.  “Most clients,” she states, “prefer the less-invasive procedures.”  Many individuals prefer these procedures because they want to achieve facial enhancement without the “downtime” required to recover from more invasive techniques.  “Most clients are able to re-apply their makeup and head back to work or school immediately after their appointment,” says Childers. 

Many consumers are also seeking over-the-counter skin treatments at much higher rates than previous years.  According to the Consumer Health Digest, the topical wrinkle-reducing product market produced more than one billion dollars in 2004 alone.  This number is expected to double by 2006.  More and more, consumers are gaining access to products that were once only available to dermatologists. There are more than 200 different products on the market today designed to remedy the signs of aging.  These range in cost from ten to 300 dollars per ounce. 

Surveys indicate a growing demand for safer and gentler skin care solutions that can achieve desirable aesthetic benefits.  One survey conducted by a global research-driven company indicated that 17 percent of American women are willing to have cosmetic surgery and only 27 percent have used non-surgical treatments for skin rejuvenation.  According to studies, nine out of ten women use some sort of skin care regiment to fight aging and the skin-damaging effects of aging and the environment. 

While more and more over-the-counter beauty products are flooding the market, cosmetic surgery and skin care professionals recommend seeing a specialist before lathering on new products.  A professional consultation is the best way to determine what products might be most beneficial for your skin and aesthetic goals.  Every person’s skin is unique, so what might have worked for a friend or co-worker, may or may not be appropriate for you.  

With so many products claiming to achieve incredible skin care results, a cosmetic surgeon or skin care professional can really help a patient determine what products and procedures might be most conducive to achieving one’s aesthetic goals.  It is also important to keep in mind that over-the-counter products aren’t able to offer some of the more dramatic results only achieved through non-invasive and surgical cosmetic techniques.