The natural aging process has a way of leaving its mark on our skin. From fine lines and wrinkles to superficial concerns like dark spots and minor sun damage, our skin goes through radical changes the older we get. It’s often the case that over-the-counter products aren’t potent enough to deliver the anti-aging results you’re looking for. Fortunately, at JOON Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, we know that neuromodulators, dermal fillers, and microneedling are all good aesthetic treatments to refresh your appearance.

Aesthetic Treatments

Aesthetic treatment is an umbrella term for any treatment that addresses visible appearance-related concerns. Many aesthetic treatments are focused on rejuvenating the appearance for a more youthful look, but other treatments are designed to promote better skin health and correct deeper concerns, such as acne scarring. At JOON Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, we focus on a trio of highly effective aesthetic treatments, which include:

NEUROMODULATORS

A neuromodulator, also known as a neurotoxin, is a type of aesthetic treatment that is delivered through an injection. The purpose of neuromodulators is to relax the muscles in the face that contribute to the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Most of the time, these injectable treatments are used to correct the appearance of concerns such as:

• Forehead wrinkles
• Frown lines
• Crow’s Feet
• Glabellar lines
• Drooping eyebrow
• Bunny lines
• Gummy smile
• Downturned mouth corners

We are proud users of BOTOX® and Dysport.

How They Work

The principle behind a neuromodulator injectable is all about the science of the nerves in your face. When a neuromodulator is injected into the muscles of the face, the purified toxin in the injection inhibits the communication between motor nerves and neurotransmitters sending motion signals to the face. In other words, this treatment acts as a nerve block that will relax tense muscles and prevent facial muscles from creating or worsening wrinkles.

DERMAL FILLERS

Dermal fillers are also injectable treatments that are mainly focused on restoring facial volume that is lost through the aging process. Dermal injectables are ideal treatments to correct issues related to loose, lax skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. Fillers can be used on virtually all areas of the face, although most treatments are designed to be used on the mid-face to correct issues such as:

• Nasolabial lines
• Smile lines
• Chin wrinkles
• Hollow cheeks

Fillers are unique treatments because, in addition to correcting age-related concerns, these injectable treatments can also be used to contour the appearance. Many fillers can be used to enhance the appearance of the cheekbones, alter the shape of the jaw, nose tip, or chin, and also augment the volume of the lips to correct asymmetry or lipstick lines.

We are proud users Juvederm® and Restylane family of fillers.

How Fillers Work

Most fillers are made with unique formulas that are designed to work with the body to promote more natural collagen production to restore skin volume. Fillers made with hyaluronic acid tend to have the most versatile use and create the most natural-looking results. These dermal treatments are injected into the skin and immediately begin working to increase collagen production to restore a more youthful appearance.

MICRONEEDLING

Microneedling is one of the current golden standards in aesthetic treatments. Microneedling is well known for its ability to address various superficial concerns, including concerns that are related to skin volume and aging. Some of the main appearance-related concerns that can be corrected with a microneedling treatment like SkinPen includes:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Skin laxity
• Enlarged pores
• Acne scars
• Stretch marks
• Blemishes
• Dark spots and sun damage
• Pigmentation concerns
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

How SkinPen Works

SkinPen is a patented microneedling device that works by piercing the top layers of skin to create micro-injuries that will stimulate the body’s natural regenerative response. The micro-injuries created with these sterile needles cause the body to increase the production of collagen, elastin, and fibrin, all of which can restore skin volume and lessen the appearance of certain signs of aging. Along with this healing process, your skin’s natural cellular turnover will increase, which will fade the appearance of some superficial skin concerns, such as dark spots.

WHICH AESTHETIC TREATMENT SHOULD YOU USE?

The aesthetic treatment that is right for you will depend entirely on your appearance-related goals and your skin condition. It’s not uncommon for patients to use one or more of these aesthetic treatments at a time. For example, patients with frown lines on the forehead and hollow cheeks may benefit from using a combination of neuromodulator and filler treatments. We will help you create a treatment plan that will address all of your aesthetic concerns.

WHEN WILL YOU SEE RESULTS?

How quickly you will see your results will depend on the treatment being used. Fillers tend to produce the fastest results since the injections deliver an immediate boost to skin volume with the gel formula of the filler. Neuromodulator treatments also produce fast results, usually within one to two weeks of treatment. For microneedling results, you may need three to four weeks to see significant results from the treatment.

HOW LONG CAN RESULTS LAST?

Each of these aesthetic treatments can produce temporary relief for age-related concerns. Fillers generally produce the longest-lasting results, with some fillers lasting between 12 and 24 months depending on the brand and placement of the treatment. Neuromodulator treatments can last for three to four months at a time. Microneedling results can last for several months, but may also produce long-term results, such as for the treatment of certain scars and stretch marks.

WHO ARE GOOD CANDIDATES?

Most adults over the age of 21 who are experiencing one or more appearance-related concerns are likely good candidates for this treatment. Candidates for these treatments should not be currently breastfeeding, pregnant, or have any significant skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, or fever blisters, at the time of treatment.

Refresh Your Aesthetics

From superficial concerns like dark spots to stubborn age-related concerns like wrinkles, you can be sure that aesthetic treatments will be able to resolve your concerns. Aesthetic treatments are designed to work with your body to reduce the signs of aging and refresh your appearance so you can love the skin you’re in.

This article was reviewed and approved by the JOON Medical Wellness & Aesthetics  Medical Team.