There are many different anti-aging procedures from which to choose, and it can be overwhelming to choose the one that’s right for you. There are many ways to narrow the options, depending on your desired results, your budget, and the amount of downtime you are willing to go through. If you are looking for a non-invasive treatment, however, you still have some options, and there are a lot of great choices. Two of these effective treatments are dermal fillers and Pelleve. Dermal fillers, which can accomplish a number of goals, are currently some of the most popular anti-aging treatments in the United States. Pelleve is a newer treatment but is also an excellent choice for subtle anti-aging. So what are the pros and cons of each treatment?
The Effects
Fillers are an extremely versatile treatment type. They can be used to add subtle volume to the face, fill in lines, and provide instant improvement. There are many different types of fillers available, and each has a slightly different effect. Some are formulated especially for volume loss, while others are better for wrinkles.
Pelleve is an exciting non-invasive treatment that uses radiowave technology to help the body produce collagen. Collagen is an abundant connective protein that helps keep skin elastic and youthful. With aging, collagen breaks down and production of new collagen is slowed. The new collagen helps improve the appearance of facial wrinkles gradually over time.
The Treatments
Fillers involve a simple injection process that takes only a few minutes when performed by a qualified professional. No preparation is generally required, and most patients experience little discomfort during the process.
Pelleve treatments last about a half hour to an hour. Gel is applied to the area to be treated, and the plastic surgeon uses a handpiece to direct radiofrequency energy into the skin. Most patients find the treatment fairly comfortable, and the experience is often compared to the sensations of a heat massage. There is no special preparation needed for each treatment, and generally three sessions spaced a month or two apart produce good results.
The Recovery
Because fillers and Pelleve treatments are non-invasive, patients can get back to their normal activities almost immediately. Some redness and swelling may occur following Pelleve treatments, but this is very mild and subsides quickly. Fillers may cause some temporary swelling at the injection site. Patients should follow their provider’s instructions for aftercare, but lack of downtime is one of the major reasons patients seek out these treatments.
Costs
As with any procedure, costs vary depending on the region, the patient’s needs, and the provider administering the treatments. However, fillers are commonly priced around the same as Pelleve per treatment–$600-$1000. Pelleve has a higher initial cost for good results, since typically three treatments are necessary, but the cost for fillers can quickly add up as well. The good news is that both of these treatments offer great results at a lower price point than surgery.
Longevity of Results
Naturally, the longer the results of a cosmetic treatment last, the better. However, non-invasive treatments typically do not last as long as more intensive procedures, which is one of the tradeoffs. Fillers tend to last about six months to a year, depending on the use and formula. Pelleve can stimulate collagen production for up to six months after treatment. It is possible to combine the procedures and maintain results with additional treatments for more lasting results.
Which Should You Choose?
Your choice of treatment is highly personal and should be determined by you alone, keeping in mind the advice you will get from board certified facial plastic surgeons. The treatment that is best for you will depend on a number of factors, including your needs and where your aging is most concentrated. If you are unsure which treatment is right for you, rest assured that reputable providers will be happy to assess your needs and recommend a course of treatment. This is why consultations are so important, even for non-invasive procedures such as fillers and Pelleve.
A Skilled Provider
As with any cosmetic procedure, successful results depend on the skills of the provider. Though complications are rare with non-invasive procedures, it is still much safer to choose a board certified facial plastic surgeon to perform your treatments. Highly trained surgeons have the skill and finesse to produce consistently excellent results that look natural.
If you need help from a qualified facial plastic surgeon in the Boston area, come to Bentkover Facial Plastic Surgery and meet with acclaimed, board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Stuart Bentkover. Dr. Bentkover is renowned for his work with dermal fillers, and has won the Ellman International Before & After Photography contest for the results of Pelleve treatments he has performed. If you would like to learn more about anti-aging treatments with Dr. Bentkover, call his offices in Worcester (508-363-6500) or Stoneham (617-247-0033), MA to schedule your consultation.