According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in 2021, nearly 13 million surgical cosmetic treatments were performed, with a further 17.5 million non-surgical cosmetic procedures performed, globally. The number one option was Botox, which continues to reign as the most sought-after cosmetic treatment, in the United States and around the world.
It’s never been more evident that both men and women prioritize looking and feeling their best, with many seeking cosmetic procedures to help them achieve their desired look.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing treatment is how to maintain the results. In some cases, you may need more than one treatment session, and might also need to touch up results. However, proper care ensures that they last as long as possible. Let’s find out more.
Aesthetic Procedure Statistics
It is a good idea to understand the industry and what it can do for you. After all, you don’t want to undergo any procedures without fully knowing what to expect. That includes being familiar with the most popular treatments available. Not only will this give you your best options, but it can also guide you toward a practitioner with plenty of experience.
Top Surgical Procedures
- Liposuction
- Breast augmentation
- Eyelid surgery
- Rhinoplasty
- Abdominoplasty
- Breast lift
- Lip enhancement
- Facial fat grafting
- Butt augmentation
- Breast reduction
Top Non-Surgical Procedures
- Botox
- Hyaluronic acid
- Hair removal
- Non-surgical skin tightening
- Non-surgical fat reduction
- Chemical peel
- Cellulite treatment
- Calcium hydroxylapatite
- Full-field ablative
Currently, the United States is ranked #1 in the total number of aesthetic treatments performed each year. America also boasts the most plastic surgeons, with the average practicing for at least 20 years or more. More than 97 percent of American plastic surgeons are a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Why is Aftercare Important?
Part of ensuring that you get and maintain the results you want, as well as avoiding paying for unnecessary additional treatments, is following your healthcare provider’s aftercare instructions very closely. This is also the best way to identify and treat potential side effects and possibly shorten your recovery time. Beyond that, there are some lifestyle choices you can make that will extend the length of your results so you can enjoy them for as long as possible.
Healing and taking care of your new body are both critical aspects of optimal outcomes for any surgical or non-surgical aesthetic procedure. No matter your goal, whether it’s weight loss, maintaining a youthful appearance, or something else, knowing what’s expected of you before you undergo your chosen procedure is a responsible part of being prepared when the big day arrives.
With that in mind, let’s have a look at some of these top treatments and how you can maintain your results.
Botox (and other injectable wrinkle treatments)
Botox is the number one aesthetic treatment in the world, for both men and women. It makes use of the botulinum toxin, which smooths lines and wrinkles. It can be used on most areas of the face, including the eyes, forehead, neck, jaw, chin, upper lip, and more. While it’s not a once-and-done treatment, there are some steps you can take to prolong the time between maintenance treatments.
- Drink lots of water
- Use collagen-stimulating skincare products daily
- Always wear sunscreen
- Limit sugar intake
- Follow a well-balanced diet
- Take a zinc supplement, with the recommendation of a medical treatment provider
- Control stress levels
Non-surgical Dermal Fillers
This includes hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvéderm and Restylane. It also includes other dermal fillers, such as Sculptra and Radiesse. The one your provider chooses is based largely on your goals, whether it’s treating wrinkles, augmenting the lips, or facial contouring. Your budget also plays a role. However, regardless of the one you undergo, maintaining the results requires the same aftercare regimen and lifestyle choices.
- Eat a healthy diet
- Limit sugar intake
- Get plenty of sleep
- Stay hydrated with ample water intake
- Limit sun exposure
- Always wear sunscreen
- Avoid smoking and other tobacco products
Loose Skin and Cellulite Treatment
Thermitight, Sculptra, and Genius RF are all treatments that tighten loose skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Sometimes this procedure goes with extreme weight loss, as it can help tighten and tone the skin once you reach your weight goals. Naturally, you will need to take care of yourself afterward to ensure that the results on your legs, belly, face, neck, and arms last for as long as possible.
- Maintain your weight
- Follow a nutritious meal plan
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
- Wear sunscreen
- Use skin tightening products to boost results
Microneedling
Microneedling stimulates collagen production, which makes it valuable for treating several skin conditions. That includes stretch marks, acne, skin discoloration, wrinkles, cellulite, and loose skin. You may need future treatments as a touch-up, but you can prolong the time between by taking care to maintain the results in the following ways.
- Wear sunscreen
- Stay well hydrated
- Follow a diet rich in collagen
- Use skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and growth factors
- Avoid smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption
Chemical Peel
A chemical peel is a fantastic choice for improving the texture of your skin, treating age spots or other discoloration, and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also a great way to treat acne scars and boost overall collagen production. There’s virtually no downtime, so the recovery period is short, and you can return to daily activities right away. However, it’s important to follow healthy skin care practices after a peel to ensure the results last for quite some time.
- Avoid picking at peeling skin
- Stay hydrated
- Exfoliate regularly
- Cleanse and moisturize skin daily
- Limit sun exposure and wear sunscreen
- Add Retinol or Retin A to your skincare routine
- Use fragrance-free skincare products
Laser Treatments
Not only can a laser treatment make your skin look overall younger and healthier, but the procedure also has a variety of other benefits. It can be used to counteract saggy skin, treat spider veins, remove tattoos, treat acne, and repair skin that has been damaged by sun exposure. After completing a nano ray laser resurfacing session, it’s important to make sure that you take good care of the treated area between appointments.
- Apply all prescribed skincare products
- Choose a gentle moisturizer and cleanser
- Use hyaluronic acid, as recommended in your post-treatment care instructions
- Always wear sunscreen
Summary
Anyone who chooses aesthetic procedures naturally wants the results to last for as long as possible. In many cases, regular appointments are necessary to reach this goal. The tips provided here won’t make your results last indefinitely but can save you time and money between sessions.
Overall, following a healthy diet, committing to a regular exercise routine, and using appropriate skincare products are all steps that can help you look and feel your best. Using sunscreen, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol and sugar are also healthy choices. Add to that your favorite cosmetic treatments and you’re sure to love what you see in the mirror.
At Z Center for Cosmetic Health, our procedures are always delivered with advice on specific aftercare. We also have a range of s skincare products to aid post-treatment healing, specially formulated under instruction by our founder and medical director, Dr. Michael Zadeh.