As the understanding of aesthetics and beauty constantly evolves, many innovative treatment options are offered for those who want to achieve a younger, more dynamic, and more vibrant look. These treatments aim to improve skin quality, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, define facial contours, or treat skin blemishes using minimally invasive methods without the need for surgical operations. Each treatment has its own unique mechanism, application process, and expected results. In this guide, we will delve into the 10 most preferred aesthetic treatments today.
1. Botox (Botulinum Toxin) Applications
What is the Treatment?
Botox is a neurotoxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is used for cosmetic purposes, especially to temporarily soften and eliminate facial expression lines (forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines). When injected into the muscles, it blocks nerve signals, preventing muscle contractions, which smooths the skin.
How is it Applied?
The treatment is performed in a sterile environment by injecting small doses into the muscles where wrinkles form using very fine needles. The procedure usually takes 10-15 minutes and does not require anesthesia. A local anesthetic cream can be applied to the area beforehand to minimize discomfort.
What Results Can Be Expected?
The effect becomes noticeable within 3-7 days after application, and the full result appears in 1-2 weeks. Wrinkles are significantly reduced or completely disappear. The effect typically lasts for 4-6 months, after which another injection may be needed. The results aim to provide a natural and dynamic look.
2. Dermal Filler Injections
What is the Treatment?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances used to fill in areas with volume loss, define facial contours, and eliminate wrinkles and deep lines. The most common fillers are based on hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the body.
How is it Applied?
The filler is injected into the desired area (lips, cheeks, jawline, under-eye hollows, nasolabial folds) with the help of fine needles or cannulas. The procedure time varies depending on the size of the area, but it is generally completed within 15-45 minutes. Minimal discomfort may be felt during the application.
What Results Can Be Expected?
Results are visible immediately after the filler application. The effect of hyaluronic acid fillers usually lasts for 6-18 months. Fillers restore a youthful and plump appearance to the face while also improving the skin’s moisture balance.
3. Mesotherapy
What is the Treatment?
Mesotherapy is a method where a mixture of beneficial substances like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid is injected directly into the middle layer of the skin using very fine needles. This method supports the skin’s renewal, revitalization, and rejuvenation.
How is it Applied?
It is a treatment applied in a series of sessions. One session lasts an average of 15-30 minutes. Since the needle tips are very thin, the pain is minimal, but local anesthetic creams can be used for sensitive areas.
What Results Can Be Expected?
Mesotherapy provides an increase in skin radiance, elasticity, and firmness. It helps to eliminate skin tone irregularities and lighten the appearance of fine lines. It is usually applied in courses of 4-6 sessions, and it is recommended to repeat it at regular intervals to maintain the effect.
4. Chemical Peeling
What is the Treatment?
Chemical peeling is a method that involves the controlled exfoliation of the damaged or dead cell layer on the skin’s surface, allowing a fresher and younger skin to emerge from underneath. Different acids (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, TCA, etc.) can be used to perform superficial, medium, or deep peels depending on the skin’s needs.
How is it Applied?
The skin is first cleaned, and the peeling solution is applied evenly. After a certain period, the solution is neutralized and cleaned off. A slight burning or stinging sensation may occur on the skin during the procedure.
What Results Can Be Expected?
Chemical peeling is highly effective in eliminating fine lines, acne scars, sun spots, and skin tone irregularities. It makes the skin appear smoother and more radiant. Superficial peels heal in a few days, while the healing time for deeper peels can be longer.
5. Laser Treatment for Blemishes and Capillaries
What is the Treatment?
Laser technology is used to target and eliminate pigmentation problems (sun and age spots) and enlarged capillaries on the skin. The laser light is absorbed by the targeted pigments or blood vessels, and the damaged tissue is broken down and removed by the body.
How is it Applied?
The laser device focuses on the treatment area and delivers short bursts of energy. The procedure time varies depending on the size of the area. Several sessions are usually required. A slight discomfort or warming sensation may be felt during the procedure.
What Results Can Be Expected?
Laser treatment significantly reduces or completely eliminates the appearance of blemishes and capillaries on the skin. The skin tone becomes more even and smooth.
6. Gold Needle (Radiofrequency Microneedling)
What is the Treatment?
Gold needle treatment is a method that aims to trigger collagen and elastin production by creating controlled damage to the skin with micro-needles. The radiofrequency energy emitted from the tips of the needles reaches the lower layers of the skin, accelerating tissue renewal.
How is it Applied?
An anesthetic cream is applied to the skin before the treatment. A device with a special head is moved over the skin, causing the micro-needles to penetrate the skin. The radiofrequency energy emitted from the tip of each needle generates heat in the lower layers of the skin.
What Results Can Be Expected?
Gold needle treatment is effective in skin tightening, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, eliminating acne scars, and minimizing pores. The skin becomes more taut, radiant, and youthful. A treatment course of 3-4 sessions is generally recommended.
7. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy
What is the Treatment?
PRP therapy is a method where platelet-rich plasma obtained from the person’s own blood is injected into problem areas to accelerate renewal and repair processes. Platelets are rich in growth factors and therefore support tissue regeneration.
How is it Applied?
First, a tube of blood is drawn from the patient and processed in a special centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma portion. This plasma is then injected into the skin, scalp, or other treatment areas with fine needles.
What Results Can Be Expected?
PRP lightens fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin quality, and slows down hair loss by strengthening hair follicles. Although the results are not immediately apparent, an increase in skin vitality and radiance is observed within a few weeks.
8. HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)
What is the Treatment?
HIFU is an ultrasound technology used for non-surgical face lifting and skin tightening. The ultrasound waves target the deep tissue layers beneath the skin, creating controlled heat damage. This heat stimulates collagen production and provides skin tightening.
How is it Applied?
A special device head is moved over the gel-applied skin, sending ultrasound energy to the targeted depth. A slight tingling or stinging sensation may be felt during the procedure. The procedure time varies between 30-90 minutes depending on the area being treated.
What Results Can Be Expected?
After HIFU treatment, a noticeable tightening and lifting effect is observed on the skin. Facial contours become more defined, and sagging is reduced. The full results appear within 2-3 months and can last for 1-1.5 years.
9. Carbon Peel (Q-Switch Nd:YAG Laser)
What is the Treatment?
Carbon peel is a laser treatment used to reduce oiliness, tighten pores, and cleanse the skin of dead cells. Before the treatment, a solution containing carbon particles is applied to the skin. The laser light bursts these particles, removing dirt, oil, and dead cells from the skin’s surface.
How is it Applied?
After the skin is cleansed, a carbon mask is applied to its surface. After the mask dries, the Q-Switch Nd:YAG laser device is moved over the skin. The laser pulses vaporize the carbon particles, cleaning the skin with a slight popping sound.
What Results Can Be Expected?
Carbon peel provides radiance and cleanliness, especially for oily and acne-prone skin. Pores are minimized, the skin gains a more matte appearance, and collagen production is supported.
10. Thread Lift
What is the Treatment?
Thread lift is a minimally invasive method applied to lift and rejuvenate sagging facial contours without the need for a surgical operation. Specially designed, dissolvable or non-dissolvable medical threads are passed under the skin to lift and tighten the tissues.
How is it Applied?
Local anesthesia is administered before the application. The threads are inserted under the skin with the help of guide needles. After the desired tension is achieved, the threads are secured. The procedure time varies between 30-60 minutes.
What Results Can Be Expected?
Thread lift tightens sagging in the face and jawline, providing a sharper and younger appearance. Although the effect is visible immediately, the final results appear within 2-3 weeks. The effect of dissolvable threads generally lasts for 1-2 years, while non-dissolvable threads can be longer-lasting.
