Ancillary or non-surgical cosmetic procedures have gained a great deal of popularity in the past few years.

One reason for their popularity is that non-surgical procedures usually cost less than surgical procedures.

Sometimes referred to in the media as "Lunch Time" or "Weekend" procedures, many ancillary procedures can be completed in a surgeon's office in less than an hour.

Some of the more popular non-surgical procedures used at 'The Cosmetic Surgery Institute' are mentioned above with their definitions mentioned below:

Botox:

A neurotoxin which, when used in very low doses, relaxes or temporarily paralyzes the contractive muscles which cause frown lines. Treatment is non-surgical in the form of injections which smooth deep persistent lines between brows or in the forehead. Botox paralyzes facial muscles, while Puragen fills in the space beneath wrinkles. Each acts in a different way, but may be used to complement each other.

Fillers:

Fillers are injectable materials used to fill in wrinkles and other contour defects on the face.

The most commonly used filler is hyaluronic acid which is a water soluble natural body protein. This is used as dermal filler for taking care of wrinkles, deep lines and to plump lips. The effect lasts for 4-6 months.

Dermal filler is a great tool in facial rejuvenation and is a popular option for people seeking non surgical options. It can also be used along with surgical procedures. Longer lasting fillers are undergoing clinical trials, and would be available in the near future.

Permanent fillers like silicon injection are also available. The long term results with these are not good enough to justify their use.

Chemical Peels:

A procedure often used to minimize sun-damaged skin, irregular pigment, and superficial scars. The top layer of skin is removed with a chemical application to the skin. By removing the top layer, the skin regenerates, often improving the skin's appearance.

This non-surgical procedure is used in inducing new smoother, youthful skin growth through the use of an acid solution, usually trichloroacetic acid of 35-50%, which peels the top layers of skin. The wrinkles caused by sun damage, acne, smoking and aging can be effectively treatment with this technique.

Contour Threads:

Contour Threads™ are a patented self anchoring thread technology that permits a minimally invasive surgical approach for elevation and fixation of skin.