Did you know that US consumers spent almost $16.7 billion on cosmetic procedures in 2020? Many of those treatments, in turn, were non-surgical or minimally invasive.

That’s right. Today, you no longer have to go “under the knife” to enhance your appearance. Thanks to modern cosmetic medicine, you can even get lunch break treatments.

So, what exactly is cosmetic medicine? What procedures fall under this discipline?

We’ll answer all those questions in this guide, so be sure to read on!

What Is Cosmetic Medicine?

Also called aesthetic medicine, cosmetic medicine aims to improve a patient’s physical appearance. Its goal is to help people feel better and more satisfied with themselves. As a result, it might help them avoid having a poor body image.

Keep in mind that poor body image can impact physical and psychological health. For example, it can affect one’s self-esteem and mood. It can even influence how a person functions in social and occupational settings.

What Are Examples of Cosmetic Procedures?

According to Ascension Cosmetic Medicine, aesthetic treatments include anti-wrinkle injections. These are injectables made of purified protein derived from botulinum toxin. They cause temporary muscle relaxation, thus, reducing facial lines and smoothening wrinkles.

Soft tissue fillers, gel-like substances injected under the skin, are also popular. In the US alone, there were over 3.4 million of these injections given in 2020. Many people get them to restore lost volume, smooth out facial lines, and soften creases on the skin.

Chemical peels are also in-demand medical aesthetic procedures used for skin resurfacing. They involve the application of a chemical solution onto the skin to remove its top layers. From there, the skin that grows back or “resurfaces” is smoother and blemish-free.

All three examples are also among the most popular lunch-break cosmetic procedures. That’s because they can take less than an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area.

Do Aesthetic Procedures Hurt?

For many patients, non-surgical cosmetic medicine treatments cause minimal discomfort. That’s because, in many cases, they receive a topical anesthetic first. That numbing agent then helps alleviate any unpleasant sensation they may otherwise feel.

Remember, though, that pain thresholds vary per person, so some may be more sensitive to pain. If you’re one of these individuals, be sure to let the practitioner know. That way, they can adjust the amount of anesthetic to give you to help ensure you’ll feel as little pain as possible.

What About Adverse Effects?

Like any other skincare treatment, non-surgical cosmetic procedures can still cause side effects. For example, anti-wrinkle injections and fillers may result in bruising and swelling. Chemical peels may also induce the same, as well as skin irritation.

The good news is that many of those side effects are temporary and easy to remedy. Moreover, they’re not that common, and more severe complications are even rarer.

Stay Young-Looking With Cosmetic Medicine

There you have it, the most crucial facts you need to know about cosmetic medicine. Now you know that it’s a discipline that can help enhance your appearance without surgery. As a result, it may help you feel better about yourself and give your self-confidence a welcome boost.

Would you like to read more guides on beauty, health, and wellness? If so, please feel free to check out our other latest blog posts on these topics!