expectations

Aesthetic Procedures: What Outcomes to Expect

Aesthetic procedures have become increasingly popular, helping people feel more confident and happier with their appearance. Aesthetic treatments are designed to enhance your natural beauty by addressing issues such as wrinkles, scars, or sagging skin. If you’re considering an aesthetic procedure, it’s essential to know what outcomes to expect. We discuss the most common aesthetic treatments and the results you can expect.

Botox

One of the most well-known aesthetic treatments is Botox. This injectable treatment temporarily relaxes the muscles responsible for creating wrinkles and fine lines. Areas where most people have their Botox is the forehead, between the eyebrows and around the eyes.

Once you have had the treatment, you should start to see the results within 2 weeks. Some people start to see the results sooner, but usually it is around then, Botox usually lasts for around three to six months, depending on your lifestyle. At times you may need a top up – some practitioners will offer this for free within the first 2 weeks of the first treatment.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are another popular injectable treatment that can help enhance your appearance. Fillers are used to add volume to areas that have lost fullness, such as the cheeks or lips. Fillers are also used to smooth out fine lines – such as smokers’ lines, as well as to fill out scars. Results from dermal fillers are usually visible immediately and can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the filler used and the area treated.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve the use of a solution to remove the top layer of skin, revealing a fresher, smoother complexion underneath. Having a chemical peel can help with any fine lines and wrinkles you would like to remove or reduce; peels are also great for acne scarring as well as uneven skin tones.

After a chemical peel, you can expect some redness and peeling for several days, but the end result should be a brighter, more even complexion. Chemical peel results usually last for months, however you may need further peels to get the best results – maybe look at having a peel once a month.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments use focused light energy to address various skin concerns, such as wrinkles, sunspots, acne scars, and redness. The laser works by stimulating the production of collagen, which helps to improve the skin’s overall appearance.

Once you have had a laser treatment you may have some redness and swelling for a couple of days, this is totally normal – however once you have had it done the results will start to show within a couple of weeks. Result length varies depending on the treatment, but usually last for a few months.

Micro-needling

Micro-needling is a minimally invasive treatment that uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing process. This process can help improve the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.

After a micro-needling session, you may notice some redness and mild swelling for a few days. After that you will start to see an improvement in your skins tone and appearance – it will start to look smoother and more even. For the best results, you may need multiple micro-needling sessions spaced several weeks apart.

The outcomes of aesthetic procedures can vary depending on the treatment chosen and your individual goals. Generally, you can expect to see great improvements in your skins tone, look and feel once you have had an aesthetics treatment, these treatments are designed to help you look younger for longer and reduce the ageing process.

But obviously there is no magic wand and you need to be realistic of the results. Aesthetics is great way to get quick results, however it is not like having a surgical treatment so bear that in mind. Speak to your aesthetics practitioner before having a treatment and ask them what you can expect in terms of results after the treatment. With the right treatment plan, an aesthetic procedure can help you achieve a refreshed, more confident look.

The Psychological Impact of Aesthetic Treatments: Balancing Expectations and Self-Acceptance

In today’s society, the pressure to look a certain way is greater than ever before. From social media to magazines, we are bombarded with images of “perfect” bodies and faces, which can lead to low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction. In response, more and more individuals are turning to aesthetic treatments, such as Botox, dermal fillers, and plastic surgery, to enhance their appearance and boost their self-confidence. While these treatments can certainly have positive psychological impacts, it’s important to acknowledge the potential negative impacts as well and find a balance between expectations and self-acceptance.

The Positive Psychological Impacts of Aesthetic Treatments

A significant benefit of aesthetic treatments is the self-confidence boost they offer. As individuals find contentment in their appearance, they frequently experience a rise in self-assurance regarding their abilities. This newfound confidence can positively impact various facets of their lives, encompassing both professional and personal relationships. For example, a study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal showed that breast augmentation patients reported heightened self-esteem and sexual satisfaction following their procedure.

Furthermore, aesthetic treatments can play a role in improving mental health. For individuals grappling with body dissatisfaction or a negative self-image, these interventions provide an opportunity to exert control over their physical appearance, enabling them to feel more comfortable in their own skin. In line with this, a study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research indicated that patients who underwent cosmetic surgery experienced significant reductions in anxiety, and depression, and marked improvements in their overall quality of life.

The Negative Psychological Impacts of Aesthetic Treatments

While there are potential advantages, aesthetic treatments can also lead to negative psychological consequences. For instance, some individuals might develop an addiction to the outcomes, pursuing an increasing number of treatments, which could result in a distorted self-image and body dysmorphia. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) affects up to 15% of patients seeking cosmetic surgery. BDD is a mental health issue characterised by an excessive fixation on perceived imperfections in one’s appearance, causing severe distress and functional impairment.

Besides BDD, aesthetic treatments may also exacerbate anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. This is particularly true when individuals hold unrealistic expectations regarding the outcomes of these treatments. It is easy to believe that a specific treatment will eliminate all insecurities and lead to complete satisfaction with one’s appearance, but this is not always the reality. In fact, a study in the Journal of Aesthetic Nursing revealed that unrealistic expectations were the primary driver of patient dissatisfaction following aesthetic treatments.

Balancing Expectations and Self-Acceptance

To strike a balance between the potential positive and negative effects of aesthetic treatments, it is crucial to maintain a balanced outlook. Having realistic expectations of what these treatments can accomplish, being aware of their possible negative consequences, and practising self-acceptance are all essential. It is vital to remember that our value is not determined solely by our physical appearance.

If you are contemplating an aesthetic treatment, thoroughly researching and selecting a reputable provider who prioritises your safety and well-being is of utmost importance. Open and honest communication with your provider about your expectations and concerns is also crucial. Additionally, consulting a therapist or counsellor who can help you examine your motivations for seeking treatment and address any underlying mental health issues may prove beneficial.

Ultimately, striking a balance between expectations and self-acceptance requires focusing on your overall well-being, which includes both physical and mental dimensions. Aesthetic treatments can be a helpful way to enhance your appearance and boost self-confidence; nonetheless, they should not be viewed as a substitute for fostering self-acceptance and nurturing a healthy mindset.