Non-surgical cosmetic treatments and aesthetic medicine

What is aesthetic medicine?

To counteract the effects of time or to remove minor cosmetic facial flaws, there are various treatments available that don't involve going under the knife. These procedures are performed by cosmetic plastic surgeons and are often grouped under the term “aesthetic medicine". Note that the title of "aesthetic doctor" is not regulated, so procedures are sometimes offered by non-specialists in the field of plastic surgery. They are carried out individually or in addition to surgical treatments. They are often so-called "filler" or Botox injections.

Botulinum type A

Botulinum toxin type A is a protein synthesised in the laboratory which can produce temporary muscle paralysis. By preventing muscle contraction, this diminishes or eliminates fine lines or wrinkles. It is marketed in Switzerland as a medicine under the names Botox® /Vistabel®, Dysport®/ Azzalure®, Xeomin®/Bocouture®. This treatment is usually recommended for the upper part of the face, for wrinkles between the eyebrows and on the forehead, but can also be used in other locations for non-cosmetic reasons (contractures, spasticity, blepharospasm) as well as hyperhidrosis in the palms and underarms (excessive sweating). The treatment is carried out through injections in the desired mimic muscles, after evaluating the type of effect to be obtained by the surgeon. Effects are seen after around three days and last 3 to 6 months. The results last longer in the case of hyperhidrosis. The procedure should not be trivialised, but if done well, will give good results.

Filler

This term refers to all materials that can be used for filling. In the case of facial wrinkles, they can be used, for example, to lift the wrinkles between the nose and cheek; for the lips, they can be used to increase volume and definition, to lift perioral wrinkles, or both. Rinofiller procedures can give good results in reducing cosmetic defects in the nose. It is also used in areas where facial ageing is first seen, helping maintain a fresh and youthful appearance for those who do not need surgery and want an immediate result. The surgeon will pay close attention to check and improve, but not interfere with the right proportions of the face.

Hyaluronic acid

This is by far the filler which is most widely used and best tolerated by the body. Injections with non-absorbable materials are not recommended by the Swiss Society of Plastic Surgery. For fillers or semi-absorbable materials, we recommend taking great care to ensure they are only used by medical experts and in selected cases.

These are much less invasive treatments that give great satisfaction if the right recommendations are followed. They are not recommended as a substitute for major procedures, but can be complementary to them.

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