Anti-Aging Treatments That Work - Without Surgery

If you’re looking for an anti-aging treatment that shows results, you may be tempted to focus on surgical options. However, Alexa Steuer, M.D., a dermatologist in Clifton with Hackensack Meridian Health, says there may be an easier option. 

“We have a lot of anti-aging treatment options that can be done in an office setting with little to no downtime. These treatments, when used in conjunction with a good skin care routine that includes sun protection, can have amazing results,” she says. 

Dr. Steuer reviews some of the best non-invasive anti-aging treatments and when you may want to start them. 

Neuromodulator Injectable Treatments

Neuromodulators (such as Botox or Dysport) are popular injectable anti-aging treatments that can be done in an office setting with almost no downtime. According to Dr. Steuer, they are also very effective. 

“When Botox is injected, it prevents muscles in that area from contracting, which in turn prevents the formation of lines,” she says. 

Results from such treatments generally last 3 to 6 months. Dr. Steuer says Botox can be used at both younger and older ages, either to prevent the formation of etched lines or to soften and rejuvenate existing ones. 

Many people think that Botox will prevent them from moving their face, but Dr. Steuer says that’s a misconception. 

“While there may be a small subset of people who are seeking that ‘frozen’ look, most people still want to be able to have facial movement. We treat people so they have natural results,” she says. 

Injectable Filler Treatments

Soft tissue injectable fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, are another type of injectable treatment. These are used to restore volume, enhance natural contours, and smooth facial lines.

“As we age, we begin to show signs of facial volume loss. This is caused by natural collagen loss and restructuring of your bones over time,” says Dr. Steuer. “Fillers help to replenish this lost volume and subtly lift and support the skin, creating a more refreshed and youthful appearance.” 

Many of today’s most popular fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that is naturally occurring in the skin that plays a role in maintaining hydration, elasticity, and volume. Results from injectable filler treatments are instant and can last anywhere from 6 months to a year, and in some places even longer. Some common areas where fillers are used include the cheeks, lips, chin, smile lines, corners of the mouth, and jawline.

Laser Anti-Aging Treatment Options

According to Dr. Steuer, laser treatments and non-invasive skin-tightening devices can complement other non-invasive anti-aging treatments such as Botox and fillers. Dr. Steuer uses fractional laser resurfacing in her office and says there are multiple benefits. 

“It's been shown to improve facial discoloration that you develop with time due to exposure to the sun, and improve fine lines and wrinkles. It's also been shown to reduce the accumulation of sun-damage-related damage and development of precancers,” she says. 

The Fraxel laser creates thousands of microscopic columns of controlled heat within the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing response. The untreated skin surrounding each column helps the skin repair itself, producing new collagen and replacing damaged cells with healthier skin.

Dr. Steuer says that, depending on your skin type and the extent of damage, you may need 1 to 4 treatments to achieve optimal, long-lasting results. However, after your initial treatment, you can generally maintain results with yearly treatments.

Energy-Based Anti-Aging Treatments

If you are looking for skin tightening without surgery, Dr. Steuer recommends energy-based tightening devices, such as Thermage. Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat deep layers of the skin, promoting collagen production and reducing wrinkles. It’s most commonly used around the jawline, eyes and neck. 

Like laser treatments, energy-based devices offer long-lasting results, up to a year or more. Dr. Steuer says she generally suggests starting these treatments in your 30s or early 40s. 

“The unique thing about Thermage in particular is that there is no downtime. You can walk out of the office and go about your day. There is no numbing either,” she says. 

Everyday Skincare for Any Age

When it comes to anti-aging techniques, Dr. Steuer is an advocate of a proactive approach for those in their 20s and 30s designed to prevent wrinkles and skin damage. 

“I am a big proponent of combining a daily skincare routine that includes sunscreen and retinoids with non-invasive treatments, such as Botox and laser treatments. These methods will help protect your skin and prevent fine lines and wrinkles,” she says. 

The best piece of advice Dr. Steuer gives her patients about skincare is to always wear sunscreen. 

“The accumulation of sun damage contributes to photaging, which is the loss of collagen and elastin, development of leathery or crepey skin texture, and the accumulation of red and brown dyspigmentation that happens over time. All of this can be prevented with sun protection throughout your life, using a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 or above sunscreen,” she says. 

Next Steps & Resources

• Meet our expert: Alexa Steuer, M.D.
• Make an appointment online, or call 800-822-8905. 
• Learn more about our dermatology services.