Here at the Swan Center, we’ve helped thousands of Atlanta plastic surgery patients navigate the wide range of available treatments and procedures.

We put together the following guide to help you understand the level of invasiveness for various treatment types, and what effect they may have on your busy lifestyle.

What’s an invasive procedure?

The term invasive is typically used to describe surgical procedures that require incisions and appreciably alter skin or underlying tissues at the time of the procedure. As such, this class of procedures requires bed rest for a few days up to a few weeks. Surgical procedures usually include the option for general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation.

Examples of common invasive plastic surgery procedures:

• Rhinoplasty (nose enhancement or repair)
• Breast augmentation (placement of breast implants)
• Facelift surgery (improvement of sagging skin on lower face and neck)
• Liposuction (fat reduction)

Total healing time: Two to six months, depending on the procedure, with patient rest averaging one to two weeks.

Results: Varies between one to six months.

The risks involved with invasive plastic surgery procedures are usually greater than non-invasive options. However, these procedures are particularly effective at delivering results and are considered safe when performed by a board certified plastic surgeon.

So, what does minimally invasive mean?

Minimally invasive treatments require significantly less or no downtime and very little discomfort, but often involve a puncture or even a small incision. Minimally invasive procedures are considered less risky than other methods and do not require general anesthesia.

Examples of common minimally invasive options:

• Dysport®, Restylane®, and dermal fillers (injectable treatments)
• Skin procedures such as scar revision or dermaplaning
• Deep skin peels

Healing time: Zero to ten days, with patient returning to work immediately or within a few days.

Results: Varies between a few days to two weeks.

These cosmetic treatments are growing in popularity because patients can return to normal activities quickly, the risk of infection or complication is low, and the results can be impressive.

What about non-surgical options?

Non-surgical cosmetic treatments involve no needles, no punctures, and no anesthesia. Foreign objects do not enter your body at any time and the entire cosmetic treatment is done externally.

These types of treatments typically involve very little downtime, with patients being able to resume unrestricted normal activity very quickly after treatment. Non-surgical treatments may occasionally be considered invasive on some level, depending on how they affect both the treatment area and underlying tissues.

Examples of common non-surgical treatments:

• Laser treatments (such as fractional skin resurfacing or hair removal)
• Light chemical peels

Healing time: Anywhere between one day to two weeks, with patient typically feeling and looking back to normal within a few days.

Results: Varies between one week to three months.

Non-invasive treatments

Many skincare treatments are considered non-invasive because they do not puncture the skin or otherwise impact the underlying tissues. These treatments are quite comfortable and often relaxing. There is no downtime whatsoever.

Examples of common non-invasive treatments:

• Facials (to improve quality of skin through cleansing, exfoliation, & hydration)
• Medical-grade skincare (products used at home or applied professionally to improve skin)

Healing time: Usually minimal, with patient resuming normal activity immediately

Results: Typically, results can be seen immediately or within a few days

Non-invasive treatments are especially effective when used in conjunction with other procedures. Be sure to ask which treatment combinations are most appropriate for your skin type and goals.

How do I know what’s right for me?

We hope we’ve cleared up some of your questions here, but the best way to learn about effective cosmetic treatments is to talk to a trusted professional. Our board certified surgeons and skincare experts can guide you through the process and help you determine which treatments are a good fit for you.

The Swan Center offers private consultations for potential patients. We can answer all of your questions and develop a safe and effective treatment plan that suits your needs.

Check out these simple tips for looking and feeling your absolute best this summer:

Reboot Your Closet

A great way to boost confidence is to revamp your wardrobe. Toss anything that makes you feel less than stellar and go on a mini-shopping spree for flattering new clothes. Fit and flare dresses can help define your shape, and something as simple as a pencil skirt can show off your curves in all the right places.

Bonus tip: If you’re on a budget, try digging for deals in a resale shop or creating new wardrobe combinations out of what you already have. Even better, invite a few people over for a fun clothing swap! You’ll be surprised how much you can update your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Treat Yourself to New Beauty Tools

A new lipstick color can enhance your entire face. Pick a shade that flatters your complexion or go for a bold red that says you’re ready for fun. Stop by your favorite makeup counter to learn how to apply the perfect cateye or pick out a new eyeshadow that perfectly enhances your baby blues. Cosmetics are a great, fun way to look fantastic on a budget.

Bonus tip: YouTube is the makeup fan’s mecca. Find great new tips, tricks, and products by tuning in to some of the most popular beauty gurus.

Go On An Adventure

If you start planning your vacation now, you could be in Paris by July. Whether you’re curious about Central America or are looking for a local escape near Atlanta, traveling can help you feel more worldly and confident all year long. You’ll return home refreshed and ready to tackle anything.

Bonus tip: Save money for the fun stuff by carpooling or sharing accommodations with a friend. Not only is having a travel buddy fun, you’ll have extra spending money for souvenirs!

Work it, Girl

Take on a new project at work or pitch a new idea to brighten up your work week. For daily inspiration, mentor a new hire or collaborate with a coworker. Helping others is proven to make people feel happier, and sharing your expertise can be a big confidence booster.

Bonus tip: A little extra validation at work can make a huge difference—and there’s no shame in asking for it! Request a “check-up” with your supervisor(s) to see what you’re doing right and where you can improve. A pat on the back plus a game plan for the future can breathe some life back into your job.

Bring Out Your Brilliance with Dysport®

If you’re searching for a way to achieve smoother, younger looking skin, Dysport might be your answer. Dysport reduces the appearance of wrinkles by immobilizing the muscles that cause them. It’s a great way to combat frown lines and forehead wrinkles so you can look as good as you feel. Other injectables like Restylane® can restore lost volume to help you look refreshed and youthful.

“Botulinum toxins like Dysport are a great way to subtly and naturally refresh the upper third of your face and minimize fine vertical lines around the mouth,” says Dr. Fardo, board certified plastic surgeon. “When expertly placed, Dysport injections can dramatically reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the upper face, at the outer corners of the eyes, and around the mouth while still retaining some muscle movement.”

Bonus tip: Did you know that sun damage can highlight visible signs of aging? Be sure to wear SPF daily to avoid avoid sun spots, leathery texture, and increased wrinkles—in addition to decreasing your skin cancer risk.

Get Glowing Summer Skin with a New Beauty Treatment

Ever tried a chemical peel? Peels exfoliate damaged skin by removing dead skin cells and encouraging the production of new, healthy skin. Chemical peels can give your face a fresher, more vibrant appearance. One caveat: you’ll want to be careful not to expose yourself to intense sunlight after getting a peel, so be sure to plan for some time out of the sun and upgrade your sunscreen to top-notch protection. Add a wide sunhat and you’ll look completely glamorous while protecting your refreshed skin.

Bonus tip: Skip the tanning bed! You can achieve a warm summer glow without the risk of sun damage by picking up a high-quality self tanner.

Hit the Beach without Fear

If you’re looking for a more long-lasting confidence boost and want to rock a bikini, don’t let your love handles get you down. New non-surgical methods can slim common trouble spots, so you can show off your beautiful figure in the bathing suit you’ve always wanted.

Bonus tip: Be sure to buy swimsuits that flatter your figure and make you feel comfortable and confident. You’ll feel your best in a suit that fits your curves in all the right places. Check out this swimsuit guide for all body types to learn which cuts, colors, and flourishes will help you look your best.

The Swan Center wants you to embrace summer without feeling self-conscious. If you’re ready to take your good looks to the next level, join us for a personal consultation. We’re here to help you look fabulous and feel confident all summer long.