In 2012, an estimated 14.6 million cosmetic surgery procedures were performed in the United States. These procedures included an estimated 126,000 surgical facelifts, an estimated 243,000 plastic surgery nose jobs, two of the most common procedures. In contrast, that same year, $483 million was spent on non surgical procedures, including laser hair removal and vein treatments. While the aim of these surgical and non surgical procedures is the same, their methods are very different, and open up a number of opportunities for people who, for whatever reason, are reluctant to go under the knife. Could one of these procedures be for you? Read on to find out.

One of the most common non surgical procedures is the facial or body chemical peel, which is best described as one of many non surgical facelift options and skin treatments. While traditional facelifts are growing in popularity, with an estimated 133,320 taking place in 2013 alone, chemical peels are also increasing. In 2012, an estimated 443,824 people underwent this non surgical procedure, an 8% growth from 2011, and numbers continue to ride. The reason for the procedure’s popularity can be traced to its effectiveness: chemical peels remove a patient’s imperfections, age spots, and signs of wrinkles without long recovery times or extreme discomfort. And unlike surgical facelifts, chemical peel products are offered by both plastic surgery practices and medical day spas.

Another non surgical procedure that is growing in popularity is called coolsculpting. A coolsculpting procedure is a minimally invasive method of reshaping and removing body fat; unlike liposuction, coolsculpting uses a specialized medical device to target fat through controlled cooling. Like non surgical facelift options, this procudeure is also offered as a medical spa treatment, and is recommended by medical professionals as a safe and effective alternative to traditional plastic surgery.

So if you are looking for a way to improve your appearance, but are unable or unwilling to turn to plastic surgery, there are other choices available to you. Whether you’re interested in your non surgical facelift options or are curious about the effects of coolsculpting, there are ways to change your appearance without surgery. Discuss potential procedures with a plastic surgeon or medical spa near you today. Continue.