Sparkle all season long with these noninvasive cosmetic procedures.
Written by ALLISON ARBUTHNOT SANDERS
THE COUNTDOWN TO THE HOLIDAYS IS UNDERWAY. This year, as you zoom around doing things for others, why not also treat yourself to a gift that goes beyond the box and bow by indulging in one of the many options for noninvasive cosmetic procedures available in Savannah? That way, you’ll head into the holidays looking and feeling your best.
Hydrafacial // Courtesy Altera Aesthetix
HYDRAFACIAL
Unlike traditional facials, the Hydrafacial uses a patented technology to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, extract impurities, and infuse nourishing serums all in one session. The treatment is designed to improve overall skin health while addressing specific concerns like fine lines, uneven tone and texture, and enlarged pores, says Janie Futch, co-owner of Altera Aesthetix. “Because it’s noninvasive and customizable, many people make it a regular part of their skincare regimen,” she adds, noting that results can last up to a week or more, making it a favorite for both event prep and monthly skin maintenance. “It’s perfect for anyone who wants healthier, more radiant skin without downtime,” she says. “It’s gentle yet effective and works well for nearly all skin types and ages.”
Skinvive by Juvéderm // Courtesy Glow Medical Spa and Beauty Boutique
SKINVIVE BY JUVÉDERM
Are you looking for a facial beauty boost but shy away from interventions like neurotoxins and fillers for fear of looking overdone? New to the industry, Skinvive is a hyaluronic acid-based injectable treatment designed to boost elasticity, hydration, and smoothness without plumping the face. “It’s skincare that you do as an injectable,” says Courtney Victor, owner of Glow Medical Spa and Beauty Boutique. Results, she says, present “about a month after you get it, and it lasts for six months. You’ll look as if you’ve had a facial every day.” It’s a great alternative to expensive creams and 12-step skincare routines, says Victor. “I used to say, ‘You treat yourself 60 times a month: every morning and every night when you do your skincare.’ But Skinvive is a nice little hack. You don’t have to wait a long time to see your skin transform, nor do you have to purchase a bunch of products. You’re taking care of your skin from within.”
Liquid Facelift // Courtesy Tox Medspa
LIQUID FACELIFT
If you’ve been dreaming of the overall refresh provided by a facelift but aren’t interested in the cost and recovery time of surgery, a liquid facelift may be just the solution. A liquid facelift uses strategically placed dermal filler to lift, recontour, and hydrate the face almost instantly. “While it doesn’t replace a surgical facelift, it can tighten tissue, restore lost volume, and create a lifted, refreshed appearance,” says Dallas Sellars, owner of Tox Medspa. In a single session, Sellars can address sunken temples, cheeks, jawline, chin, marionette lines, and more, creating a natural, balanced look — no scalpel required. Results are visible immediately and can last up to two years for the upper half of the face and one year to 18 months on the lower half of the face. “If you are wanting to refresh your look, a liquid facelift can be a transformative part of your aesthetic journey,” says Sellars.
BBL Therapy + Light Fractional CO2 Laser Peel
At Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Timothy Minton’s favorite approach to a quick refresh is to combine two longstanding laser treatments: Broadband Light (BBL) Therapy and Light Fractional CO2 Laser Peel. “This combination is a super popular treatment that I’ve been doing for many, many years,” Minton says. “It’s tried and true.” BBL Therapy uses a laser to reverse the coloration changes that occur with sun exposure — like redness, sun spots, and pigmentation. The Light Fractional CO2 Laser Peel addresses textural changes, including pore size, fine lines, and wrinkles. Together, Minton says, “It reverses some of the sun damage and gives the skin a glow and a little tightening effect.” He also notes, “There is also permanent collagen stimulation that occurs [with the treatment], as well as a reversal of DNA changes and DNA damage that occur. It’s a nice way to keep the skin youthful at a molecular level in addition to a visual level,” explains Minton. Depending on their goals, patients typically receive between one and three 30-minute treatments, each requiring one to two days of downtime for pinkness to subside. While results are permanent, many patients repeat the procedure every winter to combat new sun damage.
VI Peel // Courtesy Inject Savannah
VI PEEL
The VI Peel is a medical-grade chemical peel that works by gently exfoliating the outermost layers of skin. It contains a blend of ingredients, including retinoic acid and trichloroacetic acid, that penetrate the skin to remove dead skin cells, promote cell turnover, and boost collagen production. Usually done in a three- to five-treatment series, the VI Peel smooths skin texture, evens skin tone, reduces acne and scars, and brightens the complexion. “What’s so great about it is that it is suitable for all skin tones, including darker skin types that can be at risk for hyperpigmentation with certain peels,” says Kelly Rogers, owner of Inject Savannah. Rogers recommends beginning a VI Peel series two weeks to a month before any major event, noting that there is significant aftercare required. Visible improvements can be seen within a week and will continue to occur for several weeks as the treated skin heals. This treatment is not just for the face, notes Rogers. “We also offer body peels, including chest, arms, and legs,” she says. “We do a lot of lower legs, which is great after the summer to remove sun spots.”
Virtue RF // Courtesy Chatham Plastic Surgery
VIRTUE RF
Virtue RF is a radiofrequency microneedling procedure used to treat sagging, laxity (signs of aging), and acne scarring while improving the tone and texture of the skin. “The procedure consists of using needles to create microchannel punctures in the skin,” explains Michelle Turley, an aesthetician at Chatham Plastic Surgery. “That starts a cascade wound-healing process to regenerate new, healthy skin.” Meanwhile, the tips of the needles deliver radiofrequency energy, heating up the deeper layers of the skin. “This stimulates fibroblasts [cells that provide structural support for tissues] to produce new collagen and elastin,” says Turley, “improving skin firmness, elasticity, and texture.” Virtue RF is suitable for patients looking to treat aging skin or scarring without downtime or surgery. A typical treatment, including face and neck, takes about an hour. Treatments are done in a series of three to six sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart.
PRX-T33 Peel // Courtesy Savvy Skin Medical Aesthetics
PRX-T33
At Savvy Skin Medical Aesthetics, owner Karen Bouchard’s current favorite noninvasive treatment is PRX-T33, an advanced biorevitalization peel that delivers the skin-renewing benefits of a chemical peel without the telltale peeling or days of downtime. PRX-T33 uses a formulation that stimulates dermal regeneration beneath the surface, building collagen, smoothing texture, brightening and evening skin tone, and softening pigmentation. “Think of it as an inside-out treatment,” says Bouchard. “Patients leave with a luminous glow — no hiding at home for recovery.” To elevate the treatment, Bouchard recommends pairing it with a neurotoxin to address both surface quality and underlying movement for a refreshed, naturally youthful look. “The dual approach creates a radiant, lifted appearance that looks effortless,” says Bouchard. Ideal for the face, neck, décolletage, and even the hands, most patients notice visible improvement after a single 30-minute treatment, with a series of treatments delivering long-lasting firmness and brightness. Results last four to six months.
Find this feature and so much more in the November/December issue of Savannah magazine!
