You’ve probably heard someone say they’re “not ready for anything invasive” when it comes to cosmetic treatments. Maybe you’ve said it yourself. But here’s what’s interesting: many people don’t actually know what that means. They picture surgery, scalpels and weeks of recovery, when in reality, today’s cosmetic dermatology offers an entirely different experience.
At AboutSkin Dermatology and Aesthetics in Denver, minimally invasive and noninvasive treatments have become the backbone of modern cosmetic care. These procedures deliver noticeable improvements without the downtime, discomfort or commitment of surgical options. But with so many choices available, understanding what each treatment does and when it makes sense can feel overwhelming.
Let’s break down the spectrum of solutions available and what actually happens when you pursue cosmetic dermatology with Board-Certified Dermatologists.
What Are Minimally Invasive Treatments?
The term “minimally invasive” refers to procedures that achieve results without surgical incisions or general anesthesia. They involve tiny needles or superficial skin penetration but require little to no recovery time. Noninvasive treatments don’t break the skin at all.
These types of treatments work with your body’s natural processes rather than against them. Injectable neuromodulators relax muscles that create expression lines. Dermal fillers restore volume where it’s been lost. Microneedling triggers your skin’s own collagen production. Chemical peels accelerate cell turnover that happens naturally but slows with age.
The evolution of these technologies means you can address concerns that once required surgery through techniques that fit into your regular schedule. No operating room. No extensive healing period. No dramatic lifestyle disruption.
At AboutSkin Dermatology and Aesthetics, Dr. Joel L. Cohen and the team of Board-Certified Dermatologists bring extensive expertise to these treatments. Dr. Cohen’s participation in clinical trials and contributions to peer-reviewed research mean patients benefit from the latest advances in cosmetic dermatology, applied with precision and medical knowledge.
The Spectrum of Solutions: From Prevention to Correction
Understanding when different treatments make sense requires looking at what you’re trying to achieve.
Preventative Care & Early Intervention (“Prejuvenation”)
Neuromodulators temporarily relax the muscles that create expression lines. When you squint, frown or raise your eyebrows, you’re contracting facial muscles. Over time, these repeated movements etch lines into your skin.
Starting these treatments before deep lines form can slow their development. This isn’t about freezing your face or eliminating expression. When administered by skilled Board-Certified Dermatologists, neuromodulators soften movement while maintaining natural facial dynamics. Some people refer to this early intervention approach as “prejuvenation,” focusing on prevention rather than correction.
Restoring Volume & Structure
As we age, changes in our skin and facial structure don’t just mean wrinkles. We lose volume in specific areas of the face. Fat pads thin. Bones resorb. The result is hollowing under the eyes, flattened cheeks and less definition along the jawline.
Dermal fillers address this volume loss by adding structure beneath the skin. Unlike neuromodulators that affect muscle movement, fillers physically restore the scaffolding that creates youthful contours.
Strategic placement makes a significant difference. An experienced injector understands facial anatomy well enough to know that treating one area often improves the appearance of another. Adding volume to the cheeks, for example, can reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds without directly injecting those lines.
Resurfacing & Renewal
While injectables address volume and movement, resurfacing treatments tackle texture, tone and skin quality.
Chemical peels are completely noninvasive procedures that use controlled acids to remove damaged surface layers of skin. As your body sheds these cells and generates fresh ones, you’ll notice improvements in fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring and overall radiance.
Peels range from light treatments with no downtime to deeper peels that require a few days of healing. Your Board-Certified Dermatologist at AboutSkin will recommend the appropriate depth based on your skin concerns and schedule.
Microneedling creates tiny, controlled injuries in the skin using fine needles. This triggers your body’s wound-healing response, stimulating collagen and elastin production. Over time, this improves texture, reduces the appearance of scars, and tightens the skin.
Unlike laser treatments that use heat, microneedling works mechanically and suits most skin types. A series of three to six microneedling sessions spaced four to six weeks apart typically delivers optimal results.
Both approaches work with your skin’s natural regeneration process. The improvements develop gradually as your body produces new, healthy tissue. When combined strategically and regularly, these treatments create what some practitioners refer to as a “skin fitness regimen,” where maintenance treatments help keep your skin in optimal condition.
Body Contouring Without Surgery
EMSCULPT NEO operates in an entirely different category from skin and facial treatments. This technology simultaneously builds muscle and reduces fat through a combination of high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy and radiofrequency heating.
During each 30-minute session, the device triggers approximately 20,000 muscle contractions while heating fat cells to the point of breakdown. Your body can’t replicate these supramaximal contractions through exercise alone.
Clinical studies have shown an average 25% increase in muscle mass and a 30% reduction in fat in treated areas. Common treatment zones include the abdomen, buttocks, arms, thighs and calves.
Four sessions scheduled five to 10 days apart form the standard protocol. Unlike surgical body contouring, you can return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
Understanding Result Timelines & Expectations
One of the biggest sources of confusion about minimally invasive treatments involves when you can expect to see results and how long they last.
Neuromodulators like Botox, Dysport and Daxxify produce visible changes within three to seven days, with full effects apparent by two weeks. The improvements last three to four months before retreatment is needed. Many people find that regular treatments require less product over time as muscles adapt to the reduced movement patterns.
Dermal fillers like Juvéderm, Restylane and the RHA collection work immediately. You’ll see added volume as soon as the product is injected, though some swelling may temporarily exaggerate the effect. Results last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the product used and its placement.
Chemical peels and microneedling require patience. You might see some improvement after one treatment, but these procedures work cumulatively. Your skin continues improving for weeks after each session as collagen production increases and cell turnover accelerates.
EMSCULPT NEO results develop over two to four weeks following your final treatment as your body eliminates disrupted fat cells and strengthens muscle fibers. The improvements continue for up to six months.
How to Maintain Results From Minimally Invasive Treatments
Maintenance requirements vary significantly. Neuromodulators need regular appointments. Fillers can be touched up as they gradually metabolize. Resurfacing treatments might require annual or seasonal sessions. Body contouring often involves one or two maintenance treatments per year.
Setting realistic expectations means understanding that minimally invasive doesn’t mean minimal commitment. These treatments deliver significant results, but they can’t stop the aging process. They excel at prevention, maintenance and moderate correction.
Why Expertise Matters: The AboutSkin Difference
The quality of your results depends heavily on who performs your treatment. Board-Certified Dermatologists complete years of specialized training in skin anatomy, physiology and treatment. They understand how to effectively inject a product as well as where it should be placed based on multiple factors, including how different areas of the face interact.
Dr. Cohen’s involvement in clinical trials and his extensive publication record demonstrate AboutSkin’s commitment to staying at the forefront of cosmetic dermatology. When new treatments emerge or existing ones evolve, AboutSkin’s team brings that knowledge directly to patient care.
The Denver area offers numerous options for cosmetic treatments, but not all providers bring the same level of expertise. Choosing a practice led by Board-Certified Dermatologists who focus on comprehensive care rather than single-solution approaches ensures you receive recommendations tailored to your concerns and lifestyle.
Your Options Are Better Than Ever
Cosmetic dermatology has evolved far beyond the limited options available even a decade ago. Today’s minimally invasive treatments can address nearly every aesthetic concern, from fine lines and volume loss to skin texture and body composition.
The key is understanding what each treatment offers and finding providers with the expertise to deliver it effectively. At AboutSkin Dermatology and Aesthetics, that combination of comprehensive options and specialized knowledge creates an environment where you can address your skin and body concerns with confidence.Ready to explore what minimally invasive treatments can do for you? Call 303-756-7546 or contact us online to schedule your consultation and discover why AboutSkin is a top destination for cosmetic dermatology in Colorado.
