3 hottest trending, non-invasive beauty treatments for Houston’s sunny seasons

As the summer months approach, excitement builds for vacations, festivities, and photo ops galore. And for those looking to enhance their appearance without invasive procedures, the popularity of injectables and laser treatments is on the rise.

But, with so many non-surgical treatment options available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start.

To help navigate the world of “tweakments,” we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide featuring three top non-invasive beauty treatments for both the face and body, complete with insights from trusted experts in the field. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the world of non-surgical beauty, consider this your go-to resource for all things trending right now.

Moxi

For those who crave radiant, glowing skin but don’t want to undergo an invasive laser treatment, there’s a solution that’s been taking the beauty world by storm: Moxi. This non-ablative laser has been on the market for about a year, and it’s been hailed as a safe and effective option for correcting sun damage, uneven skin tone, texture, and signs of aging — all in a quick 15 to 20 minute session.

According to Randy Rakes, managing partner and esthetician at Nuveau Plastic Surgery, Moxi delivers fractionated laser energy to the skin to promote new cell growth and reduce unwanted pigment. And the best part? There’s no need for extensive downtime or recovery.

A typical appointment starts with 30 minutes of numbing to the treated area. Then, the esthetician gives each section of the treated area several passes with Moxi, and the whole process is over within an hour. Patients can wear makeup within 24 hours of treatment and are encouraged to wear sunscreen and hydrating facial cream.

For optimal results, Rakes recommends using Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar with the Moxi treatment. This nectar is used to pre-treat the skin and helps with post-procedure swelling. He suggests that patients use it twice a day for two weeks before the treatment and two weeks after to maximize the results.

Rakes also suggests having at least three treatments to see the best results. Although there are no side effects and downtime, patients may experience microscopic epidermal necrotic debris or MENDs — debris pulled out of the skin during the Moxi treatment. These are often compared to coffee grounds or sandpaper and resolve on their own within a week of treatment.

Ideal Candidate: Anyone with pigment, fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores. It is safe for all skin types and can be used year round, as it is a non-ablative treatment.

Benefits: Treats fine lines, wrinkles, texture, enlarged pores, and unwanted pigment.

Downtime: None

Moxi is a non-ablative laser has been on the market for about a year, and it’s been hailed as a safe and effective option for correcting sun damage, uneven skin tone, texture, and signs of agingPhoto by Moxi

Daxxify

Neurotoxins such as Botox and Dysport have been a go-to for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles for years. However, those constantly booking appointments for injections will be pleased to learn that a new product that will increase the time between treatments has hit the market.

Daxxify debuted in December 2022 as a longer-lasting wrinkle-smoothing product, FDA-approved to last up to six months, with initial studies showing that it could even last up to nine months in some patients. Dr. Kristy Hamilton, MD, FACS at Westlake Dermatology, was among the first to offer the new treatment in Houston.

Dr. Hamilton strongly advocates Daxxify and even tried the product on herself as her first patient. She is thrilled with the results so far and has incorporated it into her practice, saying that she has “fully incorporated Daxxify into my Signature Facial Optimization, where I make tiny, subtle, finesse, micro-adjustments to the face — strategically injecting neuromodulator (Daxxify or Botox or the like) and dermal fillers to the entire face. This non-surgical procedure brings the facial features into balance, symmetry, and proportion to maximize global facial beauty.”

While Daxxify lasts longer than traditional neurotoxins, it comes with a hefty price tag. According to Dr. Hamilton, the treatment is around 70 percent more expensive than traditional treatments, but with double the duration, regular maintenance treatments can actually result in cost savings.

There is no downtime with Daxxify, but Dr. Hamilton advises her patients to avoid blood thinners, alcohol, and same-day exercise before and after treatments. She also stresses the importance of choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist with a profound understanding of facial anatomy and artistry to ensure optimal aesthetic results.

Ideal candidate: Anyone who enjoys the youthful rejuvenating results of Botox or Dysport, yet desires a longer-lasting, more durable aesthetic outcome.

Benefits: Daxxify creates a radiant foundation of glowing, smooth healthy skin with a glass-like appearance as it treats fine lines and wrinkles.

Downtime: None

Daxxify debuted in December 2022 as a longer-lasting wrinkle-smoothing product, FDA-approved to last up to six months, with initial studies showing that it could even last up to nine months in some patients.Photo courtesy of Daxxify

EmSculpt Neo

When it comes to a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and a balanced diet are key. However, sometimes targeted efforts are necessary to achieve specific goals, especially with bikini season fast approaching. Enter EmSculpt Neo – the perfect lunchtime appointment that can give patients the extra boost they are looking for.

As the first FDA-cleared device to combine electromagnetic energy with radiofrequency, EmSculpt Neo builds muscle and reduces fat in targeted areas without downtime. Just one 30-minute session targeting the abs is equivalent to doing 300 crunches, while a treatment targeting the glutes is the equivalent of 300 squats.

According to Cynthia Vasquez, a medical aesthetician at Dr. Roth Plastic Surgery, EmSculpt Neo is especially effective for patients who regularly work out the muscle groups they plan on treating. Although abs and glutes are two of the most commonly treated areas in their practice, EmSculpt Neo can also be used on the calves, arms, and thighs.

During a 30-minute appointment, patients relax in a dimly lit room while hooked up to the EmSculpt Neo device, which takes their muscles through a series of intense contractions. Depending on the muscle location and patient’s tolerance, Vasquez and her team tailor the treatment to meet their individual needs.

Vasquez stresses the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to complement the benefits of the treatment. She recommends four to six appointments spaced one week apart, followed by monthly maintenance sessions for optimal results.

Ideal candidate: Anyone with a good diet and exercise habits already incorporated into their routine, but wants an extra boost to tone muscles and burn fat.

Benefits: Muscle growth and toning while also reducing fat.

Downtime: None

As the first FDA-cleared device to combine electromagnetic energy with radiofrequency, EmSculpt Neo builds muscle and reduces fat in targeted areas without downtime.Photo by EmSculpt Neo