Where Functional Medicine Meets Aesthetic Care
Many people are aware of the term Functional Medicine, which is a form of medicine that focuses on the root causes of disease. The provider may recommend a series of tests including individualized diagnostic testing and through this investigation create a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to the individual.
Based on similar principles, there is a term that has been called Functional Aesthetics. In the dermatology and medical spa space, this term refers to the application of medical and cosmetic treatments that not only enhance the appearance of an individual but also serve a functional purpose.
It combines the principles of both dermatology and aesthetics to achieve results that go beyond mere cosmetic enhancements.
In Functional Aesthetics, providers focus on improving not only the aesthetic aspects of a person’s skin, but the overall health and functionality of the skin. They consider the underlying physiological processes, structure, and condition of the skin while performing aesthetic procedures.
What Functional Aesthetics Looks Like in Practice
Functional Aesthetics may involve a range of treatments and procedures, including:
Skin Rejuvenation
Aesthetic providers use various techniques such as chemical peels, microneedling, laser resurfacing, and photofacials to improve the texture, tone, and appearance of the skin. These treatments stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and improve overall skin health.
Skin Hydration
Now available in the US—the first and only hyaluronic acid product that places microdroplets into the deep dermis to hydrate the skin for up to 6 months. This treatment improves texture, radiance, fine lines, pore size, acne scars and overall hydration of the skin treated.
Wrinkle Relaxation
Currently there are five products available to smooth out those “11’s,” “crow’s feet,” “bunny lines,” “scowl” and even lift the jawline and smooth out the neck. In functional aesthetics, providers not only focus on reducing the appearance of wrinkles but also consider the functional benefits, such as alleviating migraines or excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
Dermal Fillers
These are injectable substances used to restore volume, fill in wrinkles and fine lines, and enhance facial contours. In functional aesthetics, providers may also consider addressing facial asymmetry or correcting structural imbalances with long lasting fillers (12–24 months) to achieve both aesthetic improvement and functional enhancement.
Laser Treatments
Lasers are used for various purposes, such as hair removal, treatment of pigmentation issues (e.g., age spots or sunspots), vascular lesions (e.g., spider veins), or even scar revision. These treatments can improve the appearance of the skin while also addressing functional concerns.
Skin Tightening
Various non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures like radiofrequency or ultrasound treatments can be used to stimulate collagen production, leading to tighter, firmer skin. In functional aesthetics, the focus may be on addressing sagging skin or improving skin elasticity.
Hormone Balancing
Without hormones the skin is incapable of being responsive to many of the above treatments. Providers may recommend that their patients have some simple hormone tests and may recommend supplements, medications, and hormones to allow for both improved feelings of wellbeing and skin response to any of the above-named treatments.
The Trevi Approach
Functional Aesthetics aims to strike a balance between improving the appearance of the skin in a holistic approach to help improve a person’s overall well-being. By considering both aesthetic and functional aspects, aesthetic providers can deliver comprehensive care and treatments tailored to individual needs.
For some, this is new. For us at TREVI Health—Longevity & Aesthetics, it’s been what we have been doing for almost 40 years. We are here to support your journey. Call or text us at (847) 802-9667 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
