Tweakments Are Trending (And It’s Okay If You’re Not On Board)

Not interested in jumping on the tweakment bandwagon? Then read on to learn about injection alternatives that work with your skin to give you a fresh, lit-from-within glow.

What Are Tweakments?

Tweakments are nonsurgical aesthetic procedures that are seen as a more natural-looking alternative to cosmetic surgery. They’re typically tiny injections of filler or neuromodulators (like Botox). Most often, the goal is to soften wrinkles, add volume and firmness to aging skin, and even out complexion. Some more drastic tweakments are intended to alter facial features, like a liquid nose job or lip fillers.

Chances are your favorite celebrities have had at least a few tweakments here and there. Some are more noticeable than others. 

Why the Rise in Tweakments?

There’s no doubt that tweakments are on the rise, especially among millennials and Gen-Zers. Just survey your friends and coworkers – you might be surprised how many of them have undergone a little tweak here and there. And experts don’t expect the tweakment craze to be a passing fad, either. In fact, the non-invasive aesthetic treatment industry – which was valued at over $60 billion globally in 2022 – is expected to grow over 15% annually until 2030.  

There are several possible reasons for this phenomenon. For starters, we’re spending more time looking at our own faces, thanks to social media. Instagram and TikTok are the scapegoats du jour when it comes to placing blame for our societal woes, but it makes sense. Before cell phones, the only times we’d see ourselves was while looking in the mirror or leafing through printed photographs. We didn’t think about capturing every look or OOTD because we didn’t have a high-definition camera on us at all times. Before FaceTime and Zoom, we’d actually look into the eyes of the person we were talking to in a face-to-face conversation instead of analyzing our own face (hey, we’ve all done it). This extra time looking at our faces gives us more opportunities to nitpick our image and see all the features we wish we could improve.

Thanks to the Internet, we’re spending more time looking at other peoples’ faces, too (which are often heavily filtered – but that’s a whole other topic of discussion). Up until fairly recently, the only time we’d interact with someone face to face was in real life, typically while having a conversation with them. In that case, we’d be paying more attention to what that person was saying and trying to form a connection with them instead of analyzing their facial features. Nowadays, we can analyze and admire people’s photos and videos in the privacy of our own homes, sometimes leading to dissatisfaction with our own looks.

There’s also the social pressure that comes from the recent uptick in injections. Back in the early 2000s, most women who got the occasional injection kept it on the down low. Nowadays, people are open about getting Botox or filler. In short, it’s become more socially acceptable to get tweakments. When everyone around you is open about getting work done, it can feel like you’re missing out on taking care of yourself if you choose to age gracefully without the use of injections. In some ways, we’re getting to the point where it’s an act of rebellion if you don’t undergo any sort of injection.

Alternatives to Tweakments

Let’s be clear: Tweakments are not altogether bad. If you’re using injection treatments to minimize acne scars from your oily skinned teenage days, or if you’ve recently noticed signs of aging that stem from years of neglecting your skin’s needs, a tweakment might be just what you need to feel comfortable in your own skin again. That said, if you decide some sort of tweakment is right for you, don’t jump into anything. Tweakments are generally safer than more invasive cosmetic surgeries, but no procedure is without its drawbacks. Do some research and find the best practitioners in your area. Read reviews and be aware of the side effects of the treatment you decide to undergo. 

Bummed out by fine lines but aren’t interested in fillers or Botox? Then you’re in luck: While the demand for tweakments is on the rise, the market for less invasive alternatives is growing, too. Yes, some of them are still technically injections, but instead of adding volume to the face like dermal fillers or preventing muscle movement like Botox, these injections are high-quality skincare products that work with your skin to naturally optimize your complexion. Here are a few to keep an eye out for: 

Microneedling

One of the least invasive tweakments on the market is microneedling. The procedure is done by creating tiny micropunctures in the skin. As your skin heals itself from the microtrauma, it creates extra collagen and elastin to make your skin tighter as it reduces fine lines, scarring, and dark spots. Redness and mild bleeding may occur immediately following your procedure, but recovery is generally quick and painless. Most practitioners recommend three microneedling sessions for best results.  

Morpheus8

An increasingly popular alternative to Botox among the 30+ crowd, Morpheus8 uses radiofrequency and needles that penetrate the skin to stimulate collagen production, resulting in younger looking skin. It’s similar to microneedling, but is considered a more advanced therapy because of its use of radiofrequency. 

Profhilo

Primarily an anti-aging treatment, Profhilo is a hyaluronic acid injectable product that plumps the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Essentially, it’s a deeply penetrating moisturizer that goes beyond the limits of what a topical product can do. It helps to improve overall skin texture as it encourages collagen and elastin production, filling up fine lines and wrinkles. Expect to see minimal results immediately, with the full benefits becoming noticeable within two to three weeks.

Mesotheraphy

This French rejuvenation treatment consists of injecting a custom combination of vitamins, minerals, and pharmaceuticals like hyaluronic acid and peptides into the skin to help it repair itself. It instantly reduces the appearance of fine lines and stimulates circulation, giving your complexion a noticeable glow. Each procedure takes approximately 20 minutes, and experts recommend a total of four treatments for best results.  

LED Therapy Masks

You’ve probably seen this skincare craze all over your Instagram feed. LED therapy masks use near-infrared technology to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The result is firmer, smoother looking skin. Most masks have an antibacterial setting to eliminate acne and reduce scarring, too. Yes, your husband or roommate will tease you for looking like Hannibal Lecter. But seeing results – without injections –  from the comfort of your own home makes the ridicule worth it.

Closing Thoughts 

In the end, the decision to undergo tweakments is a personal one. Each of us has our own insecurities, and we all deserve to feel comfortable in our own skin. If that involves a tweak here and there, then so be it, but also know that there are alternatives designed to work with your skin for naturally radiant results. That being said, learning to honor and love the unique face and body you were born with is one of the most beautiful things you can do for yourself. 

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