In an effort to stay youthful and fix "problem" areas, a growing number of Americans — including men— are visiting their cosmetic surgeons for treatment.

But in a new trend, many are turning their backs on surgical procedures such as facelifts and liposuction and are instead embracing less expensive, less invasive cosmetic treatments.

Procedures such as contour threads — passed under the skin to lift sagging necks and faces — and Botox, injections that temporarily paralyze the muscles that cause wrinkles, are growing in popularity. These treatments cost less, result in minimal pain and can be done in as little time as it takes you to eat lunch.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 8.4 million minimally invasive procedures were performed in 2005, up 13 percent from the previous year. Since 2000, the total number of these procedures has increased 53 percent, while the amount of surgical cosmetic procedures has decreased 5 percent.

"In the past, all plastic surgery was done with cutting," said Dr. Alan Matarasso, a plastic surgeon and spokesman for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "Now, problems in the aging face can be answered without surgery."

The top five minimally invasive procedures last year were Botox, chemical peel, microdermabrasion, laser hair removal and sclerotherapy, which is the elimination of spider veins.

According to Matarasso, non-surgical cosmetic procedures are divided into three main categories. Fillers, most commonly collagen or fat, are injected into the skin to achieve fullness; laser treatments peel away the outer layer of the skin's surface to even out complexion; and Botox.

Earning them the nickname "the lunchtime facelift," these procedures are mostly preformed in an outpatient setting, do not call for general anesthesia and require little to no downtime, said Matarasso, who has a practice in Manhattan.

"People are more proactive about how they want to look and what they want to have done," he said about the growing popularity of these treatments. "And manufacturers help by offering a variety of products and choices to the aging baby boomer population."

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of Botox injections last year was $376. A chemical peel that resurfaces the skin cost about $607, and a microdermabrasion treatment to repair the skin's surface cost around $173.

"These are not intensive surgical procedures, so the cost is substantially less," explains Dr. Manoj T. Abraham, a plastic surgeon at Facial, Plastic, Reconstructive and Laser Surgery in Poughkeepsie. "You get decent results for not a lot of money."

The fact these procedures don't cost as much as more invasive ones allows them to be more accessible to a larger part of the population, he said.

Terri Daley of Beacon knows first hand the positive effects minimally invasive procedures could have. When she was in her 40s, Daley decided to make a change.

"As I started getting older, I noticed changes in my face. I thought if there was something I could do to improve my appearance without going over the top or paying too much, I would do it," she said.

After consultations with Abraham, Daley decided on two facial treatments. Thermage, a procedure in which energy is delivered through the skin to rebuild collagen and tighten the face, and Restylane, a dermal filler that restores fullness to the skin and corrects wrinkles.

"Dr. Abraham was very honest and didn't pressure me at all," she said. "He knows what's realistic and what's not. He wouldn't have me do treatments that he didn't think would be successful or necessary."

Not ready for major surgery, Kelly Argelliez, a 45-year-old Poughkeepsie woman, decided to get Restylane injections to correct deep lines that had formed around her mouth.

"I was only interested in the less invasive procedures," she said. "People in my age group don't usually need extensive surgeries; there are other ways to freshen and rejuvenate your appearance."

Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are not only for women. Men are also embracing this new trend as a way to fight aging and improve appearance.

According the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of males receiving these treatments has risen 44 percent since 2000. The top procedure among men last year was Botox.

Matarasso said the variety of male skin and hair products on the market is helping to show men how to take better care of themselves and teaching them they, too, can be proactive about how they want to look.

"Men are beginning to see that it's not uncommon for them to get cosmetic procedures done," he said. "This stigma has been removed. The plastic surgeon's office is no longer just a place for aging Hollywood women."

While those looking for an inexpensive "quick fix" may be satisfied with the results of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, these treatments may not be for everyone.

"Non-surgical procedures work hand in hand with surgical procedures; they complement, they don't replace," Matarasso said. "While the non-surgical procedures may give people the feeling they want to have, they don't replace surgery."

"I am a big believer in maintenance," he said. "If you do a non-surgical procedure early on and regularly enough, you can improve the way you look and cut back on the need to have anything more extensive later on."

"Non-invasive surgeries have worked well for me. I have had all good experiences with little or no side effects. But the biggest drawback is that they are not permanent," she said.

"Minimally invasive procedures work better on those who don't already show advanced signs of aging," he said. "If the skin is already very loose, it will show some improvement, but they are not the ideal candidates for non-surgical treatments."

And while the doctors say there are no major risks or dangers associated with these types of procedures, side effects such as redness, swelling, tenderness or localized pain can be experienced.

"You have to be fully informed. Be sure you know your options," Matarasso said. "Also, it's important to visit a board certified plastic surgeon, so you know you'll get good results."

The statistics have proven that minimally invasive cosmetic procedures have become a legitimate and increasingly popular way to combat the aging process and enhance appearances.

"This is an exciting time," Matarasso said. "Not only are the surgeries less invasive, but you now have a whole host of treatment options that can address areas that surgery couldn't."

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