The Blast | Melanie VanDerveer

Ever wonder how celebrities maintain their young-looking skin and glow? Many are increasingly turning to advanced aesthetic treatments to maintain smooth, radiant, camera-ready skin, fueling a major shift in modern beauty standards. From laser resurfacing and light-based therapies to collagen-boosting procedures and non-invasive “glow” treatments, these popular options have become a staple in Hollywood wellness routines, as well as for many others. 

I’ve done a few popular aesthetic treatments in Las Vegas in the past year because I wanted to see what all the hype was about and hopefully help my skin from aging too quickly in the process. I’ve done Sofwave, XERF, microneedling, RF microneedling and more recently, Moxi and BBL laser treatments, and will share some insight into having these treatments done.

Non-Surgical Aesthetic Treatments Have Grown In Popularity

While surgical procedures are something many seek when wanting to change their appearance, there’s been a rise in non-surgical procedures.

According to The Flow Space, a 2024 global survey from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has shown that more than 20 million non-surgical procedures were performed in the past year.

The survey also showed that the total number of surgical and non-surgical procedures performed increased 40% in the past four years. According to the report, some of the most popular non-surgical treatments have been Botox, nonsurgical fat reductions, and hair removal chemical peels. 

Some of the celebrities The Flow Space listed as being open about their aesthetic journeys includes Jennifer Lawrence, Amanda Seyfried, Kaley Cuoco, Katy Perry, and others.

There are also other popular non-surgical options gaining in popularity, including microneedling, fillers, lasers, XERF, and Sofwave.

Microneedling And RF Microneedling

The Blast | Melanie VanDerveer

I started doing microneedling in 2023. I started out with four treatments spaced apart a few months. This is truly where my aesthetic journey began. 

So what exactly is microneedling and what does it do for your skin? Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that uses tiny, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This triggers the body’s natural healing process, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. As the skin repairs itself, microneedling can improve the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, enlarged pores, and uneven texture. 

I’ve seen great improvements in my skin since starting microneedling. I would say over time, it’s turned back the clock for me – less fine lines, smoother texture, a healthy glow.

I’ve also tried RF microneedling. This is a little different from regular microneedling. This uses radiofrequency in addition to the tiny needles which combine the collagen stimulation with controlled heat to help improve laxity and remodel deeper layers. RF microneedling can address mild skin sagging, deeper wrinkles, and more advanced scarring. I’ve only done this once and saw great results.

I Saw Great Results With Sofwave

Before XERF started trending, Sofwave stole the spotlight. 

Sofwave is a non-invasive skin tightening treatment that uses advanced ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen production deep in the skin layers. There are no needles or incisions, which makes it more appealing to some. Sofwave works by delivering controlled energy to the mid-dermal layer to trigger the body’s natural repair process. It can help with fine lines and wrinkles and mild skin laxity. There is literally no downtime, which makes this a go-to for many. While some may see immediate results, the height of your results come in the weeks and months following treatment. 

I had Sofwave done three times so far, with another appointment coming up. I’ve used Sofwave for a brow lift, rather than jump right to surgery for an upper blepharoplasty. There is no numbing ahead of time for this procedure and it’s a little uncomfortable, but nothing too bad. I’ve absolutely seen results from this, which is why I’ve gone back for more. 

(If you’re in Vegas, I had Sofwave done at Beauty Goals LV.)

Kim Kardashian Swears By XERF

The Blast | Melanie VanDerveer

XERF’s popularity really took off after Kim Kardashian posted about her experience on Instagram.

This non-invasive treatment uses advanced bipolar radiofrequency energy to heat targeted layers of the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production. It’s designed to address early signs of aging and can help with fine lines, wrinkles, and mild skin laxity. Like Sofwave, there is basically no downtime with XERF, no numbing, but this is less painful.

I had one XERF treatment done a few months ago. It was a comfortable procedure, and while I saw some slight results immediately, I didn’t see a lot. But with that said, I haven’t returned for the second treatment yet, and that might be a necessary step in seeing better results.

In my opinion, XERF and Sofwave are great to try if downtime is an issue and you have some patience since results get better and better over time. It’s important to note that everyone is different and one treatment may work better for you over another.

(If you’re in Vegas, I had XERF done at Flawless Medspa.)

MOXI And BBL Laser Treatments

The Blast | Melanie VanDerveer

I recently decided it was time to try a laser. After going to Tru Beauty by Trevor for a consultation with Shandi Larsen, RN, she agreed that it would be beneficial for me to try a laser. After doing some photos with a VISIA machine, she assessed my skin to evaluate what would work best for me, and that was MOXI and BBL.

The BBL was first since you don’t numb the face for the procedure. The pain level was super low, and the entire treatment took about 30 minutes. Then it was time to numb for the MOXI. After about 40 minutes of numbing, it was time to get that party started. I didn’t feel that one pretty much at all until after it was done. This was slightly quicker than the BBL, lasting about 15 minutes. After all was said and done, my face looking like a tomato, the heat started to really set in. That was the most uncomfortable part of the entire experience but short lived, and not terrible. A few short hours after getting home and wearing a cooling mask, the heat disappeared.

While it’s only the day after the treatment, I can already tell that this is absolutely going to give me noticeable changes. I’m excited to get through the healing process and see my skin glowing with less spots and fine lines.

(If you’re in Vegas, I had MOXI/BBL done at Tru Beauty by Trevor.)

The From Red Carpets To Real Life: A Look At Some Aesthetic Treatments Celebs Swear By first appeared on The Blast