More than 118,000 patients underwent face-lifts last year, but newer treatments offer solutions that alleviate many of the safety risks of going under the knife. Teacher Glenda Schlup turned to one such new treatment, called Laser Genesis, as she nears 50 and seeks to slow down the aging process.

"As I was aging, I was noticing my skin was changing," says Schlup. "I've always been a big proponent of exercising and good nutrition and skin care has always been really important to me too."

Schlup received eight monthly treatments to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Each treatment lasts about 45 minutes and has no recovery time.Other treatments are available to reverse years of sun damage.

Shelley Lutz, 42, turned to a laser treatment called the Pearl.

"I have teenagers. I purposely don't want to shop in the same places they do. I don't want to look like them," says Lutz. "I just want to look like a nice, normal 42 year old.

Lutz chose a stronger, one-time treatment that requires three to four days of recovery. Laser treatments are the third of 4 'R's' used in the dermatology field: The first is 'relax,' as procedures like botox relax the face.

The second is 'refill,' which includes any fillers, like collagen injections. The third "R" is for 'resurface,' where many laser treatments come in, as well as treatments like chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

The fourth is 'redrape,' which is the most aggressive strategy, usually involving a facelift. The results of less invasive treatments are not as obvious as a surgical procedure, but for some, that is the appeal.

"Nobody really said anything or noticed," says Lutz, "and I think that's the beauty of it - that at my age you do these things that kind of help you maintain. It's not like you had something really severe or aggressive."

The two laser treatments work in different ways. While the Pearl actually burns the top layer of skin to promote new, healthy skin growth, the Laser Genesis heats up collagen in the third layer of skin, the hypodermis, to create new collagen.

"If we can create new collagen just at the surface of the dermis, just below the epidermis, what the light and the eyes see is new collagen," explains Dr. Lindall Perry, a dermatologist. "That's what a baby's skin looks like. When you look at a new infant, you know perfect skin."

Although the dangers of laser treatment are minimal compared to a facelift, doctors say there are still some risks.

"Any laser treatment can activate the herpes virus or cold sore virus if that's the area being treated," says Dr. John DeSpain, a dermatologist. "

If the settings are not done properly, there is a risk of scar or damage to the skin.

"Perry adds the eyes are vulnerable too, which is why the patient and doctor wear goggles. Doctors say to get the most out of laser treatments, the patient must also adapt a healthy lifestyle. Both women say they now protect their skin more."

I really wasn't a proponent of using sun screen before. Now it's a daily thing for me," admits Schlup.Lutz now has more self-confidence when she faces the world.

"I don't worry about my face anymore, like when you have a breakout," says Lutz. "I'm more comfortable in my own skin."

Patients say face-lifts were never an option for them, so using lasers was a beautiful solution. One doctor says while ultraviolet rays cause a lot of skin damage, cigarette smoke is twice as bad for your skin as the sun.

Depending on the procedure, laser treatments in mid-Missouri could cost between $1,000 and $2,000.