Beauty at Any Age
With each passing decade, aging individuals are introduced to a variety of changes. What were once subtle fine lines and wrinkles in one’s thirties may become more pronounced as they reach their forties.
Fortunately, the staff at Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery offers a wide range of treatments to take advantage of that can help combat the issues associated with aging. These treatments can be preventative, or may address current issues a patient is experiencing at a point in their life. For all of the different age groups, a variety of treatments exist that can either slow or reverse the skin’s aging process. Taking care of the skin at a young age is important; doing so normally reduces the need for treatments in the future.
The teenage years mark a terrific time to begin a skin care regimen. In this period of life, of course, there is no need for cosmetic intervention to turn back the clock. But there are measures that can be taken to help minimize the need for procedures down the road. To start, avoid smoking. Not only does it cause cancer, it’s known to accelerate the aging process. Also, use sunscreen or sun block when you’re in the sun – and stay out of the sun when you’re not. Any mineral based, chemical free sun protection that contains zinc and/or titanium dioxide is usually non-irritating, water resistant, and will not run. Additionally, staying hydrated and using a moisturizer will help keep your skin looking its best.
Once the twenties arrive, the aging process is still not adding any noticeable variations in one’s appearance. During the late twenties, if there are hints of visible lines or wrinkles, medically injectible neurotoxins such as Botox or Dysport (both derived from Botulinum Toxin A) may be used as a preventative treatment. For example, if an individual frequently frowns, either one of these products can decrease the lines that may appear from that in the future. Of course, no doctor should perform the injections if the patient does not need them, but for the right candidate, the late twenties may be a good time to start. Maintaining a daily skincare regimen is also important. Antioxidant serums and an SPF moisturizer/sunscreen are also great to incorporate into your routine.
During the thirties, one can start taking advantage of Botox or Dysport for the treatment of “dynamic” lines – furrows that are a result of muscle movement. Each product is great for early crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, those lines between your eyebrows called glabellar lines, and bunny lines, which form across the bridge of the nose. In addition, hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane may be beneficial, depending on the specific needs of the patient. They are generally best used on people in their mid to late thirties. Juvederm is great filler for the lips; it’s very soft, and yields a great looking yet natural result. Restylane is a fantastic tear trough filler which is also great for marionette lines. Perlane and Belotero, also from hyaluronic acid, is used for the nasolabial folds and marionette lines, and Belotero is also a great filler for the tear trough. I like to use Radiesse, made from calcium microspheres, for the nasolabial folds. Patients in their thirties may also benefit from liposuction of the neck/jowl area to improve the appearance of the profile. Enhancing the jawline can streamline the profile and take years off the clock.
During one’s forties, more invasive procedures may be beneficial. A mini facelift is a great procedure for patients looking to refresh their appearance. It is a less invasive facelift that rejuvenates the lower third of the face, including the jowls and neck. With a mini facelift, there will be less time in surgery, with dissection not as extensive, and the cost is lower. Additional procedures such as a brow lift, fat grafting, and upper and lower blepharoplasty (which contours the eyelid area) will also take years off one’s appearance.
Aside from these procedures, patients in their forties may benefit from less-invasive treatments. This depends on their specific needs, and an adequate plan can be developed during a consultation. The liquid facelift is a fantastic procedure that can help rejuvenate the appearance of the face. The procedure is characterized by a combination of facial fillers and Botox placed in specific areas, resulting in an increase in volume and a diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The “Vampire Facelift” is another fantastic option. During this procedure, we use a combination of platelet rich plasma with filler to naturally add volume to the face. This results in a younger appearance and overall enhanced look. Microneedling with platelet rich plasma is another wonderful procedure. Growth factors in the PRP stimulate cellular regeneration and new growth of tissue. The procedure sparks collagen production, leading to rejuvenation. The effect is a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, a decrease in size of the pores, and tightening of the skin.
When patients are in their fifties and sixties, a full facelift can be a great option. Good candidates for the procedure will have more advanced signs of aging, along with the desire to refresh the neck, jaw line, and cheeks. Patients may also opt for a neck lift, a procedure that can complement a facelift, because it addresses skin laxity in the neck area. It yields a fantastic result when performed properly.
In addition to a facelift, some patients may have fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, which may also be performed on its own. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing usually requires only one treatment. It is safe on almost all skin types, and powerfully reverses 5-10 years of skin aging, wrinkles and sun spots. The procedure can be used in sensitive areas such as lines around lips, eyes and eyelids or the entire face. There are also other laser treatments available for wrinkles, such as the V-Beam pulsed dye laser.
There are many fantastic options available that can help patients of all ages look their absolute best. Making a conscious effort to take care of the skin early on can decrease the need for treatments down the road. And once the time comes to turn back the clock, a proper assessment and treatment plan can help patients appear years younger. Choosing a board certified and experienced facial plastic surgeon is essential, as he or she will assess your needs and guide you in the proper direction. For more information about these or any other procedures or treatments please contact Spalding Plastic Surgery at (310) 275-2467.