In this article Dr. Marcie Ulmer provides background on factors contributing to an aged facial appearance, including three important and effective ways to achieve a balanced and more youthful look.
Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to facial aging. Over time we lose subcutaneous fat, remodeling of bone and cartilage occurs, and the loss of elastin and collagen create gravitational changes.
Photo: Model Yasmina Rossi by Ari Michelson for MORE Magazine
Repetitive facial muscle activity gives rise to fine lines and wrinkles, which then may deepen and eventually remain visible even when the muscles are at rest. Additionally, sun damage contributes not only to wrinkles, but increased skin laxity, undesirable ‘leathery’, rough or pebbly texture and discoloration. Blood vessels can also become more visible and fragile.
Due to a combination of factors contributing to the signs of aging, a multi-faceted approach is often most effective. Although there is no way to truly prevent the natural process of aging, there are approaches to slow the appearance of aging and help maintain a youthful image.
There are multiple minimally invasive, safe and highly effective rejuvenation treatments available to achieve this. These procedures generally fall into three categories, and may be isolated or combined for greater effect. The overarching goal is to achieve a balanced, more rested and youthful appearance.
1. Relax Muscles
Neuromodulators (Botox®, Xeomin®, and Dysport® treatments in Canada) work through relaxing specific muscles that, when contracted, form fine lines and wrinkles. They may be used in numerous ways to restore and maintain a more youthful appearance. Skilled injectors understand how to apply neuromodulators to soften or eliminate wrinkles on the forehead, between the brows, around the eyes and mouth, and on the neck, to reduce the signs of aging. They can also be used to elevate and shape the brows, as well as soften the angle of the jaw.
There is evidence that repeated regular use of neuromodulators not only softens or eliminates wrinkles over time, but may also prevent them from developing if treatment is started early.
2. Restore Volume and Recontour Features
Injectable fillers can restore lost volume and provide lift, minimizing the look of lines and folds, and restoring ideal facial contours. When administered by a skilled practitioner, dermal filler application can provide a very soft, natural and more youthful appearance. Research findings have also reported that some of the filler products may stimulate collagen synthesis, helping to slow the aging process.
Injectable fillers and neuromodulators are often used in combination for balanced rejuvenation.
3. Improve Tightness, Texture and Tone
Lasers and light source-based devices, such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), can be very effective at targeting and removing unwanted pigmentation, age spots and dilated small blood vessels, resulting in improved overall color and appearance of the skin. Treatments are typically done on sun damaged sites such as the face, neck, chest and backs of the hands.
Fractional lasers and IPL can also be used to address fine lines, furrows and wrinkles by using energy to stimulate natural collagen production, which helps improve skin texture and tone. Ablative laser resurfacing can produce impressive results, but tends to be less popular due to the longer recovery time following treatment.
Radiofrequency devices (such as Thermage®) are used for tissue tightening to improve skin laxity and wrinkles. The advantages of this heat-based treatment includes low risk and minimal to no downtime for patients who want to avoid invasive surgical rejuvenation. These devices deliver targeted electrical energy that heats the lower layers of the skin, contracting collagen and stimulating collagen production, resulting in skin tightening. Radiofrequency devices are used on the face including the eyelids and jawline, the neck and other body sites.
Chemical peels for facial rejuvenation have been used for many years to improve skin texture and tone, and remove unwanted pigmentation. A unique blend of peel ingredients exfoliates the outer layer of skin, revealing more healthy radiant skin below. Peels can be used alone or as a complement to other procedures to maximize skin rejuvenation effects. [Please note: the clinic is no longer accepting new peel patient unless recommended by either dermatologist.]
Learn more about how to slow the signs of aging by booking a consultation with Dr. Ulmer.
Photo source and credits: Ari Michelson