If you are bothered by visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and age spots, there are a variety of treatment options that can provide a more youthful appearance.
Facial rejuvenation describes the various approaches that may be combined to provide a rejuvenated and healthy look.
Facial rejuvenation can be safely performed in the doctor’s office with minimal if any downtime and can achieve the following cosmetic results:
Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Remove age spots, sun spots and other irregular blotches
Tighten loose skin
Treat damaged blood vessels
Improve overall skin texture, tone and color
Treatment Options
Retinoids
Some medications, such as topical retinoids (Renova ®, Refissa ®, tretinoin), can be applied to the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and superficial wrinkles. They also provide a more balanced skin tone by reducing the appearance of pigmented areas. The benefits of other cosmetic procedures may last longer in those who take topical retinoids.
Topical retinoids of sufficient “strength” to provide visible benefits are available by prescription only.
Cosmeceuticals
Cosmeceuticals are skin care products that are available without a prescription. These have other active ingredients, such as glycolic acids, antioxidants and peptides. These too help to improve the texture and appearance of the skin.
Dermal Fillers
(Juvederm®, Radiesse®, Restylane®)
Dermal fillers “plump” up the lines and furrow in the face, which smooths the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
Botulinum Toxin
(Botox®, Dysport®)
Botulinum toxin injections diminish lines and wrinkles associated with facial expression. Botulinum toxin (Botox®, Dysport®) is used to treat vertical lines between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose, forehead lines and furrows, and wrinkles around the eyes (“crow’s feet”). It may also be used to diminish the appearance of bands on the neck.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion uses an abrasive instrument to mechanically rub away the topmost layer of skin (epidermis) to provide a rejuvenated appearance. Dermabrasion can be used to treat substantial scarring, discoloration, and sun damage. The results are generally very good and long-lasting.
Microdermabrasion uses small particles to gently “sand away” the topmost skin layer (to stimulate new skin growth. This non-invasive treatment requires no anesthetic, and involves no downtime. Multiple treatments every 2-3 weeks are usually recommended
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use a chemical solution to remove the outer layers of skin and stimulate new skin growth. There are different strengths of chemical peels defined by the depth of skin penetration; superficial, medium or deep. Superficial peels, as the name suggests, are the mildest and are often referred to as “lunchtime peels”. The new skin that grows in response to a peel is smoother and less wrinkled, and has a more consistent texture and tone.
Chemical peels may produce reddening and peeling similar to a sunburn, which typically lasts a few days to several weeks, depending on the strength of the peel.
We will discuss Laser treatments in part 2, next week.
BY: Valorie D. Hammock
