6 Treatments for the Face Against Ageing

Your face can show signs of age even if you take good care of your body, eat well, and are happy from inside. Dr. Alexis Parcells MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon who also owns Parcells Plastic Surgery. She explains that as we age, our bones, muscles and fat pockets start to thin. The ligaments connecting our muscles to the soft tissue are stretched, and we see a decrease in the amount of soft tissue structures on our faces. There are many non-surgical options that can be used to improve your appearance.

Laser Resurfacing

Parcells states, “Laser Resurfacing is an extremely efficient procedure that improves skin appearance.” Ablation is a procedure that evaporates the top layers of skin to stimulate new collagen. The new collagen helps the skin heal, improves its elasticity, reduces wrinkles and pigmentation, and makes it smoother, softer and clearer.

Laser treatments are non-surgical but can be a little painful. You may need to rest for a while. It can take up to two weeks for your skin to heal depending on which type of laser was used. It is important to protect your skin from the sun after laser treatments as it can be extremely sensitive.

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a treatment that involves applying a solution to the skin. This causes the outer layer of the skin to peel off. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery website states that a peel can be classified as either light, medium or deep. This is how many layers of the skin are removed. Light peels don’t require downtime, but they will produce significant results.

Radiofrequency

Non-surgical tightening has been possible for more than a decade using radiofrequency (RF), but it has recently gained great popularity. Radiofrequency heats the skin’s deeper layers in order to stimulate new collagen. It also encourages cell turnover which helps skin look younger. ABCS states that RF is safer than lasers, which use higher-frequency light waves. This allows RF to penetrate deeper into the skin, improving skin structure and tone, as well as lifting tissues.

If done correctly, RF recovery is fast and side effects such as temporary swelling, redness and tingling are minimal.

Microneedling

The ABCS explains that microneedling is a skin-resurfacing technology that relies on the skin’s natural healing process. It can reduce imperfections in the skin, treat sunburn, and restore a smoother, more clear complexion. Microneedling is a method that uses very fine needles to stimulate skin’s natural healing process and regenerate healthy skin.

Although microneedling can be used on all skin types, there is no downtime and it is safe. However, the results are often not as dramatic as those of other procedures.

Microdermabrasion

A special applicator is used for microdermabrasion to remove the outer skin layer and rejuvenate it. It is safe for all skin types and does not require downtime. However, it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. This can be used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles including crow’s feet. To achieve the best results, microdermabrasion can require several non-surgical treatments. It can also be combined with other procedures like a chemical peel.

Injectables

Botox remains the most popular treatment for wrinkles and fine lines. Botox is quick and painless (small needle), and requires no recovery. The full effect usually takes between 10-12 weeks.

Many people thinks that botox can cause a sluggish, unimpressive appearance. But Parcells states that Botox is great. “It has been in the market for more than 20 years. It targets the upper third (forehead and around the eyes) as well as the glabella and middle 11 lines.”

Fillers can also be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Filler is not like Botox and does not paralyze muscles. The filler is made from hyaluronic acids, which restores or contours the face to achieve an natural and youthful look. It can also be used on the lips and in other areas. Filler can cause pain. A local numbing cream may be applied before filler is administered. There can also be swelling for up to a week.

Parcells recommends that you see a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for non-surgical treatment. You should be honest about your goals and objectives. Every person’s definition of natural is different, so trust can take a few visits between patient and doctor. If you are unsure, don’t hesitate to take a smaller step. It is easier to do a little more the next time. Parcells suggests that you talk to your doctor about your goals and she will help you achieve them. Talk to your doctor if you’re unhappy with result also.