Skin Aging

Changes In Skin Texture

Skin thinning and laxity occur due to a decrease in collagen, elastin, and moisture retention. This causes the skin to lose its firmness and develop wrinkles, fine lines, and furrows. The most basic ways to decrease the signs of skin aging are to practice meticulous sun protection and to use a topical retinol (over-the-counter, milder) or retinoid (prescription) at bedtime. Retinols and retinoids are not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. More dramatic improvements in skin texture may be achieved with resurfacing treatments such as laser, microneedling, and chemical peels.

Who Should Provide Your Cosmetic Treatment?

Lines Created by Movement

Dynamic lines are wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle contractions that crease the skin over time. As we age, facial muscles become stronger while collagen and elastin weaken, leading to more pronounced wrinkles. To treat and prevent these lines, we recommend injectable botulinum toxin (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, Daxxify®) to relax muscle contractions. Additionally, resurfacing treatments may be necessary to repair dynamic lines that persist despite botulinum toxin treatments.

Volume Change from Bone and Fat Loss

Facial bone structure and fat pads shrink as humans age, reducing support for the muscles and skin. This leads to noticeable changes such as hollow temples, sunken eyes, tear troughs, flattened cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and thin lips. Hyaluronic acid (e.g., Juvederm®, Restylane®, RHA®) and biostimulatory fillers (e.g., Sculptra® and Radiesse®) are used to restore facial fullness and rejuvenate the overall appearance.

Unnatural Appearances

Across the globe, the overuse of injectable treatments by less skilled injectors has created a large group of unnatural-appearing people. Human brains have the ability to unconsciously or consciously recognize the unnatural appearance of others. Recognition of a slightly-unnatural appearance in others can elicit eerie sensations and is called the “uncanny valley.” It is important that patients seek highly skilled cosmetic dermatologists and plastic surgeons who are able to achieve a natural look for their patients. Cosmetic treatments, if performed correctly, should create a younger, fresher, or more energetic appearance and always appear undetectable to others.

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