Are you back in the market for a job? Did you see a picture of yourself from ten years ago and long for the plump radiant skin that seems to have recently lost its youth? Or perhaps you’re making a New Year’s resolution that you are actually going to follow through with what your skincare specialist has been preaching to you. No matter your desire to turn back the clock, 2012 will offer you proven methods to look young for your age, without skipping a beat of your normal activities.

More Than a Facelift

Not so long ago, the only approach to impact the aging face was some type of major surgery, such as a facelift. The healing times were lengthy and the results could not be guaranteed to meet your expectation. Today, cosmetic medicine and facial rejuvenation techniques have advanced to same day and minimal downtime enhancements that can have a huge impact on your skin, looks and confidence. Most importantly, one type of procedure does not fit all. In fact, many less invasive techniques can be combined to provide a customized enhancement that perfectly suits the patient’s cosmetic desire.

Patient Case

Let’s take a look at how the methods available in 2012 help physicians like me take care of typical 45 year old patient. Jenny Hypothetical is a mother of two high school students, a part time therapist and an avid outdoor enthusiast. She feels healthy and vigorous and wants her looks to reflect her high energy and upbeat attitude. Today she would like to relax some of the wrinkles forming around her brow and eliminate the shadows that are making the sides of her mouth appear droopy. She also has questions about how she can achieve a smooth texture and rid herself of the freckles that have become noticeable on her face and chest. I explain to Jenny that we can address the areas of wrinkles, lines and shadows that concern her today. For the brow wrinkles that appear during expression, I suggest application of a wrinkle relaxer. She will have her choice of Botox, Dysport or Xeomin; all of which are formulated and purified to achieve a smooth appearance. Once expertly applied to create a pleasing effect, the relaxer will take effect over the next few days and remain for up to four months. The effects are never permanent, but some patients will change their muscle habits and avoid future dynamic wrinkle formation. To address the appearance of droopy mouth corners, Jenny will choose a product that acts to fill creases and restore youthful contours by lifting the skin. Over time the natural collagen and hyaluronic acid in Jenny’s face has gradually diminished. This process probably began in her 30s and has been accelerated by her lean body mass and outdoor sun exposure. The result of volume loss is apparent in areas that sag or have a have a ‘sunk in’ appearance. Dermal fillers including Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse or Artefill can all be applied to various areas of volume loss in the face. Most dermal fillers have been FDA approved for specific areas, but are widely used “off label” in adjacent areas. The purpose of fillers is essentially to “fill” a part of the face that has been distorted by volume loss. In Jenny, it may be more apparent under the eyes or around the mouth corners so I will address these areas first. The filler will be gently and safely injected into the areas that she would like “reinflated,” and eventually “push wrinkles out” from below.

Time and Money

Typically, Jenny’s treatment will take less than 30 minutes and be virtually pain free. Jenny may or may not experience some bruising from her procedures. Upon her discharge I will remind Jenny that healthy skin is beautiful skin and that the best medicine for skin is nourishing and preventative. To address the sunspots and skin texture, Jenny can return in a few weeks for some additional procedures. She is in charge of when and how often she schedules her procedures. In 2012, we enjoy cosmetic options that are potent yet more affordable from the standpoint of both time and money. It is no longer about making difficult decisions, but rather choosing the solutions that make you look and feel young for your age!