ANTIAGING TREATMENTS
Facial Treatments
Introduction
Most antiaging treatments of the past concentrated
on restoring the unlined, glowing facial complexion.
As other parts of the body are easy to disguise, the
face is constantly exposed to scrutiny, and as such
is often the first antiaging measure adopted.
Recent advances in antiaging creams have significantly
broadened the availability of facial antiaging at affordable
costs. However, where the effects of damaging sun or
other harsh environments have taken their toll, a number
of specialist treatments are available, many at conveniently
located spas, clinics and day surgeries.
Changes in the Skin
Specialists now believe that most of the changes
that we see in our skin as we grow older are due
to the sun [photodamage]. Excessive sunbathing, or use
of sunbeds can accelerate this process.
Changes that occur include a loss of elasticity; wrinkles
can start to develop and become deeper; unevenness in
skin tone and texture with some areas of brown pigmentation
[age spots] and fine red thread veins. An underlying
loss of fatty tissue can also cause our skin to become
loose and sag resulting in a hollowed appearance around
the cheek area, and jowls around the chin and jaw.
Forehead
Most seeking treatments for the forehead are looking
to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles [rhytids]
associated with expression, and that deepen as we age.
These include: horizontal forehead lines formed when
we raise our eyebrows, vertical frown or scowl lines
[glabellar line] between the eyebrows occur when we
are concentrating or if we are upset or angry.
As the skin loses its elasticity with age, the eyebrows
drop, often causing hooding of the upper eyelid. Surgical
treatment is often required to reduce the amount
of skin over the eyelids and help to raise the eyebrows.
Eyes
The first sign of loss of elasticity is often the
development of small crow's feet beneath the eyes. Many
antiaging creams and lotions can deal with these, deeper
lines needing intervention with fillers and botox.
There are many different treatments for the eye area,
the choice depends on age, skin type, the depth and
extent of wrinkles, and whether there are protruding
bags or hollows underneath the eyes.
For mild to moderate depth lines and wrinkles, very
effective "non-surgical"
options are widely used. Loose skin over the eyes
and the large bags under the eyes generally surgical
treatment to obtain a significant improvement.
Cheeks
Cheeks change shape with aging due to the loss of
facial fat beneath the surface of the skin and the loss
of muscle tone, resulting in a more angular profile
and hollowed cheeks. This can be aging than visible
wrinkling of the skin. Surgery is required for significant
impact, often incorporating fat transfer treatments
and cheek implants.
Nose
The loss of facial volume can make the nose appear
larger. Rhinoplasty is used to reduce and reshape the
nose.
Mouth and Chin
Lines around the mouth are more prominent in long term
smokers, but can affect anyone. Many have problems with
bleeding of lipstick into vertical lines around the
lips, and the development of deeper lines between the
nose and corners of the mouth (nasolabial lines).
Dermal fillers
are effective in treating both these areas.
Facial contouring of the chin and increase in the size
and shape of lips is also possible, along with procedures
to reduce the appearance of jowls or sagging skin around
the chin.
Antiaging Facial Treatments
For full details of the procedures and recovery, consult
your local cosmetic surgery association for independent
advice.
|
