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Understanding Facial Aging

While there is most certainly an art to good facial plastic surgery, there is science behind it as well.  Understanding the aging process and making the correct diagnosis are the most important steps in choosing the best combination of treatment options.

maxresdefault (1)THREE THINGS HAPPEN AS WE AGE:

  1. Sagging of Loose Skin, Fat, and Muscle
  2. Volume Loss
  3. Skin Changes and Wrinkles

Sagging of loose skin and muscle is primarily addressed with surgical options like facelift and eyelid procedures or a brow lift.

Likewise, fillers (ie Juvederm, Restylane, etc) are best for volume loss and filling in deep grooves and wrinkles.  Fillers in the cheeks not only restore volume but can provide a lifting effect as well.  These are great options for younger patients and those wanting a less invasive procedure without a need for any downtime.  For many older patients, surgical options often become the more appropriate treatment choice, but fillers are still used to augment surgical results.

Aging brings a heavy look to the lower face. Fillers can turn back the clock and restore volume to the cheeks.

Aging brings a heavy look to the lower face. Fillers can turn back the clock and restore volume to the cheeks.

High quality skin care and resurfacing options are the mainstay of treatment for the fine wrinkles and other changes that accompany sun damage and the normal aging process affecting your skin.

DSC_0880You have 3 main options for improving your skin:

  • Medical grade skin care
  • Chemical peels
  • Laser resurfacing treatments

 

A well balanced skin care regimen, often combined with the use of tretinoin cream (Retin-A®), is without any doubt the most simple and effective way of improving your appearance.

The keys to understanding the effectiveness of chemical peel and laser options are in an understanding of the depth of treatment and how each effects the various layers of your skin — ranging from superficial improvement to help exfoliate the outer layers to more long-lasting treatments that go deeper to help reverse the signs of aging and stimulate new collagen formation to tighten and tone the skin.

CO2 laser

Combination treatment with CO2 and erbium laser

Dr. David Rodwell specializes in facial cosmetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures as well as skin care and laser treatments.  To learn more about your options call our office at (843) 628-1415 to schedule a private consultation.