Put Off That Face Lift or Avoid It Altogether!

Have you recently experienced a family member or a friend telling you, “You look tired!”? At first you may think to yourself, I am not tired at all! And when glancing in the mirror or looking at a recent snapshot of yourself you realize…. “Oh dear, I Do Look Tired!!” If the answer is Yes, you are not alone.

As we age many of us develop an increase in skin laxity. The contour of the face can change due to a loss of facial volume which creates shadow patterns on the skin while youthful highlights fade. Typical youthful features include high cheekbones, full cheeks, and a defined jawline. Lines and wrinkles on the skin’s surface are signs of aging, but beneath the skin we lose collagen, elastin, our natural fat-pads, and our boney structure.

Generally as we age, facial bone structure changes, soft tissue falls due to gravity, and skin sags and droops downward. Facial fat-pads shift causing flattened cheeks, hollows under the eyes, wrinkles and lines around the nose and mouth, and a sagging jawline. For many of us, fat beneath the chin becomes more prominent causing a “double chin”.

Our facial muscles lie beneath our facial fat-pads. These muscles are working constantly as we eat, laugh, smile and frown. Over time, with gravity and repeated muscle activity, deep lines and wrinkles begin to form at the outer corner of our eyes, sometimes referred to as “crows feet”. Creases often develop between our brows often referred to as “frown lines”.

Aging is unique to each individual. Genetics play an important role, however, other factors like sun exposure and diet play a role in determining when aging begins and how fast it progresses.

Now for the GOOD NEWS! Slow down the clock or even turn back the clock without going “under the knife”! Injectable dermal fillers are used for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and replacing lost volume, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Dermal Fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume , soften creases, or enhance facial contours. Most dermal fillers have a temporary effect, because they contain materials that are absorbed by the body over time.

FDA Approved Dermal Fillers

There are a variety of FDA approved filler products that are used to restore and enhance a more youthful appearance. Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies. It keeps skin plump and hydrated. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers are soft and gel-like and typically last 6 to 12 months or longer. The body naturally and gradually breaks down and absorbs the particles. Not every HA filler is created equal. Some are used for smoothing out fine lines or softening creases like Belotero, Restylane Silk, or Volbella. Others are more robust and are used to create volume or for contouring, like Voluma or Restylane Lyft. There are still others that are indicated for the more mobile areas of the face including the “marionette lines “or nasal labial folds. For these areas many doctors inject Restylane Defyne, Restylane Refyne or Vollure.

Calcium Hydroxlapatite is also a naturally occurring substance in the body found primarily in our bones. When used as a dermal filler this gel–like substance is thicker than an HA filler and tends to last longer, typically 12 months. Radiesse Plus is a calcium based filler, and is used to treat deeper lines and wrinkles, create volume, and contour the jawline.

Poly-L-Lactic acid is another safe biodegradable synthetic substance used in dermal fillers. It has been used for many years in medical devices such as dissolvable absorbable stitches. They stimulate collagen and create gradual results that can last up to 2 years. Sculptra Aesthetic is an FDA approved Poly-L-Lactic dermal filler used for treating deeper lines and wrinkles.

Neuromodulators / neurotoxins

Neuromodulators (or neurotoxins) are different than dermal fillers and can be used on their own or in conjunction with dermal fillers. The primary use of neurotoxins is to weaken the muscles that cause frown lines between the eyebrows. They can also be used to soften fine lines in the forehead along with “crows feet” that form around the sides of the eyes. There are three different types of neurotoxins on the market today; Botox, Dysport and Xeomin. They are all prescription medications that have the same active ingredient that blocks the release of chemicals that cause “frown line” muscle contractions. They typically last three months. Over time, with regular neurotoxin injections, fine lines and wrinkles can diminish in appearance.

At Elizabeth Roche MedSpa in Woodcliff Lake, NJ , Dr. Roche uses her expert injection techniques and artistry to restore and enhance facial features using dermal fillers and neurotoxins. Patients look more natural, refreshed, and less tired looking. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Roche today.

This article first appeared in Saddle River Magazine