Baby Boomers have hit middle age and for many there’s a war going on – a war on wrinkles that is! As America’s baby boomer population reaches their golden years, this fit and active generation is not giving up on their youthful appearance without a fight. Long devoted to proper nutrition and regular exercise, many baby boomers say they feel as good as they did in their 30’s. However, as boomers approach their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, slowing or reversing the natural aging process of the skin is a whole new battle.
According to a recent article in Time Magazine, it is estimated that Americans are likely to spend over $14 billion to rejuvenate their aging faces in 2007. And with a plethora of options, including many new injectables, light therapies, laser resurfacing, chemical peels and anti-wrinkle creams, it’s difficult to know what’s best. Ads all promise short-to-no recovery periods and in many cases, immediate results. While “boomers” might agree that the temptation to look better is hard to resist, experts in the field encourage becoming fully educated before spending hundreds, perhaps thousands of dollars on any cosmetic treatments, procedures, or creams.
Dr. Art von Werssowetz, a board certified plastic surgeon with Associates in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, suggests that individuals take the time to understand the anatomy of skin in order to get the results they desire. “As people age, the skin changes in a variety of ways,” says Dr. von Werssowetz. “The elastic fibers that once held skin firmly in place begin to breakdown, allowing skin to sag or droop. In addition, the outer layer of the skin, called keratin, changes as fewer skins cells are produced and the dead cells accumulate on the surface of the skin.” Heredity, sun exposure, and smoking also contribute to the degree of wrinkling. He also adds that for women, drops in estrogen cause a thinning of the skin. “Because of the complex nature of the skin, the skin’s appearance can only be improved when the appropriate treatment option is taken. So naturally, an individual with significant wrinkling and loss of elasticity is not going to see significant results from a typical day spa chemical peel,” warns the doctor.
Fortunately, there are many minimally- invasive and non-invasive options in the war against wrinkles, but understanding the various options can mean the difference between delight and disappointment. Sometimes the desired results can best be obtained by combining a variety of procedures, such as a chemical peel, Botox, and a filler. Choosing what’s right for you require an understanding of the options, the costs, the risks, and the likely results.
Dr. James White with Advanced Surgical Concepts says he sits down with all patients to discuss expectations as well as the risks and costs. “A patient must be upfront about their expectations so the appropriate procedure can be performed,” Dr. White says. He also encourages patients to understand that these procedures are not paint-by-number. “There is a certain amount of artistry that goes into cosmetic procedures. The physician or certified clinician must have a thorough knowledge of the products and how to achieve optimal results,” he adds.
Here’s an overview of some of the more popular minimally and non-invasive procedures on the market today.
MEDICAL-GRADE CHEMICAL PEELS
Often the first line of defense in the war on wrinkles, chemical peels use a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. Medical-grade chemical peels basically fall into three categories, with each chemical solution penetrating different depths of the skin’s many layers.
The mildest of the medical-grade peels is the alphahydroxy acid peel (AHAs). This acid peel improves the appearance of rough, dry skin and improves the texture and appearance of sun-damaged skin. Because it basically peels off the surface layer of skin cells, it does not have any effect on wrinkles. The procedure generally takes about ten minutes and the typical side effects are a slight tingling of the skin with some redness and skin flaking afterward. The next level of chemical peel is the trichloroacetic acid peel (TCA). This medium-depth peel can smooth fine surface wrinkles, remove superficial blemishes, and correct pigment problems. However, because it is a stronger chemical, patients may experience a significant burning sensation and may be given a mild sedative prior to treatment. Reddened skin and some flaking occur during the short recovery period. Repeat treatments may be required to achieve desired results.
Phenol peels are the strongest of the chemical solutions and produce the most dramatic results. It is used mainly to treat patients with coarse facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or damaged skin caused by sun exposure, or pre-cancerous growths. While highly effective in improving the overall appearance of the skin color and texture, the Phenol Peel requires anesthetic and a long recovery period. Because the surface of the skin has been chemically-removed, post-treatment instructions require strict adherence to skin care and sun protection.
All medical-grade chemical peels carry some uncertainty and risk but are considered a safe when performed by a qualified physician or clinician. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible.
BOTOX
On the market for cosmetic use for several years, Botox is a popular option for men and women of varying age. Nerves that cause facial wrinkles are actually paralyzed with a simple injection of Botox – a purified derivative of botulism. This injection causes muscles to relax, reducing frown and laugh lines. Though its results are temporary, lasting anywhere from few months to more than six months, Botox is considered safe and has very few side effects. However, Dr. von Werssowetz cautions that you can have “too much of a good thing,” causing undesirable paralysis of facial muscles that you need to give your face expression. “Fortunately, a bad Botox injection will eventually reabsorb returning the nerve and muscle to its original state, but why suffer the expense and disappointment by having the procedure done by someone who is unqualified or inexperienced?”
Botox is a pharmaceutical solution so individuals who are pregnant, breast feeding, or who have diseases that affect nerves and/or muscles are not considered as candidates. Additional information about Botox can be found at www.botoxcosmetic.com or by discussing it with a medical professional trained in its use.
Injectable Fillers - Restylane, Juvaderm and Sculptra
As their name implies, fillers are simply that – liquid or gel-like substances that fill in the folds of wrinkles. Resembling the body’s natural collagen, fillers increase the volume just below the skin and cause the skin to smooth out. Unlike the collagen implants used in the past, these chemical agents have staying power and usually provide a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles for six to nine months and more. Because these cosmetic pharmaceuticals are injected with a small needle, there is little risk and very few side effects. Restylane and Juvaderm are commonly used for smoothing out facial wrinkles, while Sculptra is used to treat lipoatrophy, a condition involving severe loss of fat beneath the skin, typically caused by considerable weight loss. Some plastic surgeons have success with using a patient’s own fat and injecting the compacted fat cells into the problem area. But, because fat does not transplant easily, patients must be overloaded initially to get the desired results.
Skin Resurfacing and Rejuvenation
Microdermabrasion, a procedure quite popular at day spas, is the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin with the use of specialized equipment and a very fine sand-like material. While this procedure brightens the overall appearance of the skin, it does not treat the deeper layers of the skin and therefore has little effect on wrinkles or skin discolorations. Dermabrasion, as the name implies, is the abrasion or sanding of the derma known commonly as skin. This procedure actually takes off a thin layer of the skin, but because this is a true surgical procedure, requiring general anesthesia and a long recovery time, many individuals are looking at newer options which offer similar results without general anesthesia and lengthy recovery time. There are many different types of laser skin treatments with a wide range of recovery periods and risks.
Depending on the severity of skin’s condition, a physician may suggest complete resurfacing or fractional resurfacing. The former is a more invasive procedure with a recovery time of weeks to months. One of the risks is scarring and change in skin pigment. The later, fractional resurfacing, addresses specific areas of skin instead of the whole face. Typically, recovery time is much faster and risks are minimized. Both treatments stimulate the middle layer of the skin, increasing the body’s natural collagen production- a key component of firm, smooth skin. The new generation of lasers gives doctors greater reliability with results and more precision in treating affected areas of skin.
Rejuvenation of the skin is a typically achieved with some of the newer generation of therapies that promise no recovery time. Treatments like Genesis skin therapy and cool glide vascular treatment, offered at The Body Boutique, promise firmer skin through exfoliation of dead skin cells and stimulation of collagen production. Typically, multiple treatments and sometimes on-going treatments are suggested but because there are no outward signs of the procedure, there is no recovery time. Costs vary depending on which option is deemed most appropriate and the number of treatments recommended.
At Memorial Health Partners Laser and Skin Center, Medical Director Dr. Mary Hammock says they offer the latest in laser treatments which are used effectively for a wide range of medical conditions. “Not only do we see many patients in their 40’s to 60’s trying to improve the overall appearance of their skin, but we are also finding great success in using lasers to treat other problems, such as rosacea, facial veins, and sunspots,” says Dr. Hammock.
Non-Surgical Facelift – Thermage
Thermage, billed as the non-surgical “lunch hour” facelift, is really the application of radio frequency waves to your face. The radio waves strategically heat the collagen in the underlying layers of the skin and in response to the heat; collagen re-growth is stimulated. This translates into tighter, younger-appearing skin. And because this type of face lift is non-surgical, there are little-to-no side effects and it works effectively on all skin types and skin colors. Unlike some other therapies, Thermage promises results in just one treatment. But Dr. White, certified in Thermage, says it may ‘promise’ but it does not always deliver. “Different individuals respond differently to this treatment so results can vary,” he cautions. “Many individuals who have already had facelifts use Thermage as a sort of ‘tune-up’ to help keep skin firm.” Dr. White says that in his practice, he has been successful with a combination approach using Thermage, skin resurfacing, Botox, and fillers. “A combination approach can result in dramatic changes to the face without losing your ‘soul’ so to speak,” he adds.
Remember, It’s the Beauty Within
When it comes to war on wrinkles there are many weapons - but no magic bullet! Most physicians in the field of cosmetic medicine and surgery agree that proper skin care and sun protection are probably the two most important things you can do to maintain skin with a smooth youthful appearance. And while everyone wants to look the best that they can be, doctors caution patients not to get caught up in the impossible quest for perfection. Remember - it’s the beauty within that is the foundation of all attraction.
(Lynn, we would only use this if we need for space, which I doubt will happen).
Effective Weapons in the War on Wrinkles
Want to prevent or attack those dreaded icons of age? Here are a few suggestions from
www.webMD.com and
www.medicinenet.com . Visit their websites for a full description.
- Sun Protection – don’t leave home without it! Yes, you’ve heard it before, but plastic surgeons and dermatologist agree that consistent sun protection is one of the easiest and most effective ways to ward off wrinkles and uneven skin tones.
- Don’t smoke! – Smoking releases an enzyme that actually breaks down the collagen and elasticity in our skin – the foundation of great looking skin.
- Get plenty of sleep and try to sleep on your back. – According to some research, lack of sleep results in the production of cortical, a hormone that breaks down skin cells. Proper rest results in skin that is more elastic and less likely to wrinkle. The American Academy of Dermatology also suggests sleeping on your back, as sleeping in certain positions night after night can lead to “sleep lines” which don’t disappear once you are up and moving.
- Eat your vegetables! Yes, mother was right. Eating your fruits and vegetables makes sense. The antioxidant compounds found in a healthy diet keep skin looking more radiant and they also provide some protective qualities against sun damage.
- Incorporate soy, salmon, and cocoa into your diet. Current research published in the Journal of Nutrition indicates benefits from these three food items. Each contains ingredients that protect and improve the skin’s appearance.
- Use a moisturizer. By keeping moisture and natural oils in, moisturizers reduce the overall appearance of fine lines and creases.
- Try some of the newer topical treatments which exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. Collage-stimulating treatments include: alpha hydroxy acids, retinoids (tretinoin), topical vitamin C, and others – most of which require a physician’s prescription. Medical-grade chemical peels, laser resurfacing (Harmony Laser), dermabrasion, and heat/radio frequency treatments are also treatments that stimulate collagen production, but all are performed in settings with physician supervision.
- If you can’t beat ‘em, fill ‘em! Some deep wrinkles can temporarily disappear with the use of fillers. Sculptra, Restylane, Juvederm, and Radiesse have all become popular options as their affect can last six to nine months. Many of these fillers are used in conjunction with Botox, an established injectable treatment that temporarily disables the muscle contractions that cause facial wrinkles. According to local plastic surgeon Dr. Art von Werssowetz, fat transfers of one’s own fat cells are also an option. “In moving fat cells from one part of the body to another, not only can you fill in and plump up the problem area, you also benefit from the stems cells which reproduce and repair skin tissue.” Dr. von Werssowetz points out that while fillers are highly effective, they all eventually reabsorb and require follow-up treatment.
- Consider plastic surgery, but only for the right reasons! Some signs of aging may only be remedied through traditional cosmetic surgeries. Physicians warn patients to closely examine their motivations and their expectations before deciding on a cosmetic procedure and before you make that appointment, ask around for references from people you know. When you have your initial consultation, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- SURRENDER! Too tired to wage war on wrinkles and other outward signs of aging? Surrender and accept those laugh lines and sun spots as just a sign of a life well lived!