WRINKLE FREE

There are several surgical and other procedures to choose from, some procedures must be done in a doctor’s clinic or hospital setting whereas others can be done by a doctor or other qualified health care provider as a spa treatment.

A Face-lift removes excess skin and fat from the face and neck, tightening connective tissues and muscles.  Last for 5 to 10 years.  Bruising and swelling may still be evident after surgery for several weeks.

Dermabrasion is a sanding down of the outside layer of the skin with a rotating brush.  Swelling and abrasions last for a couple of weeks, pinkness may last for several months.

Microdermabrasion removes less of the surface skin than dermabrasion.  It sandblasts the skin with aluminum crystals.  Slight redness to the face for a day or so.  Usually requires several maintenance treatments, effects are subtle.

Laser resurfacing destroys the skins outer layer, stimulating growth of new collagen.  Several months of healing time may be required, new skin is noticeably tighter and smoother.  New laser treatments have been developed which cause less injury and have a shorter recovery time however the results are more subtle.

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) is injected into specific muscles of the face.  Botox prevents the muscles from contracting.  Very effective on lines between brows and across the forehead.  Last 3 to 6 months.  Minor redness or swelling at the injection site usually lasting only a few hours.

Soft tissue fillers are injected into deep wrinkles of the face.  The filler may be fat, possibly from your own body, collagen, or hyaluronic acid.  Temporary redness or bruising.  Last for several months.

Chemical peel is an acid applied to the face which burns off the outer layer of the skin.  Depending on what type the peel is will determine it’s effects.  Medium peels remove part of the dermis and all of the epidermis.  Redness can lasts for several weeks.  The newly formed skin is smoother and with less wrinkles.  Superficial peels remove part of the epidermis, after several peels fine lines and wrinkles as well as brown spots are faded.

 

Beauty Products sold over the counter are not regulated by the FDA as to their efficacy. Look for products containing retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, kinetin, coenzyme Q10, copper peptides and antioxidants.  Expect only mild results with these creams.  Your doctor can prescribe creams with these same ingredients that are much more concentrated.