What Is The Aging Face?
Youthful skin contains more cells that are able to renew rapidly, and is overall more soft, supple, smooth, and well hydrated. There are many factors that contribute to the appearance of the aging face. As we age, the loss of oil glands, collagen, and elastin creates a less hydrated appearance of our skin, which does not bounce back as easily as it did in the past. Additionally, discoloration, wrinkles, bone loss, and fat loss or sagging skin, all contribute to the overall appearance of an aging face. Treatments targeting all of these changes can help rejuvenate your youthful face.
Discoloration
Sun spots, or solar lentigos, are related to the amount of ultraviolent radiation exposed over a period of time. Over time, they may progress to become seborrheic keratosis; warty stuck on looking bumps. The amount on our face, hands, and back can be diminished by minimizing the amount of sunlight we are exposed to early on, though genetics may sometimes play a strong role as well. Medications, antioxidants, and cosmetic procedures can be employed to help improve your skin tone.
Wrinkles
There are multiple factors contributing to the formation of wrinkles. Loss of hydration, collagen and elastin, and genetics are the major players. Lifestyle choices, such as sun exposure, smoking, alcohol use, diet, and stress can cause premature onset of these signs of aging. Antioxidants, adequate hydration and nutrition, and strict sun protection can all help in slowing down the process.
Wrinkles can also be categorized into two main types: dynamic and static. Dynamic wrinkles are visible only when a facial expression is made. Over time, these repetitive motions create what we call static wrinkles, which are visible even without voluntary expression. By preventing your muscles to make the dynamic wrinkle, we can use neurotoxins to even prevent the appearance of long-standing static wrinkles!
Bone Loss
As we age, we experience facial bone loss, which normally provides the foundation for facial muscles, fat-pads, and skin. This bone loss changes the dimensions and contours of our face, such as less pronounced cheeks bones, defined brows and jawline. An analogy I like to give is a tent (representing our skin) and its pole and anchors (representing the bones and muscle). An established tent will have smooth and taut cascading fabrics. If the pole slowly shrinks, it would not be able to support the tent as it used to, creating a droopy appearance.
Preventative measures such as early adequate calcium intake may help slow down the process. Many fillers are available to help reconstruct and replace the support that was once there, giving a more youthful and healthy appearance.
Fat-Pads /Sagging Skin
As stated above, there are many contributing factors to the loss of elasticity in our skin. Another factor is actually loss of fat volume in our face. We have over 20 distinct fat compartments in our face that help to provide volume, contours, and overall fullness. As we age, these fat-pads get thinner and slowly descend. This causes increased hollowness in the cheeks and below the eyes, drooping appearance of the cheeks and deeper lines between the nose and cheeks.
Fillers can be are used to re-volumize these areas. There are different types that may be best in different areas of your face. Please schedule a consultation to find out what is best for your skin.
