Abacoa & Alton Neighbors - June 2021

J u n e 2 0 2 1 | Abacoa &Alton N E I G H B O R S 7 EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR Prejuvenation By David A. Lickstein, MD, FACS Patients often ask if they can turn back the clock, and reverse the signs of aging – but many are now questioning if the visible signs of aging can be slowed by noninvasive or minimally invasive treatments and procedures. Younger patients want to intervene earlier, and try, if possible, to prevent wrinkles, sun damage, and sagging of their skin. Can “prejuvenation” minimize the need for later “rejuvenation”? Is early intervention effective? The single most important action that can be taken to prevent aging is the use of sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher and UVA/UVB protection. We now know this should begin as early as possible to prevent changes in pigment of the skin, development of wrinkles, and loss of collagen, an important component of the skin. Visible aging is usually more a result of sun damage then chronological age. Retin A, anti-oxidants, and a medical grade skin care program are also vital in keeping skin youthful. Monthly HydraFacial or diamond glow facials will keep your skin moisturized and conditioned. In addition to promoting collagen growth, yearly Microneedling treatments can are beneficial as they heat the skin and help tighten it. Wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, and between the eyebrows develop with repeated use of muscles to make facial expressions. Early Botox treatment can help prevent progression to deeper lines, and treatment should begin when the visible lines appear. Some have even hypothesized that treatment before the lines develop can prevent them. A study was published of a set of identical twins in which one had regular Botox treatments for many years, and the other did not. The twin who had neurotoxin treatment from a young age developed lines that were not as severe as her sister. Another important component of prejuvenation are laser treatments. They reduce sun damage, promote collagen formation, and improve texture of skin. We recommend a regular series of “Forever Young” pulsed light treatments and a yearly halo laser. This will maintain a healthy glow, minimize fine lines and the pigment changes. Over time, your friends will notice how good you look. Loss of facial volume occurs with aging, and begins as early as our 30’s. Collagen is lost, bone is resorbed and the facial fat pads descend. This causes a gradual change in shape of the face, wrinkles, hollows, and sagging. Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvéderm and others can correct the loss, but also help stimulate production of your own skin’s collagen. The skill and experience of the injector is important to select the right type of filler, and achieve a natural result. More and more, we are seeing younger patients and millennials for noninvasive or minimally invasive treatments to prevent rather than correct the signs of aging. Wrinkles, sun damage, and sagging are easier to correct at a younger age, and treatments may even pre-empt the process. It is now apparent that it is even easier to practice prevention than to attempt repair. Let us help you begin prejuvenation.