Fresh Face

RENEWING THE LOOK OF YOUTH & VITALITY WITH FACIAL REJUVENATION

BY ANNETTE BROOKS

We live in a digital age where your face is your calling card, and first impressions have enduring effects on personal and professional relationships. With so much at stake, it’s no wonder facial rejuvenation services have gained such immense popularity. Whether you want to tackle skin smoothness and clarity, broken capillaries, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, rosacea, skin laxity, lines, wrinkles, or volume loss, services can be custom-tailored to meet your personal needs and goals.

ONINVASIVE TREATMENTS

Topical treatments, including peptides, antioxidants, and retinoids, play a crucial role in maintaining and improving skin health. Retinoids promote cell turnover and collagen production, and peptides signal the skin to produce more collagen. Antioxidants like vitamin C help protect your skin from free radicals and enhance its radiance. You can buy over-the-counter products, but medical-grade products used by med spas are generally more potent.

Chemical peels come in varying strengths, from light to deep. Treatments involve applying a solution to the skin that causes the top layer to exfoliate and peel off to reveal fresher, more youthful skin underneath. Peels can improve skin texture and tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation.

Exfoliating treatments like microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, and dermaplaning remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion uses tiny crystals or a diamond- tipped wand, while dermabrasion is usually more intense and involves a rotating brush. Both stimulate collagen production and enhance skin texture. Dermaplaning promotes a smoother, brighter complexion by removing dead skin cells and fine facial hair with a special tool similar to a surgical scalpel.

Laser and light treatments target a host of issues from wrinkles and lines to sun damage, skin laxity, and scars. Fractional lasers, for example, create micro-injuries that stimulate the skin’s natural healing process, promoting collagen production. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and next-generation broadband light (BBL) treatments address pigmentation issues, improve overall skin tone, and more.

Radiofrequency (RF) treatments use energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production to help tighten the skin. Treatments using focused ultrasound energy stimulate collagen production and cause existing collagen reform to become thicker and stronger. Results include smoothed wrinkles, improved skin elasticity, the reduced appearance of jowls, lifted droopy eyelids or eyebrows, and more.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENTS

Microneedling involves using tiny needles that create micro- injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production. It can be combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, where a patient’s blood is processed to extract growth factors that are then applied to the skin, enhancing the rejuvenation process. Combined microneedling and RF treatments are also growing in popularity.

Injectables like Botox and Dysport temporarily relax muscles in the treated area, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Dermal fillers restore lost volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial and lip contours. Kybella injections target and reduce submental fat, commonly called a “double chin.”

Thread lifts involve inserting dissolvable threads under the skin to lift and tighten sagging areas. The threads stimulate collagen production, providing both immediate and gradual improvements.

WHAT ABOUT SURGICAL SOLUTIONS?

Results from nonsurgical services are usually more subtle than surgical solutions, and results typically don’t last as long. If you’re looking for more dramatic results lasting up to 10 years or more, consult with a plastic surgeon. Ask them to compare surgical and nonsurgical options and create a customized treatment plan for you that may include both.

Psychological and Social Benefits

Although facial rejuvenation is not a solution to all of life’s problems, research indicates several benefits, including:

Improved Self-Esteem and Confidence

By addressing specific facial features that may cause insecurity, individuals often experience a more positive self- image after facial rejuvenation. This enhanced confidence can positively impact various aspects of life, including personal relationships and professional interactions.

Reduction in Anxiety and Depression

Studies have shown that certain cosmetic procedures can contribute to a reduction in anxiety and depression. By addressing the source of their distress, facial rejuvenation can be a step towards improved mental health and emotional well-being.

Enhanced Social Interactions

Feeling more confident about one’s appearance can improve social interactions and engagement. You may feel more comfortable in social settings and be more willing to participate in various activities, enhancing your overall quality of life and emotional well-being.

Alignment with Self-Perception

Facial rejuvenation can help individuals feel more aligned with their inner selves. When appearance matches self-perception, it can lead to greater overall satisfaction and reduced psychological distress.