Kim Facial Plastic Surgery

Some effects of aging cannot be prevented because they are timed by genetic triggers that are poorly understood. In general, as we age, three things take place: the regeneration process of skin slows down, the dermis (the inner layer of the skin) thins, and we lose subcutaneous fat. All three of these changes have significant consequences in making us look older, but they all can be mediated to some extent.

When we are young, our skin is constantly shedding and renewing itself, but as we age, this process slows down. This leads to skin that is older, has experienced more sun and other factors, leading to dull skin with age spots and other signs of sun damage. The skin appears crepey and gets numerous fine wrinkles. A remedy to this process is to simply accelerate the natural shedding process by using a skin resurfacing technique such as dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, or facial peels.

The dermis is the home of collagen and elastin to give strength and flexibility to the skin. Unfortunately, as we age, this layer of the skin thins. It loses collagen, and the elastin fibers break up. The combination of these factors can make the skin less elastic and more likely to retain folds and creases, what are known as dynamic wrinkles. This type of wrinkle can be remedied by using techniques that stimulate the production of collagen in the dermis, including resurfacing techniques, especially Fraxel. Sometimes, this type of wrinkle is not due to the skin at all, but due to the action of facial muscles. In this case, Botox treatments can remedy the wrinkles.

Subcutaneous fat loss can have several significant effects. It can create hollows in the face, especially under the eyes and in the cheeks. It can also worsen nasolabial folds, which are mostly due to the laxness of skin. Hollows due to the loss of subcutaneous fat can be treated with the use injectable fillers, including autologous fat. Nasolabial folds can also be treated with the use of injectable fillers, or they can be treated with a facelift/necklift.

To learn more about how treatments can help you achieve and maintain youthful-looking skin, email Kim Facial Plastic Surgery or call 770-458-4255 today for a consultation.