Justine Park, MDWhen it comes to medical care, the saying: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies to cosmetic concerns as well as medical conditions such as cancer and high blood pressure. In my practice, concerns of the aging face such as wrinkles, skin laxity, volume loss and dyspigmentation are common amongst all patients. While many patients often feel as if their skin aging has occurred suddenly overnight, in truth, aging is a gradual and slow process. New wrinkles manifest only when the changes under the skin have taken place to such a degree that lines become visible on the surface.
By the time an actual wrinkle appears, changes in the skin relating to loss of elastin and collagen have been going on for years to decades.
While rejuvenation focuses on recovery, “prejuvenation” focuses on delaying aging symptoms for as long as possible. “Prejuvenation” treatments are designed to increase collagen production, support elastin function, and preserve facial volume – all key signs of a younger complexion.
“Prejuvenation” should be a fundamental skincare mantra for any person in their twenties and beyond. I always tell my patients that it is much easier for me to help them prevent a new line then to fix a line that has already settled in. When patients come to me with lines deeply etched into their skin, I tell them the good news is that there are more treatments than ever that can help reduce the appearance of the unwanted lines; the bad news is that it is going to take a huge investment in time and money compared to if they had come in sooner. Even under optimal treatment conditions, results may be suboptimal compared to if they had come in earlier to get preventive treatments done.
In your twenties and early thirties, collagen production starts slowing down, and those fine lines and wrinkles start creeping in. Additionally, the sins of youth – like smoking, staying up late, or not wearing sunscreen – can suddenly appear as brown spots and blemishes. Prejuvenation helps delay these effects by keeping the skin healthy, happy, and strong enough to face the onslaughts of daily life.
One of the most popular “prejuvenation” treatments I am happy to offer in my practice is an injectable called SculptraⓇ Aesthetic. SculptraⓇ injections are used to stimulate collagen production under the skin. These treatments, when done on a regular basis, can stave off volume loss, a major factor in the aging face.
Another popular treatment that I offer in my practice are Sciton BBL™ photofacials. A study out of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology showed that Sciton BBL treatments actually activate youthful genes. Therefore, I recommend regular photofacial treatments with this particular device to keep the skin youthful appearing and tight.
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections are the newest addition to our anti-aging armamentarium. The basic process is that blood is taken from your arm and then spun in a centrifuge to isolate the platelet rich plasma (PRP). This growth factor rich substance is then injected under the skin where it stimulates collagen synthesis. With repeated treatments, there will be a wonderful effect yielding skin that is more supple, soft, and plump.
Venus Freeze™ is a radiofrequency device that is used for non-surgical skin tightening. The best thing about Venus Freeze™ treatments is that they are a painless way to achieve and maintain tight and youthful skin. Additionally, they can be done almost anywhere on the body. When performed regularly, they can keep the skin from becoming lax. These treatments are done with our aesthetician and feel like a hot stone massage. Amazing!
Lastly, of course, various skincare regimens can help promote youthful skin and counteract the effects of pollution, UV light, and normal aging. Topical antioxidant formulations, glycolic and beta-hydroxy acids, peptides, growth factors and tretinoin as well as its derivatives can all help stimulate collagen, promote healthy cellular turnover. Skincare is definitely an integral part of an anti-aging regimen.
If you are seeking more information, please feel free to schedule an appointment with one of our providers today. It doesn’t hurt to seek a personalized consultation and you are in no way of committing to having procedures done. The wonderful thing about these treatments is that you get to decide what you ultimately feel comfortable with. Speaking to a provider who can help you navigate all of the options is your best bet. We look forward to meeting you!