PROOFED-Binder-HowOurSkinAgesHowtoSlowItDownFebrua

Aging Skin & How to Slow It Down

Aging is unavoidable and much of how we age can be tied to our genes, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have some control over the aging process. For one, we know that certain things, like sun exposure and drug use can cause aging to happen prematurely and more rapidly, while skin care and exercise can delay and slow aging. Second, even if you didn’t take care of your skin as well as you could have or weren’t blessed with youthful genes, there are a variety of things you can do even now to help slow and even reverse an aging appearance.

The Aging Process

Before we start discussing treatment options, let’s talk a little bit about how our skin ages. As we get older, our skin begins to lose many of those vital substances that keep it plump and elastic. For example, after the age of 20, our skin begins to produce one percent less collagen a year while losing its ability to self-exfoliate. In our thirties, aging skin begins to look dull and thin as it loses the ability to hold moisture in the outer layers and fat cells shrink. By our forties, virtually no collagen is produced anymore, causing collagen and elastin fibers to become damaged or break, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. By the time we finish our fifties, our oil glands have begun to shrink, leaving skin dry, dull, and easily damaged. Finally, menopause can leave the skin looking and feeling drier, more sensitive, thinner, and less toned. All of these things combine to create the aging process that we are familiar with.

Rejuvenating Procedures

Now that we know how and why aging occurs, let’s talk treatment options. Fortunately for those wanting a more youthful look, there are a variety of rejuvenation procedures available at a variety of price points, ranging from treatments applied to the skin’s surface to precise surgeries. Which of these procedures is right for you depends on your health, budget, and signs of aging, as well as the degree of invasiveness that you are comfortable. Talking to your doctor about your health history and goals for your procedure will help you determine which avenue of treatment is best for your situation. These procedures can generally be performed alongside each other, and this may be recommended for the best results, but is not necessary to slow or reduce the appearance of the symptoms of aging.

Injected Treatments

Botox is the most common cosmetic treatment and probably one of the most well-known. Botox reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by forcing facial muscles to relax. Though many people fear having a “frozen” or inexpressive expression after Botox treatment, when applied by a qualified medical professional, Botox does not have this result.

Most other injected anti-aging treatments are dermal fillers. These products replace naturally occurring substances that begin to deplete from the skin as you age. Some fillers use the same substances, like collagen or hyaluronic acid, while others use alternative substances. Either way, these fillers can be used to fill in fine lines, wrinkles, and hollow areas or plump thinning lips. In some cases, they can even reduce the appearance of scars or other blemishes. Common dermal name brands include Cosmoderm, Zyderm, Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, Sculptra, and Radiesse. Like Botox, the results of these injections are not permanent, though the exact length of the treatment depends on the product and patient.

Skin Resurfacing Treatments

Fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation problems, and more can be addressed with skin resurfacing treatments, which work essentially by providing a thorough exfoliation treatment and encouraging healthy, beautiful skin development. These treatments are minimally invasive and excellent at slowing and resolving minor signs of aging, but they cannot provide comprehensive repairs for deep wrinkles, sagging skin, or severe scarring.

The three main types of skin resurfacing treatments are dermabrasion, laser treatments, and chemical peels. Dermabrasion involves removing dead skin with a diamond tipped vacuum, improving skin texture and the appearance the lines and uneven pigmentation. Laser skin resurfacing is performed by using a gentle but precise laser to remove damaged skin. This treatment is especially successful in improving hyperpigmentation and the appearance of scars. Finally, chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution, which removes dead skin cells and aids in the healthy regeneration of the skin underneath.

Lift Surgeries

Surgical treatment is generally the best option for patients looking for more thorough age slowing and age reversing treatments. While other surgical options can be used for rejuvenation purposes, eyelid surgery, facelifts and neck lifts are the most common choice. These treatments can be used for many of the most severe signs of aging, including a double chin, under eye bags, sagging eyelids, hollow cheeks, and a bandy neck. However, it’s important to remember that, while these surgeries can give comprehensive, but natural looking results, they do not stop the aging process and, while these surgeries can be performed multiple times, each consecutive surgery is less able to provide thorough results than the last.

Your Skin Rejuvenation Expert

Regardless of the rejuvenation procedure you choose, you deserve to have your skin care performed by the best. Dr. William J. Binder is experienced, acclaimed, and considered one of the world’s leading facial plastic surgeons. Contact his office today to find out more and schedule your consultation.

Are You a Good Candidate for a Brow Lift?

brow lift

What is Brow Lift Surgery?

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift addresses the following:

• Reduces the wrinkle lines that develop horizontally across the forehead, as well as those that occur on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes.
• Improves frown lines, the vertical creases that develop between the eyebrows.
• Raises sagging brows that are hooding the upper eyelids.
• Places the eyebrows in an alert and youthful position.
• Fighting signs of aging

Complementing cosmetic procedures to a brow lift include upper and lower eyelid tucks, face-lifting, and skin resurfacing techniques.

What is the Cost of a Brow Lift?

The average cost of a brow lift is $3,201, although costs can vary widely. The average fee does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses. A surgeon’s fee will be based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used, and the geographic office location.

Most health insurance does not cover brow lift surgery or its complications, but many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans. Brow lift costs may include:

• Anesthesia fees
• Hospital or surgical facility cost
• Medical tests
• Post-surgery garments
• Prescriptions for medication
• Surgeon’s fee

To choose a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.

Is Brow Lift Right for Me?

As we age, the body changes in various ways. Unfortunately, the face is the most obvious and usually among the very first signs of aging. As the skin loses its volume and elasticity, it begins to sag and droop, creating those wrinkles and fine lines on our forehead. To address this aging skin, many patients have turned to brow lift surgery.

While this procedure sounds enticing, knowing if you are a good candidate for the procedure is first. You may be a candidate for a brow lift if you:

• Are physically healthy
• Don’t smoke
• Have a positive outlook and realistic goals
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Other factors to consider include age and recovery. When it comes to brow lift, age does matter. Individuals who are in their 40s and 50s are most likely to see significant changes after a brow lift, since this is the time when brow lines, forehead creases and sagging eyelids begin to appear.

Post-procedure recovery is also important to know as you decide on your procedure. After the surgery, you will be given specific instructions that may include:

• How to care for the surgical site and drains.
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection.
• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health.
• When to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

In the weeks after your procedure, you should keep you head elevated and refrain from vigorous physical activity. Do not use ice or heat on the operated area. The initial wound will take 10 to 14 days to heal. Sutures or clips will be removed when it is appropriate. You should be ready to work and resume normal activity after two weeks. Swelling and incision lines may take several weeks before completely refined and faded.

Following your physician’s instructions is vital to the success of your surgery. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on to care for yourself.

Dr. Binder’s surgery center in Beverly Hills is often considered the best option for solutions regarding facial cosmetic surgery. Our office is dedicated to establishing proper communication with prospective patients. Contact us today to   schedule a consultation for your neck lift surgery in our Beverly Hills office.