What Happened to My Face? We Know, and We Can Help!
- Posted on: Jul 15 2019
When you look in the mirror lately, is it becoming more and more difficult to ignore that your face has changed? A recent study has revealed that, after age 45, many people avoid looking in the mirror so they do not have to see how time and life have affected their appearance.
There are several common signs of aging that progressively worsen in mid-life. These include lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, jowls, hollowing beneath the eyes or the cheeks, various growths and signs of sun damage. As much as positive self-image is promoted these days, the signs of aging can still be a hard pill to swallow. People of a certain age may experience a decrease in their self-confidence due to the loss of friendliness and energy in their face. Since aging cannot be avoided, the best solution is to find solutions that work. To do this, we have to understand the process of facial aging.
There are three primary phases of facial aging:
- First, skin and underlying tissue starts to sag
- Second, volume in the upper and mid face diminishes
- Third, the cells that have been damaged by the sun make their way to the surface
Understanding the underlying causes of cosmetic aging, we are better equipped than ever to address the problems they incur.
To correct the issue of loose, sagging skin, Dr. Schaffer performs lift techniques in affected areas of the face.
- Eyelid rejuvenation, or blepharoplasty, can lift thin, saggy tissue on the upper or lower eyelids.
- Brow lift surgery repositions the brow line to lift tissue on the upper eyelids. This procedure may also include a forehead left technique that diminishes horizontal lines.
- Facelift surgery addresses tissue laxity on the mid and lower face. Facelift techniques reduce jowls on the sides of the jawline, smooth creases around the nose and mouth, and restore a bit of structure to the cheek area.
- Neck lift surgery focuses on tightening the loose skin just below the chin and downward toward the neck bands.
Volume loss affects the entire face, from the eyes to the lips. The primary solution for this problem is to restore volume in the form of hyaluronic acid. Juvéderm fillers are routinely used to enhance the shape and fullness of the lips. Many patients who undergo facelift surgery also receive dermal filler injections to round out the cheekbones.
Sun damage affects the skin in several ways. When ultraviolet light from sunshine is absorbed, it breaks down healthy collagen. UV rays damage cells that lie deep beneath the skin. Eventually, these cells surface as dark spots, fine lines, blemishes, and unusual growths. There are a few ways to manage sun-damaged skin:
- Repair sun damage with professional light or laser treatments. Laser skin resurfacing gently removes the uppermost layer of skin cells. This reveals healthy new skin cells and also incites new collagen production to support them.
- Implement professional or medical grade solutions to help nurture the skin and slow down further deterioration.
- Utilize sunscreen daily to decrease the aging effects of UV light.
Aging doesn’t have to be an overwhelming prospect. We can help you look as good as you feel. To schedule a consultation in our San Antonio office, call 210-227-3223.
Posted in: Facelift
