Myths and Facts about Facial Rejuvenation
Facial aging is one of the most common aesthetic concerns around, so it’s no surprise that countless rumors and home remedies have arisen regarding how to get rid of them. But which of these theories can actually help you look your best and which will simply prove to be a waste of time and money? As a double board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial rejuvenation, I’m happy to use my knowledge and expertise to answer your questions about a few of these anti-aging myths.
Myth #1: Wrinkles are what give away your age, so to look younger, you just need to treat your wrinkles.
Actually, there are a number of factors which make a person look older. While wrinkles and sagging skin are the most obvious signs, there are a number of factors (some of which we only notice subconsciously unless it’s pointed out to us) that betray someone’s age, including age spots as well as the loss and shifting of facial tissue which ages the shape of the face itself. For this reason, the most comprehensive results can be achieved with a combination of plastic surgery (like my Band Aid Mini Facelift) to remove excess skin and reposition the underlying tissue, along with skin treatments like Band Aid Laser Skin Resurfacing to address age spots, fine lines, and other common problems.
Myth #2: The newer the treatment, the better it is.
It’s true that medical science is constantly advancing and producing better treatment options for cosmetic and medical needs alike, but just because a procedure is newer doesn’t mean it’s actually better. It may simply be another manufacturer trying to enter the market. Or, in some cases, a new treatment may actually offer improved benefits for certain types of patients, but it may not be the right option for your specific needs. Research your options and talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon to figure out the best course of action for you.
Myth #3: Aging is hereditary, so if your parents always looked young for their age, you will, too.
Some degree of your natural aging process is hereditary, but aging can be strongly affected by environmental factors like sun exposure, smoking, diet and exercise, and more. In other words, don’t take your good genes for granted. In order to stay looking your best, you’ll still need to use some degree of facial rejuvenation treatments as the years go by.
Myth #4: There’s nothing you can do to keep wrinkles away.
Aging can’t be prevented entirely, but there are ways you can slow and delay its progress. The aging process is accelerated significantly by sun damage, smoking, excessive drinking, and other environmental factors, so protecting your skin and following a healthy lifestyle can have a strong impact on your appearance. Another increasingly popular choice is Dysport® or Botox® injections. Because these relax the targeted facial muscles, they can limit the development of certain expression lines like crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles.
Myth #5: You can look 20 years younger without surgery.
Unfortunately, this is simply an unrealistic expectation. While they won’t have such a dramatic affect as to take decades off your appearance, non-surgical procedures like Band Aid Skin Tightening (which requires no downtime), Band Aid Laser Skin Resurfacing, and the like are highly effective for facial rejuvenation. The other good news is that modernized surgeries are not as invasive as you might expect. The Band Aid Mini Facelift offers highly successful and natural-looking results with just half the recovery time of a traditional facelift, and my new Band Aid Micro Mini Facelift is even milder.
Myth #6: You get what you pay for.
This isn’t to say that all facial rejuvenation treatments and skin care products are created equal; it simply means that the most expensive choice is not always the best one. In terms of procedures, talk to a plastic surgeon who specializes in facial rejuvenation about the ideal options for you, and as far as skin care products go, focus on the active ingredients, not the price or the flashy packaging.
It’s understandably tempting to give it a try when you hear something like “this face mask you can make with ingredients you already have will take ten years off your face.” But when it comes to something as important as your health and your appearance, only trust a board-certified and experienced professional. To discuss how you can be your most confident and beautiful self, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. John L. LeRoy. Or, for more anti-aging tips as well as monthly special offers, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.