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Three Anti-Aging Strategies for Younger Patients

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Three Anti-Aging Strategies for Younger Patients

What some people tend to forget is that aging is a gradual process. Wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin and age spots do not appear overnight, but rather build up over time. That’s why I always recommend that my younger patients start treatment earlier rather than later in order to maintain their youthful appearance. While there is no way to prevent aging, there are a variety of different treatments available to help slow down the aging process.

#1: Sun Protection

We all know that unprotected and prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to painful sunburns and skin cancer, but did you know that it can also contribute to aging? Sun damage can cause premature aging due to powerful UV rays that break down collagen and elastin. The lack of these two proteins can cause sagging skin, fine lines, wrinkles and age spots to develop quicker. Using SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, wearing protective clothing such as sunglasses and hats and avoiding prolonged sun exposure can help you slow down your aging process at any age.

#2: Neuromodulators

After years of repetitive facial expressions, the facial muscles become tense which can lead to wrinkles and fine lines developing around the eyes and forehead. Neuromodulator injections, such as Botox® and Dysport®, temporarily relax these muscles for up to three to four months at a time. Not only does this smooth your fine lines and by preventing the muscles from contracting, but it also slows down and in some cases stops wrinkles from worsening. Starting neuromodulator injections at a younger age can help to keep stubborn wrinkles and fine lines from developing early on.

#3: Minimally-Invasive Procedures

Many people notice the initial signs of aging but do not seriously consider undergoing a surgical procedure, like a facelift, until they are in their 60s or 70s. While receiving a facelift around that time does provide effective results, there is a large amount of tissue repositioning which can lead to a lengthy recovery time. That is why I recommend my signature Band Aid Mini Facelift to my younger patients in their 40s and 50s as a way to address the beginning signs of aging in a minimally invasive way. By undergoing a less extensive procedure, patients are less likely to need more invasive surgeries down the road.

Every person’s face, body and aesthetic goals are unique which means an individualized, tailored approach is a must when determining what anti-aging strategies are best for you. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience, I have treated the signs of aging that appear on patients of various ages and body types. If you’re interested in learning more about how to slow down your aging process, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. John L. Leroy in Atlanta today. Also, follow along with me on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for more plastic and cosmetic surgery insights.

Babies Getting Botox®: Mother of Eight-Year-Old Pageant Contestant Adminsters Injectable to Erase Her Child’s “Wrinkles”

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mother defends injecting daughter with botoxAn interview aired on Good Morning America last week sharing the story of San Francisco pageant mom, Kerry Campbell, who defended her decision to inject her daughter’s face with Botox® in preparation for several children’s beauty pageants. This news story highlights the importance of understanding what is and is not acceptable in the world of cosmetic skin treatments.

As a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who’s abided by the Hippocratic Oath for nearly two decades, I’ve devoted my career to helping patients.  This story affects me further because I too am a parent. I feel sympathy for Ms. Campbell as she’s clearly made an unwise decision here, and there will most likely be long-term repercussions for Campbell and her little girl. Moral judgment aside, I’d like to use this incident as a vehicle for discussion and an opportunity to educate consumers about the dangers of under qualified injectable providers and the effects such procedures can have on the wrong patients. 

Botox® can be used in children to minimize the symptoms of neuromuscular disorders, like muscle spasms, when performed by a neurologist or a board certified pediatric specialist.  Given the components of Botox®, a purified form of the neurotoxin botulinum, cosmetic treatment should only be used in adult patients whose bodies are finished growing.  Without the proper administrator, facial injectables can cause impaired physical development, eyelid drooping, and temporary muscle paralysis. 

There are only four types of individuals who are legally permitted to administer Botox® Cosmetic in Georgia:  board certified doctors of medicine, physician assistants, registered nurses, or nurse practitioners under the direction of a physician.  Because only M.D.’s can legally purchase the product, it is up to those physicians to uphold their ethical, legal, and moral values in deciding who they will entrust to administer the treatment to their patients.  This story is a prime example of how consumers should guard themselves with as much knowledge as possible when contemplating any cosmetic surgery or skin treatment. 

The field of medicine is a delicate blend of science and art: the art portion being the creative application of said science.  There is, however, a line that needs to be drawn between doctor and patient with the amount of artistic license granted to any cosmetic surgeon.  I encourage all of my Atlanta cosmetic plastic surgery patients to ask me their questions, investigate my credentials, and use good judgment when it comes to pursuing cosmetic procedure(s). 

Visit my website and read my blog to learn more about my plastic surgery experience or the plastic surgery and cosmetic skin treatments I offer my Atlanta patients.