Complete Anti-Aging Guide

Anti-Aging Guide

Content Overview
The age old art of looking young using surgical and non-surgical anti-aging techniques is highly celebrated and heavily practiced the world over. None of us is entirely immune to the whole host of unhealthy habits, practices, and stressors of life. Over time, they affect our bodies and our appearance. They make us look older than we feel and (heaven forbid) older than we are. But, to a certain extent, you can control the aging process by making lifestyle choices which prevent or reverse the signs of aging. Throughout the entire anti-aging process, we hope you remember one thing: Feeling fabulous may be a state of mind, but looking fabulous is an art you can always perfect! Plastic surgery, especially when concerning the delicate skin of the face, requires the artistry of a highly skilled, surgeon. You can always find a board certified plastic surgeon on FaceForum. While health insurance generally doesnt cover cosmetic procedures, there may be instances when the treatment will be covered. Be sure to see our financing page for payment options, and discuss your treatment method with your surgeon and insurance provider to determine coverage.

Lips
A smile can make you appear more positive, confident, and maybe even sexier. But is your smile - or your mouth in general - conveying more about your age than you want?

Dermal Fillers
If youre bothered by the early signs of aging lines and wrinkles - but not ready not ready for a full-fledged surgical procedure, non-surgical injectables can be an effective solution.

Eyes
You want your eyes to be windows to your soul, not curtained with crows feet, bags and sagging lids. If the area around your eyes has started to show signs of age, then consider your options to improve your appearance.

Brows
You dont feel like you are getting older but the upper portion of your face may be showing some signs of aging. Lines, forehead wrinkles heavy eyebrows are the more common indicators that, thanks to reduced elasticity, skin may be succumbing to the impact of environment, gravity and accumulated years.

Chemical Peels
In the ongoing hunt for a facial Fountain of Youth, theres one simple goal: erase signs of age. Patients are now turning to non-surgical options to achieve that baby-soft skin of their younger days.

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Essentials
So, what exactly can you do to halt the aging process, look younger, and feel better? Put yourself on an anti-aging diet. Supplement your routine with vitamins. Revamp your look with an anti-aging skin Why not put yourself on an anti-aging diet thats rich in youth-making nutrients? Give Yourself anti-aging routine a flavorful boost. As Self Magazine notes, ...fruits and veggies that contain lycopene and beta carotene help block UV rays to thwart aging [while] vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen, helping prevent fine lines.

Supplement with Vitamins

If you want to address a particular anti-aging issue, theres probably a supplement you can take. But, before you plunge into a bottle of Vitamin K, C or E consider ways to get adequate nutrition out of food itself. That is, after all, what a healthy diet achieves. The Mayo Clinic says whole foods offer three main benefits dietary supplements dont: Phytochemicals and Antioxidants - Both slow aging, heal tissue and protect cells. Fiber - High-fiber foods contain key nutrients, aid digestion and prevent illness. Micronutrients - Unlike supplements, whole foods offer a range of nutrients. Its also advisable to consult a doctor, dietician, or nutritionist before changing your diet. While youre at it, have them order a blood analysis so youll know what your nutrient starting point is. That will give you a baseline to measure your progress against.

care regimen. Keep up on new procedures like antiaging facial treatments.

Skin Healthy Foods

Plenty of other foods can also boost your bodys own healing capabilities. These foods can help, according to SELF Magazines 38 Anti-Aging Foods: Live a longer, Healthier Life with these Key Ingredients:

Fruits blueberries, raisins, kiwi,

dried cherries & strawberries

Vegetables baby spinach, kale,

celery & poblano peppers

Grains and Legumes bulgur

wheat, quinoa & black beans

Nuts almonds, walnuts & pistachios Spices cinnamon & curry powder Dairy nonfat plain Greek yogurt

Get on an Anti-Aging Diet

Anti-Aging Guide

Essentials
Tips to Revamp Your Skin Care Routine

Cleanse use a gentle cleanser in the

morning and again at night

Moisturize follow with a moisturizer

suited to your skin type (SPF 15+)

Chug-a-Lug drink 64 oz. of H2O daily to

keep your lips and skin hydrated

Dont Be Shy ask your plastic surgeon to

recommend a great skin care line

Anti-Aging Guide

Lips
According to Michael I. Kulick, MD, while a facelift cant address atrophy of the lips or wrinkles around the mouth, there are other technologies that can reverse the signs of aging. From lip augmentation and injections to peels and lifts, the latest cosmetic procedures and techniques can take years off your smile as they improve the area around your mouth. A more temporary, but less aggressive, method uses dermal fillers such as collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA), or fillers based on microsphere technology. To enhance the lip fullness or raise/define a cupids bow or vermillion border, plastic surgeons perform multiple injections of soft tissue augmentation. Nasolabial folds (the parentheses that run from the corners of the mouth to the corners of the nose) and marionette lines (extending from the corners of the mouth to the chin) can be improved by injecting them with deeper tissue fillers. Also, to smooth facial lines, surgeons may perform autologous fat grafting, using fat removed from another part of your body and inject it into the area under repair. Even though a filler substance may be considered permanent, the results of soft tissue augmentation with injectable fillers are not and will probably require repeat treatment to maintain results, noted the ASAPS. Also, very soft fillers, such as those used for the lips, wont last as long as more structured fillers used for the lines around the mouth.

Lip Lift
If you want to turn that frown upside down, consider a lip lift. By surgically removing small diamonds of skin just above the corners of the mouth, the border of the lips is raised into a slight smile, turning an unhappy facial expression into a happy one.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing using a laser beam can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving the texture, clarity, and overall appearance of your skin. Both static wrinkles (the ones that are always present) and dynamic wrinkles (expression lines that deepen with facial movements) can be treated.

Chemical Peel
A chemical peel using alpha hydroxy acids, tricholoracetic acid (TCA), or phenol uses a peeling agent to help improve the fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth. The solution is applied to the areas to be treated, avoiding the eyes, brows, and lips. Removing the skins top layer diminishes the look of imperfections caused by sun damage or uneven pigmentation, or coarse wrinkles, while revealing newer, fresher skin.

Lip Augmentation/Injections
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), there are two strategies to augment the lips: surgery and injection. For a permanent lip augmentation, surgically advancing the lip forward via incisions inside the mouth (with an added dermal-fat graft if needed) will create a more plump, full lift.

Anti-Aging Guide

Eyes
Crows feet those lines radiating from the outside corners of your eyes can be smoothed away to create a more youthful eye area. It may take several weeks before the final results are apparent, and several months before the incisions fade enough to become barely visible. Following your eyelid surgery, you will look more rested, refreshed and alert, with any bags and puffiness caused by excess fat now gone. While the results of eyelid surgery are long-lasting, they can be affected by hereditary and lifestyle factors. Also, the normal aging process can cause some subsequent skin laxity and fine wrinkling over time that can be corrected with a forehead lift or a secondary eyelid procedure.

Botox
Botox is injected into the muscles that contract during facial expressions (i.e. frowning or squinting), thereby blocking muscular nerve signals. This weakens the muscles so they cant contract and diminishes facial wrinkles, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Youll see results within a few days, with the full effect evident in about a week. A Botox injection lasts about three to four months before it starts to fade. Repeated injections are needed to maintain the no wrinkle look. Upper eyelid surgery involves an incision that follows the natural contour of the lid, through which excess skin and fatty tissue are removed. The incision for lower eyelid surgery is just below the lower lashes, allowing your plastic surgeon to remove excess skin, muscle, and fat, as well as correct special problems such as muscle laxity. Another option for lower lid surgery is to place the incision inside the lower eyelid, although this is not an option if excess skin needs to be removed. In some cases, your plastic surgeon may use a laser to tighten the lower eyelid skin.

Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing uses a laser beam to lessen the appearance of light wrinkles around the eyes. It can be performed either by creating an overall controlled injury to your skin or by drilling tiny holes into the deeper layers of your skin (known as fractional resurfacing), causing the collagen in your skin to contract and tighten between the tiny holes. The latter can be particularly effective in the lower eyelid area to combat the sagging or looseness caused by aging.

Eyelid Surgery
Aesthetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can help with a number of eyelid issues. It can address excess skin obscuring the natural fold of the upper eyelids, loose skin that hangs down from upper eyelid impairing vision, puffy upper eyelids, excess skin, lower lid droopiness, fine and crepey wrinkles, and dark under-eye circles and bags. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis.

Anti-Aging Guide

Brows
be placed at the hairline (pre-trichial incision), behind the hairline (a coronal incision), or in some cases, above the brow or in the mid-forehead creases. Another option is endoscopic surgery, using several small (half-inch) incisions made just behind the hairline. You and your surgeon can discuss which technique is best suited to your particular situation. Once the surgery is completed, your forehead will be taped and your head loosely wrapped. Your surgeon may also temporarily implant a small tube to drain any excess fluid or blood. After the initial Procedures such as brow lifts (also known as forehead lifts), Botox injections and dermal fillers can improve your appearance and reduce the signs of aging. wound healing is completed (5 to 10 days), sutures or clips will be removed, although complete healing may take several months, noted the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Botox Advantages:
less time to administer (generally takes a few minutes). immediate return to normal lifestyle/work. minor irritation (local), redness, bruising, or swelling lasting just a few hours. Although it may take several days for Botox to have an effect, the results last three to six months. At that point, further treatment may be elected.

Dermal Fillers
Plumping up areas of the forehead with skin volume dermal fillers is another strategy for regaining a youthful look. Dermal filler materials include injectable collagen (an animal protein filler) or implants from human collagen matrix or ePTFE, a non-resorbable synthetic polymer material. Injection therapy takes about 5 to 15 minutes, according to the AAFPRS, while filler implant insertions take about an hour, depending on the number and extent. The early swelling subsides within 24 to 48 hours, although it may take several weeks for implant swelling and irritation to disappear. Be sure to help maintain your refreshed and renewed appearance by using sun protection and following a healthy lifestyle.

Brow Lift
According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery(AAFPRS), a forehead lift or brow lift addresses sagging brows and deep furrows between the eyes. Usually done between age 40 and 65, it generally involves removing part of the muscle that causes vertical frown lines between the brows and tightening or removing the loose skin. A brow lift can take place in a hospital, freestanding medical facility, or office-based surgical suite. During the surgical procedure, incisions can

Botox
Another option to address prominent forehead creases, brow furrows or eye lines (crow's feet) is using Botulinum toxin (Botox) -- a sterile, purified protein produced from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Injecting Botox into facial muscles weakens or paralyzes them for several months, according to the AAFPRS, temporarily reducing or eliminating previous skin creasing while avoiding new ones.

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Chemical Peels and Laser Skin Resurfacing

Peels and treatments can leave skin in a very delicate state - be sure to avoid exposure to sunlight and use sun block to protect your new, younger skin.

Types of lasers include:

Peel options include:

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser delivers very short pulsed light energy (called ultrapulsed) or continuous light beams, precisely removing thin layers of skin with minimal damage to your surrounding tissue; recovery time is up to two weeks.

Alpha Hyroxy Acid (AHA) Peel the most superficial peels (i.e. glycolic, lactic or fruit acid)

Laser Skin Resurfacing

During laser skin resurfacing treatments (also known as laser peel, laser vaporization or lasabrasion), the outer layer of skin (epidermis) is removed while the underlying skin (dermis) is heated, which stimulates growth of new collagen fibers. A laser treatment takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours and is usually done on an outpatient basis. Types of laser treatments include:

Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Peel stronger with a greater depth of peel

Erbium Laser: removes superficial and

moderately deep lines and wrinkles on your face; recovery time is one full week.

Phenol Peel - strongest peel, used for deep

wrinkles from sun exposure, skin wrinkling around the lips and chin area, pigment problems, and vertical lines, as well as in the treatment of precancerous skin conditions

Chemical Peels
Chemical peels work by applying a chemical solution which causes the skin's top layers to peel, revealing newer, firmer layers. When the solution is painted on the face, it removes the epidermis and penetrates into the first layer of the dermis. Depending on the peel, the skin may appear bright pink for a few days after treatment, but the color and post-operative puffiness will ultimately fade. Posttreatment downtime varies depends on the type of peel used.

Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion removes fine lines, crow's feet, age spots and acne scars as it stimulates the production of skin cells and collagen. During the 30minute to one-hour process, fine crystals polish the surface of the skin, resulting in an overall fresh, healthy-looking glow, said the ASAPS. Microdermabrasion is effective on all skin colors and types and excellent for skin sensitive to chemical procedures, with no downtime involved. However, it will require multiple sessions and maintenance treatments.

Non-Ablative Laser Rejuvenation best for early signs of aging

Fractional Laser Rejuvenation - best

for diminishing signs of aging such as age spots, wrinkles, and skin discoloration

Ablative Laser Resurfacing effective for deeper wrinkles and diminishing aging caused by years of unprotected sun exposure

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Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers and injectables help plump the face where needed and fill in fine lines and wrinkles to improve your skins appearance. Many offer longlasting, if not permanent, results. It can also make the skin look more fresh and supple, since it also brings water to the skins surface. While its a temporary solution, lasting between three to five months, its a great option for creating a major improvement. Average fees in 2011 for hyaluronic acid treatment (typically taking less than 30 minutes) were $529. According to the ASPS, most patients undergoing collagen injections are 35 to 60 years old and focused on minimizing the early signs of aging. While older patients can also have collagen treatments, its most effective for skin that is still relatively flexible. In 2011, fees averaged $468 to $520, although there may be additional costs involved.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite
The heaviest of facial dermal fillers, calcium hydroxylapatite (i.e. Radiesse) is a mineral-like compound found naturally in human bones. Uses include moderate-to-severe creases such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines and frown lines as well as enhancing fullness of the cheeks and other facial contours. The injection contains calciumbased microspheres suspended in a water-based gel, which act as a scaffolding onto which your own collagen grows. This produces a very natural result, according to ASPS. The ASPS average fee in 2011 was $626.

Collagen Filler
Collagen filler (from human skin or animals) can be one way to rejuvenate sun-damaged or aging skin or plump up lips that have lost their volume. Taking just seconds per site, your surgeon will inject the area with the type of collagen chosen. (Animalbased collagen will require skin allergy testing prior to injection.) The results will last about three months, after which your body will begin to reabsorb the collagen, necessitating repeat treatment to maintain results.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

A natural substance found in the human body, hyaluronic acid (i.e. Juvederm or Restylane) is also one of the most popular kinds of injectable fillers, according to the ASPS. Injected through very fine needles in specific areas of the face, hyaluronic acid creates a cushion to support facial structures and tissues.

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Dermal Fillers
PMMA
Considered a semi-permanent filler, PMMA injections treat medium-to-deep wrinkles, folds and furrows, particularly nasolabial folds as well as pitted scars and thin lips. The injection consists of PMMA fillers in a purified collagen gel, which ultimately breaks down and is replaced by your bodys own collagen. Keep in mind that it can take a number of injections to create volume and up to three months for the full effects. Average 2011 fees for PMMA fillers were $995.

Polyactic Acid
More than just a dermal filler, polylactic acid (i.e. Sculptra) actually stimulates your own collagen production. It's effective for laugh lines and deep nasolabial folds as well as plumping up thin lips. Unlike other dermal fillers, however, youll need about three once-a-month treatments to achieve your desired results, and while considered semipermanent, you may still need occasional booster injections. The 2011 averages for fees per treatments were $987.

Fat Injections
Fat injections can be used to recontour your face, reduce lines and wrinkles, plump lips, and redefine the cheek and chin. While your own body fat can be an excellent soft tissue filler, noted the ASAPS, it must be harvested from other body areas via a small needle and then re-injected after processing into the desired area. It can take 3 to 4 treatments over a sixmonth period to achieve the longest-lasting effect. The ASPS 2011 fee estimate was $1,658.

Polyalkylimide
A semi-permanent dermal filler, polyalkylimide is used for deeper wrinkles, depressed scars or thin lips. It can also enhance cheekbones and the jawline and plump facial volume lost due to age. After injection, your plastic surgeon molds it into place, with your own collagen eventually forming around it. Polyalkylimide is biocompatible (no allergy test needed) and can be combined with other types of dermal fillers more suitable for fine lines and wrinkles.

Anti-Aging Guide

Visit FaceForum.com for more anti-aging information as well as detailed information about facial plastic surgery including rhinoplasty, facelift, blepharoplasty. We also have extensive information about nonsurgical options including BOTOX, dermal llers and other skin care treatments. FaceForum has been a leading information resource for people researching plastic surgery. We offer people comprehensive information that helps to guide people through the plastic surgery process. Whether you are looking for surgical or non-surgical solutions to a problem or interested in a specic procedure FaceForum has information about every aspect of facial cosmetic surgery. Research the cost of a procedure, risks and recovery, read reviews from actual patients or look for a certied plastic surgeon all at FaceForum.com If you are interested in breast augmentation, breast implants, liposuction or tummy tuck visit our sister sites ImplantInfo.com or LipoSite.com. Connect with our editorial team on Facebook, FaceForum, ImplantInfo and LipoSite.