A Global Approach To Facial Aging

By LaSondra Gray, CMLSO, CLA, PTMA, MBA

Reflections Image Center

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A Global Approach To Facial Aging

Facial rejuvenation should take into consideration all the dimensions of the face to make a truly youthful look achievable.

Our evolving understanding of the skin and, in particular, the aging face, has prompted a growing field of aesthetic technology. Restorative procedures are taking advantage of improved and refined biotechnology, which continues to evolve at a rapid pace.

Whereas surgical correction of skin laxity is the norm, there are now many topical options available to encourage healthy and youthful skin, for many patients. With an ever-growing, increasingly perfected depot of minimally invasive injectable dermal fillers, we can now pave a pathway for volumizing and stimulating the skin by non-surgical means.

The growth indicators for this market are as striking as the science. However, successful use of dermal fillers is not only a function of the quality of science leading to improved biocompatibility, but also the “art” of client selection, filler application, and vigilant follow up. Even the “ideal” filler is subject to unique interactions with both the practitioner and the patient.

Improved understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the aging face has laid the foundation for adopting an earlier and more comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation, shifting the focus from individual wrinkle treatment and lift procedures, to a holistic paradigm that considers the entire face and its structural framework.

The key components for improving facial cosmesis include augmentation of volume loss, protection with sunscreens and antioxidants; microlaser peels; microdermabrasion; collagen stimulation and remodeling via light, ultrasound, or radiofrequency (RF)-based methods; muscle control with botulinum toxin; and promotion of epidermal cell turnover with techniques such as superficial chemical peels.

For the treatment of wrinkles and for the augmentation of pan-facial dermal lipoatrophy, several types of fillers and volumizers are available. The combination of treatments with fillers; toxins; light-, sound-, and RF-based technologies may help to forestall the facial aging process and provide more natural results as opposed to using just one of these techniques as stand-alone therapy.

Multiple types of anti-aging treatments are required to address the various causes of facial aging. Soft-tissue augmentation provides a minimally invasive option for patients seeking to look younger. However, due to changes in facial skin, musculature, fat and bone, anti-aging treatment requires a multifaceted approach.

Injectable fillers may be combined with neurotoxins to resolve superficial wrinkles and restore facial volume. These modalities may be used with laser resurfacing or chemical peels to address epidermal and superficial dermal problems. Combining injectable soft-tissue augmentation treatments allows clinicians and patients to take advantage of the benefits of each modality and to address the multiple effects of facial aging.