Expositor:
The natural aging process can affect all parts of the body, including the skin. From forehead wrinkles to hollows under the eyes, aging facial skin is a concern for many. Kofi Bohen, director of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Johns Hopkins Medicine, explains how skin ages and which facial rejuvenation procedures may be right for you.
What are the signs of an aging face?
Everyone's face ages differently, but there are clear signs that the skin on the face is losing firmness and elasticity. “A youthful face has certain characteristics, including a defined neck and jawline, firm skin, high eyebrows, small eyelids, and an egg-shaped shape,” says Bohen.
Aging generally begins in the eyelids and around the eyes. The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the face. As you age, you may notice dark circles and cavities under your eyes, causing your eyes to droop. Some people develop bags under the eyes, excess skin on the eyelids, or fine lines at the corners of the eyes (crow's feet).
Bohne says facial oils also start to wear off, especially on the cheeks. The skin around the nose, cheeks and chin may sag. Many develop wrinkles, fine lines and creases on or around the lips, as well as deep wrinkles. Then the fat moves down around the chin and neck and people get a "chin".
Other common signs of an aging face include:
- Changes in the contour of the face (the lower part widens, the face becomes more square)
- Pale skin texture
- big hole
- less praise
- Changes in pigmentation (changes in skin color)
How does skin age?
The skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis. Most age-related skin changes involve the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. The dermis contains many substances that keep the skin firm and smooth, such as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Around the age of 35 we begin to lose these substances and the skin becomes more relaxed.
Under the skin there is a layer of fat called subcutaneous fat which gives volume and definition to the face. As the skin loses collagen, elastin and other substances that keep it firm, the fat pads around the eyelids, cheeks, temples and chin sag. As a result, the face loses its contours and wrinkles, fine lines and loose skin begin to develop.
Are there ways to improve the appearance of an aging face?
It is possible to improve the appearance of an aging face through surgical and non-surgical methods. Some common goals for facial rejuvenation include:
- Restores the volume and contour of the face
- Reduces wrinkles and hollows under the eyes
- Corrects forehead wrinkles and drooping eyebrows
- Tightens loose skin around the neck and chin
- Corrects pigmentary changes
Get a natural look
Restores the volume and contour of the face
Dermal fillers are one of the most common non-surgical treatments to help create smoother, firmer facial skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Fillers typically contain collagen or hyaluronic acid, which is essential for youthful skin. Both fillers provide temporary results, but are quick in-office procedures. “Injectables and fillers are a good first step for those looking to treat early signs of skin aging, such as fine lines or sagging skin,” says Bohen.
Facial fat grafting or fat transfer is a more permanent solution to sagging skin and loss of facial volume. The surgeon takes fat from another part of the body (usually the abdomen or thighs) to inject it into a part of the face.
There are two types of fat transfer:
- Microfat grafting uses fat to plump areas of the face such as the cheeks, forehead and lips.
- Nanofat grafting requires further processing to use micro-oils for more targeted skin problems:
- Improves skin structure
- Reduces dark circles
- Reduce fine wrinkles
- Reduces acne scars
- Upper eyelid surgery restores loose, sagging skin over the eye. It can usually be performed under local anesthesia.
- Lower eyelid surgery improves sagging of the lower eyelid, reduces puffiness and bags under the eyes, tightens excess skin and smoothes wrinkles.
Reduces wrinkles and hollows under the eyes
Nanofat injections can help improve the appearance of fine lines around the eyes, bags under the eyes, and sunken eyes. But sagging skin or tumors around the eyes may require eyelid surgery.
Also called eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) or eyelid rejuvenation, this operation redefines the shape of the eye. The procedure can fix problems in the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both:
Blepharoplasty (eye surgery). Questions and answers
Forehead scars and wrinkles
Some injections can smooth forehead wrinkles and reduce wrinkles between the eyebrows. “These treatments may be appropriate for dynamic wrinkles, which are fine lines caused by facial expressions,” says Bohne. “However, once wrinkles are deep in the skin or etched in, you may need to consider dermal fillers or microfat grafting to fill them in.”
Injections and fillers cannot correct drooping eyebrows. Brow lift is a more effective and permanent solution to correct drooping eyebrows. An eyebrow lift, also called a forehead lift, removes excess fat and tightens the skin and muscle tissue of the eyebrows and forehead.
Tightens loose skin around the neck and chin
The most effective treatment for tightening the skin around the chin and neck is a neck lift. A neck lift creates a smoother, firmer jawline. Restores facial definition without making the face look tense or elongated. Necklamp:
- Remove excess fat from the lower face and under the chin
- Loose and tight neck
- Shortens deep smile lines
The neck lift takes on a natural appearance
Correct pigment changes
Skin discoloration can be corrected with effective skin care products, chemical peels, or laser treatments.
How to preserve youth after a cosmetic procedure?
Important after the cosmetic procedure:
- Stay safe from the sun: Protect your face from sun exposure by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat when you go outside.
- Upgrade your skincare routine: Use facial products that contain antioxidants like vitamin C. Antioxidants help eliminate free radicals that damage your skin. Apply products as directed to ensure maximum absorption.
- Doctor-recommended touch-ups: Some people need touch-ups after a facial rejuvenation procedure. Talk to your doctor about how long the effects of the facial rejuvenation procedure will last and when you will recover.
Face Saver Workshop : Tips for rejuvenating aging skin
Age-related facial changes do not need to be noticeable. Ask a doctor about surgical and non-surgical options to combat the signs of aging. Café Bohne.