I often meet the most new faces this time of year. There is something about ringing in the new year and the celebration of Father Time that reminds us of our lot from Mother Nature: how quickly we exhibit the signs of aging, how well our skin weathers decades of sun damage, and whether the way we look on the outside matches our energy on the inside.
Maybe your skin seems lax, its texture has gone downhill, or you have noticed dark spots where clear skin used to be. When you see these changes, it’s natural to feel a little helpless. But instead of throwing up your hands, it is time to develop a strategy!
As double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, my advice to my Orlando patients is this: don’t wait until a facelift is your only option. The non-surgical treatments available today are so effective and safe that you will be able to manage the signs of aging and even delay your need for an invasive procedure.
Here are 3 great ways to refresh your appearance in 2016:
1. Ultherapy®: The No. 1 word that comes to mind with Ultherapy is “tighten.” This FDA-cleared treatment uses ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen production, thus firming and lifting the skin on the neck, under the chin, and on the brow. This beneficial treatment does not disrupt the skin’s surface, so discomfort and downtime are minimal. The results from 1 treatment appear gradually over the next few months and can last up to 3 years. Many patients benefit from multiple treatments, and touch-ups are a good idea a few years after each session.
2. Fraxel® Laser: If uneven texture, wrinkles, acne scars, or sun spots are your main concerns, the Fraxel laser is often a great place to start. In fact, I have said that most people over the age of 30 can benefit from Fraxel. This technology uses photothermolysis, a process in which thousands of microscopic laser columns are used treat a portion of the skin at a time without damaging surrounding tissue. We use Fraxel Re:store 1500, a non-ablative (non-wounding) laser that treats a fraction of the skin at a time. There is minor discomfort, and most patients are able to go back to their normal routines as soon as the next day. The natural healing process that follows gradually reveals smoother, younger-looking skin. For best results, we recommend a package of 3 to 4 treatments spaced about 1 month apart.
3. Laser Skin Resurfacing: If you’re looking for more dramatic resurfacing results with just 1 treatment and can spare a few days of downtime, Dermal Optical Thermolysis (DOT) therapy may be for you. This treatment uses a fractional CO2 laser to create thousands of microscopic holes in the skin, which triggers new collagen growth. To minimize discomfort, we use a topical numbing cream, and patients also have the option of a mild sedative or analgesic nitrous oxide. You will start to see results after 1 week and significant improvements over the following months. Because this is a stronger treatment, only a single session is needed in many cases.
The range of options available is exciting, but I understand that it can also be a bit overwhelming. The best way to know which treatment is best suited for your needs is to come in for a skin care consultation so we can discuss your personal goals. To schedule an appointment at my office in Lake Mary, contact us online or call (407) 333-3040.
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