Non-surgical anti-aging treatments

We all age differently, depending on genetics, lifestyle, sun exposure and other environmental factors. Developing a good skin care routine is an important component of anti-aging. Effective and thorough cleansing helps pores appear smaller and can prevent acne. (I love my Clarisonic because it is almost impossible not to cleanse effectively using it.) Topical treatments can stimulate cell regrowth and turnover and target specific problems such as acne, rosacea and melasma. (I am a huge fan of retinols and retinoids and believe that everyone should use one.) Protection from the sun and free radicals is crucial every day! (Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!) Laser treatments can target discoloration, either red or brown. Lasers can also stimulate collagen regrowth and treat pre-cancerous skin lesions. Other treatments such as Ultherapy (ultrasound) stimulate collagen regrowth much more deeply and provide a tightening, lifting effect on the face and neck. Botulinum…aka Botox and Dysport…well, there simply is no more popular way to relax muscles that cause frowns, furrows and other unwanted lines. I have not met anyone who looks better with a frown. Fillers have been my friend for decades. (collagen, Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, Belotero, Radiesse, Sculptra, Voluma and others) For impatient people who want immediate results, filler literally “fills” depressed areas, deep grooves, sunken undereyes and deflated lips. Volumizing fillers can provide instant cheek bones and make shallow temples look youthful again. Fillers are probably my favorite treatment to provide to patients because of the “wow” I hear when someone looks in the mirror immediately after injection. Other treatments such as Latisse to stimulate eyelash growth or extensions for instant eyelashes make eyes more beautiful.
So…which treatment is best? There is no one treatment that trumps the others. If you are focused on one area, such as forehead lines, you may start with Botox to relax the muscles and soften the lines. Then you notice the lines around your mouth. They were there before the Botox treated the forehead, but now you notice them. A combination of prevention and treatment of the signs of aging will make most people the most satisfied. I love it when someone tells me that they saw a photo of themselves years back and they feel like they look much better now. We really can look better with age!