Navigating through the world of anti-aging measures can be tricky, especially if you’re not sure what problem each tool best addresses. As we age, three major changes take place: a loss of volume, excessive skin and textural changes of the skin. There are more options available today than ever before, which can be confusing. In the past, the only choice patients had was surgery, but today there are also lasers, fillers and neurotoxins. For some, a mix-and-match approach that incorporates a variety of rejuvenating options is necessary to achieve the results desired.
So let’s look at how the latest nonsurgical treatments go head to head with surgery.
Fillers & Injectables
Best For: Adding volume, enhancing facial contours and filling in lines and wrinkles (and stopping them from forming). Fillers work by plumping up the area from the inside out. They can be used judiciously as a preventative measure to treat those deep lines that appear to begin in the 30s. Botox is used as a preventative measure as well as for those wrinkles you have now by relaxing those areas and allowing those areas to rest & to stop creasing the skin. Those wrinkles over time will continue to get deeper and deeper if steps aren’t taken to slow their progression.
Lasers
Best For: Treating textural changes in the skin—think sun damage that’s left the face spotted or leathery. A beam of energy is emitted to the top layer of the skin to resurface the outermost layer of skin and create new collagen. Phenomenal results are seen with laser treatments.
Surgery
Best For: Removing loose skin and tightening underlying muscles. When the face is burdened by an extreme amount of loose skin and weak, flaccid muscles, surgery is the only option. Focusing on facial positioning optimizes surgical results, however keep in mind there is a recovery period with any type of surgery.
Interested in discussing these further? Call us at English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center at (501) 227-9556 to schedule your consultation with Dr. English.