Humans have been fixated on stopping time in its tracks since ancient civilizations settled on the earth. Specifically, they have sought ways to maintain youthful, attractive skin. Since the proverbial Fountain of Youth has yet to be found, we have no way to stop the aging process by taking a simple dive into the waters. What we do have, however, are numerous methods of correcting the degradation of tissue that leads to concerns such as under eye bags, drooping brows, and sagging jowls.

What Happens to the Skin

There are several reasons that the face changes so significantly as we age.

• Volume loss. Once we reach adulthood, the body no longer produces the vast amounts of collagen it did during childhood, when we were actively growing. With each passing year, production continually slows. It is not only collagen that degrades, but also elastin, hyaluronic acid, and other vital substances. This degradation can lead to a loss of as much as a teaspoon of fatty tissue and fluid each year. Without the necessary support, the cheeks flatten out and become hollow, and the jaw line loses definition.
• The loss of elasticity and resiliency causes the skin to sag and become very thin and delicate. Consequently, the pull of gravity has a greater effect on the cheeks, eyelids, and brows. With the weakening of tissues and muscles, you may at some point describe your facial concerns in one word: “falling.”
• Tone and textural changes. Stress, lifestyle habits, sun, and other factors can cause skin to become dry, dull, and leathery. A chronic lack of hydration further promotes the development of fine lines and wrinkles.

What to do

The fact that time marches on no matter how much we crave the appearance of youth should not discourage you. There really is no better time to be aging than today. We have a number of ways to help you lift and tighten aging skin. From chemical peels to injectibles like Botox and dermal fillers to laser therapy, the procedures used today can often accomplish the intended goal without surgery.

There are benefits to growing older and wiser, but an aging appearance is not one of them. Keep your skin vibrant! Call our office at (408) 559-4700.