What’s Behind Three Typical Signs of Facial Aging?
The clock never stops ticking
Time is especially rough on our skin, particularly our facial skin. Most people would prefer time stood still. Although the signs of aging are unstoppable, fortunately, they can be delayed or their appearance can be lessened.
The aging process starts to become noticeable in the 30’s and is accelerated by sun exposure, smoking, acne, and genetics. Women are coming in younger than ever before to “keep” what they have, rather than trying to reverse years and years of aging.
To that end, some people wonder when they’ll know it’s time to have something done. Here are three signs of aging that usually prompt people to come see me.
- Skin laxity— As you age, your skin is particularly susceptible to the forces of gravity. Also, facial muscles tend to weaken with age. This results in drooping brows, jowls, sagging cheeks, descending eyelids, and much more.
- Volume loss— Even in the 20’s, the body begins to start decreasing its production of collagen. For each year after the age of 20, collagen production decreases one percent. By age 50, your body has lost 30% of collagen, your skin’s structural support. Other elements in the skin like elastin, which keeps the skin supple, also decrease. The result is volume loss in the face (most noticeable), under the eyes, and along the jawline.
- Changes in skin tone and texture— When we were younger, our skin was taut, plump, and smooth. As we age, it becomes dull, dry, leathery, or thin & crepey. This is usually the result of reduced collagen production combined with sun exposure. Since we make less collagen with age, shouldn’t we do everything in our power to preserve what we have?
Treatment
You have both non-surgical and surgical options for addressing these issues; my solutions for skin health and beauty are uniquely designed for you.
Early signs of volume loss and changes in skin tone and texture can often be addressed non-surgically. Injectables (Botox and dermal fillers), chemical peels, and laser resurfacing treatments all work to improve these areas by stimulating new collagen production and, more importantly, preserving what you have.
“Lifting” using minor surgical techniques is becoming more popular especially when patients are in their 30’s and 40’s. They are hoping to prevent aging and trying to avoid the need for an extensive facelift.
Check out our amazing results by visiting our before and after gallery.
And don’t forget your eyes!
This is an area that ages quicker in some. Before severe changes occur, it’s very beneficial to treat the eye area with eyelid lifts, fat grafting, laser, and filler.
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Judith Gurley, MD (Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon)
Dr. Judith Gurley is a skilled plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience. Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, she trained at Washington University School of Medicine, where she served as an Attending and Assistant Professor. She is also an active member of The Aesthetic Society, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Association of Women Surgeons, St. Louis Society of Plastic Surgery, and FACS / American College of Surgeons Professional Association. With contributions to peer-reviewed journals and pioneering innovations, including FDA-approved treatments, she has been recognized as a Top Doctor.