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Beauty Tip of the Month - September 2006

Facial Rejuvenation

Facial rejuvenation is a term encompassing methods by which to reverse the look of aging through a variety of invasive or non-invasive procedures, and topical treatments. For most people, facial rejuvenation involves treatments meant to eliminate the fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, or around the mouth; and the reversal of the signs of photoaging. While there are methods by which to reduce even greater signs of aging, such as face lifts, blepharoplasties, and laser resurfacing, this article will mainly discuss some of the non-invasive ways of dimishing photoaging and fine wrinkles.

For the reversal of photoaging (mainly encompassing the appearance of redness and dark spots on the face and neck), IPL / Flash-Lamp Pulsed Dye lasers are and excellent means by which to achieve an even and immediate result. While these laser treatments are not necessarily painless, they require only minimal office time once a month and involve the use of light to destroy the underlying causes of redness and dark spots. Most treatment courses involve 3 to 5 monthly visits with no downtime between treatments. Most people can go to work the very same day without signs of even having had a treatment, except for some slight redness. Major caution must be used to ensure that no burning has occurred, and this risk may be minimized if the laser is being operated by an experienced dermatologist or laser personnel. It is wise to avoid sun exposure 2 weeks before a treatment and for several days after a treatment. As part of the treatment plan, a sunscreen should be used everyday since the damage from the sun is the primary condition being treated. Your physician may also decide to prescribe you a bleaching cream to augment the effects of laser therapy.

For fine lines and wrinkles, a detailed discussion on BOTOX® may be found by clicking here. For deeper lines and furrows, use of fillers such as Restylane®, Captique®, or Radiesse® may be used. An experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon is the best way to find out if these options are right for you. In addition to laser therapy, the use of fillers may subtract many years from your face, and if done properly, may lead to excellent long lasting results.

For those patients requiring even more aggressive rejuvenation, a consultation with your dermatologist or plastic surgeon regarding face lifts, threading, dermabrasion, or ablative laser resurfacing may be beneficial in finding the perfect treatment for you. In addition to any treatment, a personally tailored topical regimen including a tretinoin or retinol product, glycolic acid product, and a sunscreen, are essential.

Don Mehrabi MD, FAAD
Dermatologist, Certified by the American Board of Dermatology
Los Angeles, California

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