Most of us carry in our mind’s eye a picture of our self that signifies who we are. As we observe variance from that standard, a level of discomfort arises which is usually difficult to ignore. Often, the picture in the mirror prompts a change in our routine in how we care for ourselves. Sometimes, changes can make an observable difference, and sometimes they don’t. This is when we typically seek professional help.

The first thing I ask my guests is, “What do you see that is bothering YOU?” Often, it is a new line or wrinkle that is hardly noticeable to anyone else that causes a burden of stress. It seems that these new little imperfections that “pop up out of nowhere” create a fear in us that this business of aging is truly out of our control. The good news about that is that it is never completely out of our control. As I stress monthly, sun protection (synonymous with radiation protection) is our first line of defense and control over wrinkle prevention. The breakdown usually begins and ends with breakdown in cellular structure and resultant DNA changes that are caused by exposure to radiation from the sun.

Now that the damage has been done, what is truly effective to turn the process around?

#1 Daily sun protection - Hat and the correct type of sunscreen applied correctly and often
#2 Skin Care Regime – appropriate and effective for skin type and goals (HINT: these products are not usually found in the drug store)
#3 Appropriate Treatment – this subject is as broad as it is deep and varies from to topical treatments to surgery

So what are some of the most common treatments that will truly make a difference in a person’s appearance?

Obviously the most comprehensive and dramatic measure to create a more youthful appearance is cosmetic surgery. There are many types of facial plastic surgery and this is a complete subject in itself. But other than surgery there really are a lot of good options open these days. Tremendous strides have been made in the fields of laser light, modalities utilizing heat, chemical solutions and injectibles.

So where is a person to start?

The first place to start is with your expectations. Even surgery is not going to reverse DNA damage that has occurred in the skin. This means that once the DNA in the skin cells have been altered, you are always going to have an issue that requires diligent attention. Now, this is not to say that significant improvement is unobtainable. It just requires diligence and consistency to achieve significant improvement just like anything else worth attaining. This is a progressive process that takes time, just like growing a garden. Generally, I am assuming that most people have experienced some DNA damage because we live in the south. Atlanta has beautiful weather and equally beautiful golf courses and tennis courts and this seems to be a real draw to many folks who live in this lovely geographical region. I have also noticed that most people do not protect themselves correctly or adequately.

Now that I understand that time and attention are required and I have set my expectation, what treatments should I consider?

Please understand that several smaller adjustments can have a powerful impact on the overall appearance. Botox and dermal fillers used in combination immobilize and fill wrinkles which softens the face and can take years off the appearance. When skin resurfacing is added, the texture, color and tone of the skin is improved and a youthful glow can be restored. The anatomy of every face varies, so the combination of treatments that are the best for you may not be the same as your friend.

What does Botox do?

Botox injections are done in the office and are quick and easy to perform. The process can be done over a lunch hour with no discomfort, swelling or after effects. The Botox interrupts the communication between the nerve ending and the muscle which stops the action of the muscle. Therefore the muscle is not actually paralyzed, it just cannot receive the signal to move. It allows the skin an opportunity to recover from the wrinkled state and eventually the wrinkle will relax and the skin will become smooth causing the entire face to appear rested and relaxed. It takes approximately a week for the action of the Botox to take effect and possibly several weeks for the lines to completely disappear or to significantly soften.

What do Dermal Fillers do?

Dermal fillers provide a wonderful compliment to Botox as they actually fill the wrinkles where Botox cannot be used. The most common areas are the lines along the nose to the mouth called the naso-labial folds. They can also be used on other lines, scars and wrinkles almost anywhere on the face. The effect is dramatic as lines and wrinkles disappear immediately when the filler is injected. This is a simple in-office procedure with minimal discomfort. Most people experience very little swelling or redness and this procedure can be performed on a lunch hour.

What is Skin Rejuvenation and what does it do?

There are several types of skin rejuvenation, and while they do provide different effects, they all perform one important function – they stimulate collagen and elastin production. This is a vitally important function that rebuilds the skin and its durability from the inside out. As we age and are exposed to the radiation from the sun and other damaging environmental effects, the structure of the skin is weakened and this is why we wrinkle and start to sag. As the collagen production is stimulated to reproduce more quickly, the structure is strengthened and the skin will look rejuvenated and younger. There are several methods to achieve collagen production. Lasers and photofacials, as well as other light based modalities and chemical peels, are all effective methods of skin rejuvenation. These treatments can be used in combination with one another as well as Botox and Dermal Fillers for a comprehensive treatment plan that will deliver dramatic results with “no down time,” otherwise known as visible healing time.

What is Skin Resurfacing and what does it do?

Skin Resurfacing refers to treatments that are typically more aggressive, more involved, usually have associated “down time” or healing time, are more expensive and deliver greater results. These are treatments such as CO2 laser resurfacing, urbium laser and deep chemical peels. The associated healing time can be weeks or longer depending on the specific treatment. These treatments are definitely worth the effort for the results on skin with severe sun damage. There is a new treatment to add to this list which is showing promising results while the healing time is quite short – 5-10 days in most cases. Next month we will look at the Skin Rejuvenating and Skin Resurfacing treatments in depth. Fall is the perfect time to consider such treatments, as it is easier to limit sun exposure and there is time to heal and regenerate as holiday festivities begin.

Serenty Medical Health & Beauty Spa offers a full complement of Facial Enhancement and Skin Rejuvenating and Resurfacing treatments. Please contact us for a consultation by calling (706) 265-6467. Serenity is located at 5983 Hwy. 53E, Suite 200, Dawsonville, GA 30534.  www.serentiy-spa.biz

Sharon Keating is a Registered Nurse and nationally certified MediEsthestic Specialist with 30 years experience. She is the owner of Serenity Medical Health and Beauty Spa in Dawsonville, GA 706-265-6467.