As we age we start to notice changes in the shape of our faces, and the difference in our skin. Ethnicity, lifestyle and age all play their part in the timing and severity, but for the most part, we notice the effects from bone and collagen loss beginning in our 30’s. Non-surgical options have drastically improved and become more accessible, so what else can we use besides filler to keep our face from showing the signs of aging?
Let’s break down the face into thirds – forehead, eyes and mouth areas. Beginning with the forehead there are 2 treatments to keep the skin tight and full. Anti-wrinkle injections in the forehead will reduce lines and wrinkles – even preventing them from happening – and a biostimulator will work. wonders for revolumizing the temple region. Biostimulators are NOT fillers. Think of them as collagen seeds. They are injected into the skin to gradually stimulate collagen production to firm tighten the area. Sculptra is a great product for this treatment. The result is less “peanut head” shape, and extending the cheekbones and framing the eyes.
For the middle third of the face, the changes that occur are cheek bone loss and fat pad drooping. This results in less overall support for the face under the cheeks, hollowing of the eyes, and a more tired appearance. Restoration of the cheek bones always requires a filler placement on the area of bone loss. This is the best way to bring back youthful cheeks that have their natural shape. For the overlying skin, again, a biostimulator will be an excellent choice to firm and tighten the skin, especially noticeable during smiling when the cheek area is most mobile.
Finally, for the lower third of the face, there are the most number of options. Bone loss along the jawline, fat accumulation under the chin and skin sogginess are the most common complaints in this area. Addressing these issues preventatively, or at the start of their appearance is the best approach to keeping a chiseled jawline and tight neck. However, treatments involve filler placed along the jawline, a fat dissolving treatment such as Kybella under the chin, and a biostimulator into the entire area to ramp up collagen production to keep firmness.
Thankfully there are more options to prevent having an over-filled face now then. ever before. When used appropriately and timed right, maintaining a youthful face is affordable and attainable.