The Ultimate Weapons in the War Against Wrinkles

So, you’ve tried it all. You’ve stopped smoking, started exercising, wear sunscreen everyday, never squint, moisturize constantly, drink tons of water, eat a fantastically healthy diet, sleep like a baby, and tried nearly every wrinkle cream on the market. But you can’t seem to do anything about the fine lines around your lips, the deep creases on your cheeks, the crow’s feet around your eyes, and the lines on your forehead. Well, there is always something else you can try. There are a host of medical and spa treatments that are the ultimate line in defense and against the signs of aging.

• Botox – probably the most popular cosmetic procedure these days, Botox has soared in popularity in recent years. Basically, Botox is a mild and purified form of the Botulinum toxin A. When injected into the skin, Botox makes the targeted muscle relax and remain still, causing the skin on top of it smooth out. You must visit a specialist to have this procedure done, and be sure to discuss the side effects of treatment before you begin.
• Wrinkle fillers – another popular cosmetic procedure. Your doctor will inject a substance under your skin to grant a plumper, smoother look.
  • Collagen is the most widely used wrinkle filler, but there are several other substances that are used by doctors. Zyderm and Zyplast are two collagen treatments derived from bovine sources that work to replace lost collagen in your skin. CosmoDerm, CosmoPlast, Autologen, Cymetra, and Fascian are all bioengineered human collagen treatments.
  • Radiesse is a form of calcium hydroxyappetite in a watery gel that helps to plump up tissue. It is semi-permanent and can eventually be absorbed by the body.
  • Fascia injections draw from specific forms of connective tissue from your body or that of a cadaver. Your body will reabsorb the fascia in about a year.
  • Fat injections from your thighs or stomach area can sometimes achieve permanent results without the risk for allergic reaction.
  • Hyaluronic acid, found in treatments like Juvederm and Restylane, is a naturally occurring substance your body produces to give your skin firmness and volume. Injections of hyaluronic acid fill in the areas between collagen and elastin that have become depleted with age.
  • Poly-L-lactic acid, found in treatments like Sculptra, is synthetic form of fat used to replace the facial fat lost during aging. It is biodegradable and based on alpha-hydroxy-acid.
  • Polymethylmethacrylate beads, or PMMA microspheres, are miniscule plastic balls that remain permanently to add volume underneath the skin.
• Laser or light resurfacing – a procedure in which a laser or diode light pulses remove the outermost layer of skin, stimulating the body to product more collagen.
• Chemical peels – a treatment that uses a combination of chemicals to dissolve the outermost layer of skin, triggering the body to produce more collagen.
• Dermabrasion – a chemical crystal and a vacuum are used in conjunction to remove the outermost layer of skin to reveal new, smoother skin.