There are three components to facial aging: skin texture change, gravitational drooping, and loss of volume (fat atrophy). These factors act on the whole face and not just one component. Facial rejuvenation, therefore, involves addressing all of these components either in combination or in sequence. The goal of facial rejuvenation is to be refreshed.
Facial Volume
Facial fillers and fat grafting are two procedures that can help increase volume in the face.
Facial Fillers
A filler is a general term to describe the use of a usually temporary material to rebuild the volume in the face. The most commonly used material is hyaluronic acid; a material that’s normally found in your joints. The various types of filler differ by their degree of cross-linking. The duration of the effect differs by the location in the face, for example, the brow area will generally last longer than the lips.
Fat Grafting
Replacing the volume loss from aging can re-establish a youthful contour to the face. Your own fat-containing stem cell is used to replace the fat lost from aging throughout the whole face. This is done through a process of manual liposuction and gentle separation of the fat cells. The fat cells are injected back to replace the area of hollowing.
Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators are molecules that stop voluntary muscles from contracting by acting on the nerve endings. These molecules occur naturally as a product made by bacteria called botulism. These molecules can be used to prevent the formation of wrinkles around the face. The effects are temporary and usually last approximately 2-3 months, depending on the individual. Neuromodulators are safe and can lessen the appearance of wrinkles, especially when used in combination with fillers.
Forehead Lift
With aging, the skin and soft tissue of the whole forehead can droopy from gravitational pull. This leads to drooping of the brow, change in the normal shape of the brow, and also horizontal lines over the bridge of the nose. A forehead lift is done with four small hidden incisions behind the hairline. The entire forehead is lifted up to the proper position with a combination of sutures and Endotines. The result is a natural-looking nose and eyebrows shape.
