Aging Gracefully
This information is of a general nature only and is for public information and education. Your individual problem needs to be assessed by your family doctor who will advise you on appropriate further steps.
Time takes its toll on the human body in different ways and skin is no exception. In fact, the effects of excessive exposure of fair skin to the harsh Australian sun compounds the effects of aging.
Initially, the changes are noted on the surface as blotchy, pigmented marks and fine blood vessels on the face. Later, skin begins to thin and sag, due to collagen in the dermis (deeper part of skin) losing substance, and the thinning of the fat layer beneath the skin.
Facial Rejuvenation is now well established, using skin care and protection, as well as lasers and surgical methods, as the basic building blocks.
Skin care is a must, and refers to adequate moisturising of skin, and avoidance of the use of drying agents, including some soaps and cosmetics. Skin protection is the use of suitable clothes and sunblocks, and the avoidance of overexposure to the sun.
"PhotoThermoLysis" (photo=light/thermal=heat/lysis=destroy) is the principle by which lasers work to rejuvenate skin. Both "skin peeling" and "non skin peeling" methods are available and PhotoThermoLysis produces new collagen, with a resultant increase in skin tone (firmness) and a decrease in the sagging of skin. In addition, the skin looks and feels better too.
("Dermal filters" are injections used to place synthetic collagen in the dermis and are appropriate for softening facial lines and grooves; in effect, this temporarily reproduces the effects of the laser treatment.
Surgical methods of facial rejuvenation have become more sophisticated over the years, with the emphasis more on restoration, rather than removal and/or tightening. In a facelift operation, where previously skin removal and tightening were the mainstays, now there is much less removal, and much more restoration of tissues to the original site, reducing the effects of sagging and stretch.
