Facial rejuvenation can be addressed in layers: non-surgical and surgical. Depending upon the degree of one’s signs of facial aging, various tools can be employed.
Simply put, the four layers of techniques include:
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anti-aging skin care
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injection treatments
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skin resurfacing/tightening procedures
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surgical lifting procedures
Proper diagnosis by a qualified practitioner is vital to determine an optimum treatment plan.
Anti-aging skin care
Exfoliating properties of alpha hydroxy acid products allow thinning of the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) resulting in clearer, smoother skin. The deep layer of the skin (dermis) is improved by use of collagen-stimulating treatments like topical vitamin C and retinoic acid (vitamin A). Topical antioxidants like Skinceuticals’ Phloretin CF are designed to neutralize free radical damage. Adequate sunscreen is a must to protect from further sun damage. Excellent physician-level skin care lines include SkinCeuticals, SkinMedica and Obagi.
Injection treatments
Injectable fillers are used to reduce or eliminate the appearance of facial wrinkles. Such fillers include Juvederm, Prevelle and Radiesse.
Xeomin or Botox injections improve deep creases or wrinkles by temporarily relaxing the causative underlying facial muscles. Botox is effective in patients with isolated areas of deep wrinkles of the forehead, frown lines, crows’ feet and the bands of platysmal neck muscles and typically lasts three to four months.
Skin resurfacing & tightening procedures
Fraxel Dual
In 2005, Dr. Tim Love was the first in Oklahoma to introduce FRAXEL laser technology. Three generations of improvements in the Fraxel laser line of products has now led to the most advanced laser available today for the treatment of wrinkles and discolorations: FRAXEL DUAL.
The Fraxel Dual is unique in that it combines the safety and effectiveness that Fraxel is known for with not just one – but TWO WAVELENGTHS. This essentially provides two different treatment options in one laser.
Thulium (1927 nm) is a powerful tool in reducing brown and red pigmentation of the skin. Erbium (1550 nm) works to erase wrinkles associated with aging. Erbium Fraxel is also very effective in treating other defects such as acne scars.
The combination of erbium and thulium makes Fraxel Dual unique in today’s marketplace. It provides the widest breadth of treatment options of any medical laser today.
Thermage CPT
Dr. Love has also just introduced Oklahoma to the latest and most effective technology in non-surgical tissue tightening: THERMAGE CPT.
Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to tighten loose skin and soft tissue of the face, neck, inner arms and abdomen. Its applications are nearly limitless and come with the assurance of Thermage’s long history of safety. The CPT is Thermage’s most powerful and versatile tool designed to date. Thermage CPT is the leader in non-surgical skin tightening.
Solta Medical has merged the powerful benefits ofFRAXEL DUAL and THERMAGE CPT together. This combination treatment finally offers meaningful wrinkle improvement and tightening of droopy/lax skin for those who don’t have the time or resources for more definitive cosmetic surgery. After treatment downtime is limited providing rapid return to one’s busy schedule.
Surgical lifting procedures
Brow lifting is performed to relieve deep forehead wrinkling and frown lines as well as to reposition droopy eyebrows. Eyelid lifting, or blepharoplasty, is performed to improve droopy, baggy upper and lower eyelids. Face lifting repositions and tightens cheek, jawline and neck tissues to restore a more youthful appearance. These traditional surgical procedures are often combined with non-invasive approaches to provide optimum improvement.
For more information about your facial rejuvenation options in Oklahoma City, contact Dr. Love's office here.