Pure Hyaluronic Acid      

Many options available to tweak nature's design

Date: 9th December 2008, Source: Althealth News

For Ridgeland resident Skip Lowe, years of spending time in the sun playing tennis and running resulted in sun spots and small skin cancers on his face.

After about three years of having the lesions burned off by a dermatologist, his face was left with several unsightly scars.

"I had a chemical peel to help even out my skin tone and to reduce the scarring," Lowe said.

The results have been very good, according to Lowe.

Lowe is among those seeking medical solutions to what mother nature and father time have wrought.

As we age, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, sun exposure and years of facial muscle movement, such as smiling, chewing and squinting. The visible results include laugh lines, smile lines, crow's feet or facial creases.

In youth, an abundance of two important substances, collagen and hyaluronic acid, keep skin looking smooth and supple. Collagen is a protein that provides your skin with structural support. Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar found in all living cells that attracts and binds water, hydrating the skin and giving it volume.

With time, sunlight and other factors, the skin's collagen and hyaluronic acid diminish, the skin loses structure and volume, and lines and wrinkles appear.

There are surgical and nonsurgical procedures to help diminish the signs of aging. The most drastic procedures require a person have surgery. The first step in deciding if this is the right thing for your situation is to find a doctor with whom you are comfortable.

To find a plastic surgeon, visit the online referral service of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. ASPS, founded in 1931, is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world and the foremost authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. All ASPS physician members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

The most asked-for elective surgical procedures today are augmentations, tummy tucks and liposuction, said registered nurse Lindsay Nichelson, assistant to Dr. Dev Mani-Sundaram of the Face & Body Center (Plastic & Hand Surgery Associates, PLLC).

But, said Nichelson, "More people than ever are coming in to inquire about eye and brow lifts and full face lifts."

She said the average age of the patients at the clinic is getting younger all the time.

"People in their 40s and 50s are much more concerned with their appearance today," she said.

For those who don't want to subject themselves to such extreme measures as surgery, The Laser Enhancement Group in Madison offers a soothing way to improve skin tone and appearance.

Owned by Dr. Scott Steed, the clinic offers Titan laser treatments, hair removal, vein removal and more.

Registered nurse Nan Allen said the treatments are soothing.

"We use an infrared light that warms the skin. It's about like standing in front of a warm fireplace. The light warms the skin causing the collagen to contract."

Allen said the lasers improve skin's elasticity. "We can do forehead lifts as well as tightening the cheeks, neck, decolletage and abdomen areas," she said.

The Laser Genesis treatments are done in six treatments over a 12-week period. The time involved for each treatment is about 45 minutes.

"We begin with a facial cleansing, then we do a mild enzyme peel (microdermabrasion), then we do the laser treatment, which takes about 20 to 25 minutes," she said.

Allen said patients can go straight to the restroom following the treatment and reapply their makeup. "The skin will be a little pink for about 30 minutes."

Laser treatments are used to diminish fine lines and wrinkles and reduce pore size. The treatments can address pigmentation issues such as rosacia as well as diffuse capillaries.

Botox treatments are another popular option. Botox has been used for more than 15 years to help patients worldwide, and it is approved by the health ministries of at least 70 countries.

Lowe's doctor even threw in a complimentary Botox treatment, but Lowe said he wouldn't have the Botox done again.

"For me, I think the cost is too high for what you're getting. Even though I've heard the Botox is coming down in price, I don't believe I'd do it again," he said.

According to the Botox Web site, Botox injections typically cost about $250-$500 for each area injected. Those getting injections can expect to pay this cost every four to six months to maintain results.

One thing Lowe will do is to take better care of his skin.

"I'm much more conscientious of how important skin care really is. I wash my face twice a day with a gentle cleanser, and I moisturize. And most importantly, when I go out in the sun I slather on the sunscreen."

Lowe said he always thought skin care was a "chick thing."

"But you know, they know what they're doing," he said. "I get most of my information on what's good for your skin from women."