Related Document: Erasing Signs of Aging.pdf (Reprinted with permission
from the Messenger-Inquirer)
Dr. Michael Crowe, Board Certified Dermatologist with Owensboro Dermatology, discusses non-surgical, cosmetic procedures to remove sun damage, even skin tone, and remove wrinkles and scars from facial skin.
Erasing signs of aging
A recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) finds 94 percent of women are confused by the myriad of anti-aging treatments available both over-the-counter and by prescription, and those cosmetic treatments available in a doctor's office. The survey also found that more than 69 percent of women are very or somewhat bothered by the visible signs of aging, particularly fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, facial hair and dryness. As women age these concerns increase, as well as the amount of time they spend each day on their skin care regimen. In fact, in women over 45, many noted that their facial skin made them feel older than they were on the inside.
In fact, when asked to choose one area of the face where they would like to make a change, women responded that they would spend time and money on their eyes (47 percent) and their mouth (18 percent). The skin around these areas is the most delicate on the face and is where sun damage first begins to show. The imperfections in these areas are highlighted throughout the day when people laugh, smile or squint. The survey results were determined by a random sample internet survey of 2,079 American women conducted in August 2003.
With new technology, the affects of time on your skin can be dramatically reduced or even erased with in-office cosmetic treatments. In the survey, more than 78 percent of women reported uncertainty about the benefits of these types of procedures, how long their results will last and how invasive the procedures are.
"The best place for cosumers to find answers to their questions about aging skin is from their dermatologist, since we are the experts in the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of aging skin," said dermatologist Arielle N. B. Kauvar, MD, Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY. "Potentially, women could save time, money and confusion by simply seeking out the advice of a dermatologist, rather than guessing what might work for them."
"Women are bombarded with images of the 'ideal woman,' most of who are definitely not showing signs of aging. This has set a standard of beauty which many women want to achieve," said Dr. Kauvar. "As women age, they may become more anxious to achieve this ideal which can only lead to frustration as they continually search for answers to address their aging skin.""The most important thing consumers can do to prevent aging skin and further damage is to protect themselves from the sun," recommended Dr. Kauvar. "Consumers should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays from the sun, and has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher." Cosmetic procedures to remove sun damage, even skin tone and remove wrinkles or scars from facial skin continue to evolve. Although some chemical procedures are used quite often, today's most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures use laser technology. Here is a run-down of the most common non-surgical cosmetic treatments:
Microdermabrasion
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) Web site at www.surgery.org,
microdermabrasion is effective in reducing fine lines, "crow's feet," age spots and acne scars. It works by stimulating the production of skin cells and collagen. The end result can be smoother, younger-looking skin. In the procedure, a hand piece emits crystals onto the surface of the skin, resulting in a gentle abrasion or "polishing" process. The number of treatments recommended for maximal
results can range between five and 12, spaced from two to three weeks apart. Microdermabrasion requires no recovery time and normal activities can be resumed immediately.
Chemical Peel
According to Dr. Michael Crowe, a dermatologist with Owensboro Dermatology Associates, chemical peels work deeper than the microdermabrasion procedure. Chemical peels are ideal for removing early sun damage to restore soft, refreshed skin. They also can reduce signs of blemishes, wrinkles and scars.
MicroLaserPeel
Also known as the "micropeel," this is a relatively new procedure which reaches deeper than the chemical peel. "It is done with a laser and it's not as deep as a full laser facial resurfacing," said Dr. Crowe. "This one does make some scabbing and oozing, so there is some down time--but the results are really incredible."The micropeel evens out pigmentation and colorization and it smoothes out wrinkles. The laser used for the micropeel has only been available for a few months and Owensboro Dermatology has offered the procedure for one month. "I find most people either want to do the microdermabrasion where they can still put makeup on and go out that night, or the deeper micropeel," said Dr. Crowe. "The micropeel, I think, is going to replace a lot of the chemical peels. You can dial in exactly how deep you want to go on the skin, so you know exactly how deep you are going."
Fotofacial
The fotofacial uses an intensed pulse light (IPL), which is similar to a laser. "It evens out pigmentation, reddish and brown discolorations, and it also improves the tone and texture of the skin," said Dr. Crowe. "It gives it a fresher appearance and it makes your skin look younger." This treatment is highly effective on many skin conditions, including facial redness and broken blood vessels, Rosacea, pigmentaton from sun exposure, irregularities of skin texture, mild acne scars and fine lines and wrinkles.
Botox®
According to Dr. Crowe, botulinum toxin is injected in the skin to reduce wrinkles, furrows, and hollows in the face, and to relax the muscles to soften frown lines, crow's feet and other wrinkles. "If you stop these muscles from moving it makes those lines go away," he said. "It really works well. The only downside is that it has to be repeated every four months or so."
Laser Hair Removal
Dr. Crowe says laser hair removal tends to be more popular with younger adults--those in their 20s and 30s. He also says it is important for consumers to know that laser hair removal only works on dark hair. "It works well on dark hair because it hits the pigment and that's what destroys it under your skin," he said, "Light hairs don't have pigment, so it won't work." Owensboro Dermatology's specialized laser technology can safely address unwanted hair from a variety of places on the body, including the face, arms, back, legs, bikini line and more.
If you are considering one of the many cosmetic treatments currently available, be sure to ask your physician some questions; is he or she a board-certified dermatologist physician; what results can be expected; how long is the recuperation period; what are the risks; and what will the procedure cost?
For more information, contact the American Academy of Dermatology at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.
By Beck Glenn
Messenger-Inquirer Special Publications
