All of us recognize the characteristics of aging, especially when we look in the mirror. Few of us realize however that this is consistent with something that every engineer recognizes the second law of thermodynamics which states “the world is tending toward chaos.” Is your face looking chaotic?
The body deteriorates almost from the time of childhood. Although early years are spent growing and building tissue, our later years are spent tearing down that tissue. Our skin thins, our bodies shrink. In general, we look as though our bodies were a balloon stuck with a pin.
Let’s start with the basics: collagen which is the major structural protein the body is constantly remodeling. During our early years, collagen is accumulating as the tissues grow and thicken. This is generally associated with good diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.
Where is it then that we go wrong? Adulthood! Collagen is a helical protein molecule similar to a bed spring. As we age the collagen springs unwind, become entangled, and our skin thins and sags. Loss of collagen in the dermis of the skin leads to bruising, tears, and scars. Our physiques shrink, and our joints wobble. Even the bone collapses and resorbs leaving our faces looking like something from the anatomy lab. So what to do about this? We should have listened to our mothers as wisdom comes from aging (as do wrinkles). Avoiding the sun, suntan parlors and spring breaks on the beach would go a long way. Riotous living may be fun but is also part of the problem; an unhealthy diet, carbohydrates, alcohol, and tobacco all contribute to the deterioration of our bodies.
While preventative maintenance is good for your car, it is may be even more important for your body. Excellent skincare under the watchful eye of your certified medical aesthetician including tretinoin (retinoic acid), growth factors, and the most recent introduction – hyaluronic acid (HA) will reverse some of the damage and restore some of your indiscretions. Hydrafacials, skin peels and laser treatments should also be a part of your maintenance schedule. While the certified medical aesthetician may be the quarterback, the board certified plastic surgeon is the coach of your facial team. In conjunction with your dermatologist and other specialists, this team will give you a winning combination of beauty, vigor, and self-confidence.
As Yogi Berra would have said if he were a plastic surgeon, “it isn’t over until it’s over”! Let the beauty team at the Institute of Aesthetic Surgery lead you to a facial victory. Contact us today to learn more!
As plastic surgeons also can help prepare you for the big game, the tournament whether it be your daughter’s wedding, a class reunion, or that person who looks back at you when you look in the mirror and say “mirror, mirror on the wall….”