As time goes on, everybody begins to notice signs of aging. This is because our bodies slow down the production of vital structural proteins as we age. Mainly, people start to see a loss of volume and skin tightness in their face, which results in fine lines, a sunken appearance or sagging, and wrinkles.
In the past, injectables and dermal fillers have been aimed at volumizing areas of the face to smooth out wrinkles and plump up the cheeks. While many people still experience outstanding results with these products, which include Juvederm and other fillers, a new wave of cosmetic products aim to stimulate the body’s natural mechanisms to enhance our looks as we age.
One product leading this natural approach to anti-aging treatments is Sculptra. Here, Palm Spring’s top cosmetic surgeon, Dr Maya Kato, explains how and why her patients are enjoying long-lasting results with Sculptra and identifies the areas of the face best treated with the product.
What Sculptra Does
Sculptra works by enhancing our bodies’ natural production of collagen. Collagen is the most common protein in the body, and it is responsible for the structure of bones, tendons, ligaments, and skin. Yet as we age, collagen production slows substantially. In fact, by the age of 45, our bodies have about 25% less collagen than we did in our youth.
This is why our skin no longer snaps back into place, and wrinkles begin to form – because there is less collagen to support our skin’s structure.
Our patients benefit from Sculptra because it is a powerful stimulator of collagen production, creating plumper, smoother skin by natural means.
How Sculptra Works
The active ingredient in Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid. When precisely injected into an area of the face, that area increases its collagen production. As a result, the underlying elasticity of the skin is increased and volumized, resulting in smoother, plumper skin.
Which Areas are Best Treated with Sculptra?
Sculptra works particularly well in specific regions of the face. Regions best treated with Sculptra include:
- Hollow cheeks and softening high cheekbones
- Hollow temples
- Lines forming around the nostrils (nasolabial folds)
- Midface
Sculptra for the Body
Initially FDA approved for the face, Sculptra works well to rejuvenate other areas of the body as well. Other applications include:
- Butt enhancement and lifting
- Saggy underarm skin
- Wrinkly skin above the knee
- Crepey skin of the decollette
Many patients are also concerned about fine lines and wrinkles surrounding the eyes and on the forehead. While Sculptra is highly effective in treating the mid to lower face, creases of the eyes and forehead are best treated with neuromodulators such as Botox and Dysport, filler, or fine meshing threads.
Sculptra injections in Palm Springs, CA
Dr. Maya Kato offers comprehensive advice on the best and most suitable anti-aging treatments. As you consider your anti-aging options, be sure to reach out to Dr. Kato at 760 610 5888 or fill in her online form for your personal one-on-one consultation with a leading cosmetic surgeon.
No facial feature is immune to the changes of getting older. While most men and women are familiar with the deepening wrinkles and sagging skin, an area where aging frequently comes as a surprise is the jawline. Over time, decreasing collagen and elastin production and the pull of gravity cause skin around the jawline to sink, creating the appearance of sagging jowls seemingly overnight.
While patients who were tired of having jowls previously only had the option of a facelift, new innovations have led to the development of revolutionary, non-surgical treatments that provide similarly transformative results. In recent years, procedures like thread lift and dermal fillers have become popular standalone options among patients looking for a non-invasive answer to aging skin. Although both are highly effective on their own, the results of combining these treatments produce the optimal outcome without surgery.
The Culprit Behind Sagging Skin
To understand how thread lifts and dermal fillers work together to create a rejuvenated appearance, it’s important to know what causes the skin to sag. While much of the blame lies on external factors like sun damage, inconsistent skincare regimen, or smoking, the biggest culprits are below the surface of the skin.
Our skin naturally and regularly produces collagen and elastin proteins, which add volume to the skin and keep it looking firm and healthy. The older we get, however, the less of these critical proteins our bodies are able to produce. This allows external factors to damage skin faster than it can heal, ultimately creating the fine lines and sagging skin that characterizes aging.
Along the neckline, diminished collagen production is compounded by the effects of gravity. As facial features lose important volume and skin loses its internal structure, gravity essentially pulls the thinning skin farther down on the face. This creates unflattering jowls, erasing facial definition and causing a certain degree of self-consciousness among patients. Luckily, non-surgical dual combo treatments have made correcting jowls possible.
How it Works
Like any other combination treatment, thread lift and dermal filler treatments are strategically used to complement each other and give you stunning results. When applied as a solution to jowls, patients can take better control over how they age without looking as if they’ve had work done.
Thread Lifts
During combination treatment, the thread lift is usually completed in order to enhance the structure below the skin’s surface. As the name suggests, thread lifts use surgical-grade absorbable threads to physically lift and reposition sagging facial skin. The threads have tiny barbs that pull back any sagging tissue and ensure a taut, natural look. The thread lift is an excellent alternative to extensive facelift surgery.
Dermal Fillers
One of the advantages of thread lift treatment is that as the tissue begins to heal around the threads, collagen production is stimulated. This new volume can further be enhanced with strategic dermal fillers. When placed along the cheeks, below the eyes and within the nasolabial folders, these injectables add the volume that restores a youthful look to aging facial features.
Get Started at Aesthetic Art
Why settle for a life with jowls? If sagging skin around your jaw and neckline is leaving you feeling self-conscious about your appearance, it’s time to schedule a visit to Aesthetic Art. During your consultation, our Palm Desert cosmetic specialist will guide you through your available anti-aging options, including dual rejuvenation with a thread lift and fillers. Together, you’ll build a treatment strategy that refreshes your overall appearance while keeping things looking natural. Call (760) 610-5558 or schedule your consultation online to get started!