Plastic surgery options for younger-looking skin

Who doesn't want bright, clear and younger-looking skin that glows? Dull, dry and pigmented skin is a clear tell sign of one's age. It is, therefore, important to maintain good skin health to minimize the effects of the sun and aging. Additional skin procedures exist that can then improve your skin quality and make your skin look younger, including chemical peels, lasers, microneedling, and microdermabrasion, to name a few.

The skin is the largest organ in the human body and is constantly damaged by the effects of sun and smoke. This results in skin that is dull and dry with lines and sun spots or other discoloration. Additionally, aging and the repetitive movements on the face from the underlying muscles can result in lines and wrinkles. A good skin care regimen is key in maintaining skin health. Two key products in achieving this are sunscreen and vitamin A (retinol) derivatives. Sunscreen protects skin from ultraviolet A and B radiation which degrades collagen, increases pigment and decreases cell turnover. This, ultimately, results in fine lines and pigment changes. Vitamin A derivatives help increase collagen content in the skin to minimize fine lines and increase cell turnover. They can also be used to treat acne by clearing cell debris from pores.

Once a good foundation has been established, it can be built upon with additional noninvasive procedures.

Skin procedures to look younger

• Microneedling: small needles are introduced into the skin created channels or holes. This can stimulate collagen and elastin production. Skin care products can also be used in conjunction with micro needling to increase penetration of the product.
• Microdermabrasion: an abrasive treatment that "sands" the skin improving its texture. It can help improve scarring, pigment and fine lines.
• Chemical peels: A chemical peel is a solution that is applied to the skin at varying depths in order to remove its outer layers. The type of chemical peel and the length of time it is left on the skin determines it's depth of penetration. Fine lines, discoloration, acne, and skin quality can be improved using this technique.
• Laser: A technique that concentrates light through an energy source so that it is absorbed by the water located within the skin. This can remove the outer layers of skin in a targeted and precise way while stimulating the growth of the remaining collagen. This can also improve wrinkles, pigment scarring, and overall skin quality.

Plastic surgeons offer an array of procedures to make skin look younger and healthier. It is commonly a combination of multiple treatments that provide the best results. Neuromodulators, fillers, and other skin tightening procedures using ultrasound and radiofrequency also exist that can be used simultaneously with newer technologies constantly being introduced into the market. It is important to consult with your board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss these options and find the best skin care plan for you.