Newswise — You've always considered those crinkles accenting your eyes to be laugh lines. But as those laugh lines become more noticeable, you're thinking about talking to a specialist. You do have options to turn back the clock on how your face looks.
The May issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter says facial cosmetic procedures and choices have increased dramatically in the last decade.
One method for smoother skin is to inject soft tissue fillers under the skin - a process called skin augmentation. An example of skin augmentation is fat transplantation, taking fat from one part of your body and injecting it into other locations. There are other FDA-approved fillers as well with results lasting from several months to perhaps permanently.
In addition to fillers, there's also the use of injectable Botox (Botulinum toxin type A). It temporarily immobilizes muscles that cause lines and wrinkles, especially those above the eyes.
While nothing stops the aging process, several techniques can remove the damaged outer layers of skin, allowing underlying smoother skin to grow in its place. They include chemical peels; dermabrasion, where the top layer of skin is sanded down using a rapidly rotating instrument; and laser resurfacing, which vaporizes the outer layer of skin. Surgical face-lifts are still done, too.
Before you decide to reset the clock on your face, find out if your doctor is experienced in the procedure and board certified in a related specialty such as Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Otolaryngology, Dermatology or Ophthalmology. Ask about the potential for side effects or discomfort. And ask about the price. Most cosmetic procedures aren't covered by insurance.
Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call toll free 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.
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