Procedures for Aging Skin
After menopause, it is very common to see changes in the skin ranging from dark spots to wrinkles. Laxity and wrinkles are usually accompanied by fat loss and a ‘redraping’ of the skin, which is shown as sagging. Procedures are now available that can be done easily in a cosmetic surgeon’s office and reverse or improve these dramatically.
The quickest way to reverse wrinkles is either via a neurotoxin, such as Botox / Dysport or a filler, such as Restylane, Perlane and Juvederm. These are not only easy, but they are less expensive than traditional sorts of procedures, such as facelifts or even laser surgery. Certain laser procedures, however, can supplement these and offer improvements in blood vessels, another frequent occurrence after menopause.
The majority of women who consider laser are going to be satisfied with either a non-invasive laser or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). These options offer the ability to have procedures performed with little or no down time and relatively impressive results. One caveat is that without having an invasive laser performed, there is little or no ‘lifting’ that will happen after the procedure.
If and when consulting a professional, consider their skills, but also consider if they only have one laser in their office or if they have no interest or familiarity with less invasive options. The new millennium has brought a huge assortment of options that defy the need for being cooped up after a large procedure and it is a fantastic thing to be able to go to a dermatologist’s office in the morning and back to work before lunchtime, all the while looking great (or even better!) and having no telltale signs of ‘work’ being done.
Lastly, don’t forget about the role that cosmeceuticals (a combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, typically offered in cosmetic surgeons’ offices or on websites such as www.LovelySkin.com. These are options that can benefit patients greatly and in my practice have often replaced the lasers for conditions such as melasma (a pregnancy or hormonally related brown discoloration of the face) and mild wrinkling.
Joel Schlessinger, MD, President Emeritus of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, is a Board Certified Dermatologist and board certified in General Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Schlessinger is in private practice in Omaha, Nebraska and is President of LovelySkin.com. Dr Schlessinger is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Moh’s Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the Laser Institute of America.
Cosmetic Dermatology Consult is supported by an educational grant from sanofi aventis U.S.
The information contained on this site is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question.
