Hollow, sunken and sagging facial skin happens over time due to genetics, environment, diet, sun exposure, overall health, prescription drug usage and general aging. Collagen is the main structural protein that is found in the connective facial tissue. Collagen and elastin are both responsible for giving the face a plump and youthful look. As you age, you are exposed to a large variety of environmental factors. These outside influences, over time, have a direct effect on the decrease in collagen production. While plastic surgery procedures like face and neck-lift surgeries, brow lifts and eyelid surgery restore a youthful look by replacing collagen, utilizing cartilage and tightening up the skin, there are also many non-surgical methods to restore facial tissue.
Microneedling
The microneedling procedure is a rather non-invasive treatment option used to restore facial tissue and boost the production of collagen and elastin. The microneedling pen-like tool utilized during the procedure is referred to as The Collagen P.I.N., or in fancier terms: Percutaneous Induction Therapeutic device. This unique tool contains many tiny needles that essentially puncture the skin simultaneously; this triggers your body's natural restorative healing response that happens when you are injured. Your body begins to naturally increase collagen and elastin production to the treated areas. Your skin will look firmer and more full. Blemishes, scars and wrinkles will be significantly diminished and sun damage will improve.
If you have sun damage, stretch marks, acne scars, large pores, mild wrinkling of the skin, uneven tone and texture or lots of discoloration, microneedling is a great treatment for collagen production. Microneedling can be performed on virtually any type and color of skin. It is also safe for use on virtually every part of the body, but it is most commonly utilized to treat the skin on the face, neck, back, arms, hands and above the bust. The ideal needle depth, as well as the number of passes required, are customized on a case-by-case basis. You may experience mild redness and a burning sensation after the procedure, but this should dissipate after a couple of days.
Collagen Injections
The secondary choice to restore facial restoration, aside from a standard face-lift operation, is to undergo collagen injection treatment. These injections fill in laugh lines, wrinkles on the forehead, acne scars, lines around the mouth and crow's feet. They also add fullness to the lips and can be used in other parts of the body; collagen is most commonly injected in the face. It is important to note that collagen injections work best on skin with minor to moderate imperfections. They will not fully restore facial tissue on people with advanced signs of aging, very saggy skin and deep-set wrinkles.
There are two main types of collagen injections: bovine and human. There are advantages and disadvantages with both types of treatment. The make up of their composition, price range and effectiveness are all varied. A licensed dermatologist, aesthetician or plastic surgeon can discuss both types of collagen injection types with you and help you determine which best suits your price range and desired results.
Laser Resurfacing
When you combine radio frequency with ultrasound technology, you are able to target the tissue below the skin's surface to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin; your face will appear more dewy, youthful and full with laser resurfacing. As one of the least invasive methods for restoring facial tissue, laser resurfacing leaves you with very little recovery time.
There are three main types of radio-frequency laser resurfacing treatments: monopolar, bipolar, and multipolar. Each of these three types differs by degree of penetration. Some plastic surgeons prefer one method over the others. Many plastic surgeons, dermatologists and aestheticians will offer all three and make their determination of which treatment to utilize on a case-by-case basis. Monopolar treatments target the deepest lines, wrinkles and skin textures. Bipolar treatments are the mid-grade option for mild to moderate skin imperfections. Multipolar treatments work superficially, so they fill and and flatten thin lines and light wrinkles.
Ultrasound uses more of a direct-energy approach to increasing collagen to restore facial tissue. The targeted mini-bolt is precise in its landing, and it offers both a superficial and deep-tissue tightening effect. Patients typically only need one to two treatments with radio-frequency lasers or ultrasound therapy to see a dramatic improvement in the quality of the skin and restoration of facial tissue.
Standard Face-Lift Surgery
Microneedling, collagen injections and laser resurfacing treatments work best on skin with mild to moderate imperfections, wrinkles, scarring, sagging and hollowness. If you have deep-set lines and wrinkles, jowls or excessive sun damage, a face-lift procedure may be the best way to restore your youthful look. A face-lift is the most invasive and expensive treatment to restore facial tissue, but the results have more permanence than alte
ative forms of treatment.
With a standard face-lift, the top layer of skin is peeled back to target and tighten the muscles in the bottom two-thirds of the face. The result brings back the taut, even and full look of your youth. A face-lift surgery is considerably more expensive than any other non-invasive form of restoring facial tissue. For most people, however, a face-lift is a one-and-done procedure that produces long-lasting results.
Serving Naples, Fort Myers and Marco Island, the board-certified plastic surgeons at
Aesthetic Surgery Center specialize in the full range of invasive and non-invasive treatments and surgical options for restoring facial tissue and increasing collagen and elastin. The elite team of surgeons at Aesthetic Surgery Center combine decades of experience, technology and education to provide their clients with a personalized, professional and top-notch experience that delivers natural and lasting results. Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Maloney are double-board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Ross is fellowship trained with specialties in the face, breast and body. These three surgeons deliver a unique and uniform approach to rejuvenation and restoration of the face and body. You can find out more about their professional, top-notch and well-known practice here:
www.aestheticsurgerycenter.com.