“Prejuvenation” is more than the latest buzzword in the aesthetic field. It’s actually a sound anti-aging strategy that helps prevent early signs of aging from developing using a range of nonsurgical treatments. Many people don’t notice wrinkles or skin laxity until they’re in their 30s or even 40s. Still, treatments we perform for patients in their 20s at our plastic surgery practice in Los Angeles can effectively postpone the development of these signs of aging.
This trend extends far beyond millennials and Gen Z patients getting BOTOX® injections in Los Angeles. A survey conducted by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery showed that about 75% of its members reported seeing an increase in patients younger than 30.
Prejuvenation Works
There are sound medical reasons for thinking about aesthetic treatments earlier than later. As with most conditions, prevention is better than correction. Exposure to the sun’s harmful rays and environmental pollution accelerates the skin’s natural aging process. And a lifetime of squinting, laughing, frowning, and raising eyebrows create a cumulative effect resulting in crow’s feet, frown lines, horizontal forehead wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
Earlier intervention using treatments such as neuromodulators, fillers, and non-ablative skin resurfacing, along with steps you can take on your own—using sun protection, antioxidants, and retinoids—can effectively keep skin looking smooth and youthful for years.
What Are Prejuvenation Treatments?
Nonsurgical cosmetic treatments performed regularly at our practice include everything from injectables to chemical peels and microneedling. When supported by daily use of professional-grade skincare products, these treatments can work wonders, as you can see in these before-and-after photos featuring some of our actual patients.
Here’s a look at some of these effective procedures:
BOTOX: Most people are familiar with BOTOX as a way to minimize “dynamic” wrinkles—often called expression lines because they’re caused by the muscle movements made when we change expressions. Because BOTOX temporarily relaxes those muscles, it’s logical to assume that getting injections earlier will help prevent those lines from forming. Even employees in our practice who are in their 20s frequently use BOTOX or Dysport® to avoid developing lines that require more advanced treatments with more downtime. Some patients worry that frequent use of BOTOX limits its effectiveness, but research has shown that not to be true. In fact, less BOTOX is often needed to maintain your results.
Dermal fillers: The popularity of fillers for patients of all ages has exploded in the last 20 years or so. Dozens of options are now available that are designed to treat specific areas. What differentiates fillers is how long they last and the product’s thickness or viscosity. Strategic use of fillers for younger patients can help maintain a more youthful appearance, especially under the eyes or around the mouth where the initial signs of aging tend to emerge.
Microneedling: This is another procedure whose popularity continues to expand, for good reason. Routine microneedling treatments help maintain your youthful appearance while preventing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Microneedling rejuvenates your skin tone and texture by creating “micro-wounds” in the dermis that stimulate the growth of new skin cells.
Chemical peels: Some patients think of chemical peels as aggressive treatments to improve the texture of sun-damaged skin. But that’s just one type of peel. Light, shallow chemical peels, along with microdermabrasion treatments, are an excellent way for younger patients to maintain the youthful tone and texture of their skin. Both chemical peels and microdermabrasion can be performed regularly for exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
Skincare products: Maintaining your results between appointments is an important part of prejuvenation. Medical-grade products contain a higher concentration of active ingredients that are essential for keeping your skin glowing and refreshed. Our aesthetic specialists help patients determine the specific products that are right for their skin type.
What if I Already Have Wrinkles?
At a certain point, of course, nonsurgical treatments may not be enough on their own, and more invasive procedures are needed to turn back the clock. That doesn’t mean you necessarily need a full facelift. Facelift techniques these days are highly customizable to address the specific corrections that patients need. I perform my signature “Traceless Facelift” that hides incisions for patients whose skin may be too lax for nonsurgical skin tightening procedures.
If you’ve been reading about the prejuvenation trend and want to learn more about how you can benefit—or if you’re considering facial plastic surgery—you can contact our office using the online form to request a consultation. Or give us a call at (310) 300-1779 to schedule an appointment.
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