Skin “Prejuvenation” Explained
At Dermatology Group of Arkansas, laser skin rejuvenation is popular treatment for patients who want to address signs of aging like spots and fine lines. Using light to generate beautiful results is not limited to corrective strategies, however. Lasers can also be used to target signs of aging before they appear, preserving a more youthful look and feel for longer. This technique is known as “prejuvenation,” and it can be ideal for younger patients who want to maintain a smooth and clear surface for as long as possible.
You know the old saying: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This means that keeping something from happening can a better option than dealing with it after it has happened. While this is true in many areas of life, the skin is a fantastic example.
Today, there are numerous treatments available to create more even pigmentation and reduce wrinkles and other textural irregularities that develop due to sun exposure and time-related changes to the skin. Happily, there are also options for delaying or preventing such obvious visual issues from developing.
Our dermatologists will always encourage people to wear sunscreen when going outdoors. Blocking UV rays is an excellent way to avoid the cumulative damage that comes from sun exposure. Routine at-home skincare is also very important, since regular cleansing and moisturization go a long way to maintaining the look and health of the skin.
Pairing these good habits with prejuvenating laser treatments is ideal for anyone who wants to take their efforts to the next level. Laser light that passes through the skin’s surface without harming it can be a highly effective treatment, as it encourages renewed collagen production and can coagulate the existing collagen, creating a more even surface.
The added thickness and volume allows the skin to retain a plump and full look, as well as helps it to retain moisture and serve as an effective barrier against the outside world.
At Dermatology Group of Arkansas, we use Moxi™, which is a sophisticated laser device that provides proven results. The laser light specifically targets water in the skin, which means it can be safely used on patients with a range of skin types and tones.
Note that it is always important to meet with a professional in order to get the full benefit of any skincare or maintenance efforts. Our dermatologists and team have the knowhow and experience to examine your unique skin and make customized recommendations to benefit you now and in the future.
Want to get started on your own prejuvenation efforts? Contact us at Dermatology Group of Arkansas! Reach out online or call 501.227.8422.
What Specific Wrinkles Does BOTOX® Treat?
For years, the most popular cosmetic treatment in the world has been BOTOX® and similar wrinkle-relaxing injectables. Professional studies and surveys reveal that millions of treatments happen around the United States each year, with patients seeking a smoother-looking face in order to appear refreshed, rested, and more youthful. At Dermatology Group of Arkansas, BOTOX® remains a highly popular choice—though many patients come in having heard of the treatment, but wondering what it can actually do.
There are many uses for BOTOX®, but the treatment has three specific cosmetic approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Here’s a closer look at those wrinkles.
Frown Lines
The technical term for these wrinkles is “glabellar lines.” They’re named for the glabella, which is the area of the forehead between and above the eyebrows. When you knit your eyebrows together, the glabella moves along with them. Over time, this repetitive motion can cause small lines to appear. These lines most commonly develop as two short, vertical creases. In addition to the nickname frown lines, they are also called “11s.”
Forehead Lines
Raising and lowering your eyebrows, whether because you are making a facial expression or squinting, also moves the skin above on your forehead. As with the glabella, the constant motion that plays out over years and decades can gradually cause creases to form. These horizontal forehead lines, often referred to as furrows, can run almost from temple to temple, becoming deeper over time.
Crow’s Feet
Squinting and smiling alike contribute to the formation of crow’s feet, which may resemble thin bird claws to some people, but most often appear as fine lines the radiate toward the temples from the outer corners of the eye. Technically known as lateral canthal lines, these wrinkles are also happily known as smile lines due to the expression related to their appearance. Having crow’s feet may be considered a sign of a life well lived—since it’s filled with so much smiling—but many people want to smooth them out all the same in order to achieve a more youthful appearance.
BOTOX® can be applied to more areas than just these three. Using the injectable for a cosmetic treatment apart from frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet is known as an “off-label” use. These are commonly performed around the country, with experienced injectors providing treatments to relax bunny lines next to the nose, provide a slimmer-looking jawline, and more.
Ready to learn about what BOTOX® could do for you? Reach out to the injectors at Dermatology Group of Arkansas by sending a message online or calling 501.227.8422.