7 Ways You Can Reverse Facial Aging, According to Charlotte Doctors

Getting older is inevitable in this life, but you don’t have to look your age if you don’t want to. In fact, we’d be willing to bet you feel much younger than the number you call your “age!” If you’ve been wondering how you can look as young as you feel, we asked a few doctors at Charlotte Plastic Surgery (CPS) for their best recommendations. CPS offers a wealth of facial rejuvenation services from nonsurgical to minimally invasive to surgical, so you can certainly find the right one for you and your skin. More in-depth info about these facial rejuvenation services can be found in CPS’s free e-guide; click here to download the guide.

Though we think you look lovely no matter what, there’s no denying the huge confidence boost that comes with feeling comfortable and proud in your own skin. Becoming the best version of yourself can be a lifelong pursuit, but refreshing your facial skin can be just the boost you need. Here’s how to fix everything from your crows feet to your double chin—because you deserve to be your best self.

The VISIA skin scanner shows CPS doctors exactly what’s going on with your skin before they start any treatment.

The VISIA skin scanner shows CPS doctors exactly what’s going on with your skin before they start any treatment.

7 Ways to Reverse Facial Aging

Please note for the following answers that CPS does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach and always recommends a complimentary cosmetic consultation to appropriately determine the best treatment for each individual. The following suggestions are generalized approaches that may treat these issues, however, they may not be appropriate for every person.

For more details and information about your facial rejuvenation options, click here to download CPS’s free e-guide.

1. Get rid of crow’s feet and expression lines

First, we always assess a client’s needs since every patient is unique, but in most cases, we would treat crow’s feet with an injectable neurotoxin, such as Botox or Dysport. It’s a simple, virtually painless injection that can be done on a lunch break. It takes effect in about three to five days, and you’ll notice fewer lines and creases in the treated area. And, don’t worry about looking “frozen”—when done properly by an expert injector, you’ll still be able to express and move your face. For more damaged skin that has severe creases, we might suggest a dermal filler or laser resurfacing.

2. Erase wrinkles, creases, and poor skin quality

There are lots of ways to treat skin quality issues, ranging from topical creams to minimally invasive procedures. Depending on the patient’s needs and goals, medical-grade products, injectables, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing are all great ways to address wrinkles and creases. Medical-grade products are rigorously scientifically tested and have the highest levels of active ingredients, so they’re much more potent and effective than drugstore equivalents. And, even though the name sounds vigorous, chemical peels can be quite gentle—they help to exfoliate away dry, dead, rough skin to reveal a softer, brighter, more glowing complexion.

Laser resurfacing—the more involved option because it requires a few days of downtime—can dramatically rejuvenate the skin by doing away with damaged skin cells and stimulating your body’s own natural healing process. Depending on your needs, there’s definitely an option that fits your lifestyle, budget, and timeframe.

3. Level out hyperpigmentation, melasma, and/or age spots

One of the most effective treatments for pigmentation is Broadband Light Therapy. It specifically targets areas of brown and red pigmentation on the skin to create a more even skin tone. Also, exfoliating facial treatments such as the SilkPeel DermalInfusion System—a 3-in-1 device that suctions pores, exfoliates the skin with a diamond tip, and infuses the skin with hydrating serums—help with discolored areas on the face, neck, and chest. Lastly, micro-needling with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) helps stimulate cell turnover and infuses the skin with your body’s own healing growth factors from your own blood plasma. The results can be really amazing.

Glowing results from a chemical peel.

4. Eliminate your double chin

A double chin can make you appear heavier and older than you are. There are non-invasive solutions that can be done on a lunch break such as Kybella, an injectable solution that dissolves fat cells, and CoolSculpting. Both of these are relatively easy, short-recovery procedures that our patients love for their convenience and great results. For some, Liposuction is a more effective option, especially for those with larger areas of stubborn fat.

5. Fix sagging facial skin

As we age, our skin can lose its elasticity and droop, especially in the lower portion of the face and around the eyes. Often, dermal fillers can help plump up areas that have lost volume (such as the temples and cheeks), helping to re-contour the shape of the face and, thus, reposition the skin. For other patients with more dramatic skin elasticity issues, surgery may be the best option to meet their needs, such as a facelift, browlift, or eyelid lift.

Facelift results.

See more facial rejuvenation before-and-afters here.

6. Exfoliate and see your skin glow

Regular exfoliation is absolutely essential to keep your skin looking refreshed. CPS doctors recommend an exfoliating cleanser and regular exfoliating facial treatments for your best result. Facial treatments are highly customized to each patient’s needs, so your treatment will be tailor-made. However, some favorites are the SilkPeel Dermal Infusion treatment (which feels amazing) and a Dermaplaning Facial during which your skin is gently exfoliated with a surgical blade specifically designed for removing dead skin cells and peach fuzz. With both of these options, your skin will be glowing afterward and you can go about your daily routine as normal after the treatment.

7. Rejuvenate your skin over a long weekend

Hands down, if you’re looking for a significant change to your skin, the Sciton Halo Laser is your long-weekend hero. It combines two laser wavelengths, ablative and non-ablative, into one treatment. That means you get the impressive resurfacing of an ablative laser but with the reduced discomfort and downtime of a non-ablative laser. It’s also one of the most customizable laser treatments available; settings can be modified so specifically that CPS can meet very detailed patient goals.

A Day in the Life of a Charlotte Plastic Surgery Patient

Facial Rejuvenation FAQS

Ready to take the next step but still have some additional questions?  Here are some frequently asked questions that may help you narrow down your options.

Can I get rid of lines and wrinkles (look more youthful) without the need for surgery?

Yes! Great strides in the understanding of facial aging have occurred in the past few decades, and many non-surgical options have proven to be extremely effective in the treatment of fine lines, poor skin quality, and pigmentation. Plus, non-surgical options are great for the patient who doesn’t want to have any downtime or who needs an option that can help them maintain their skin. These options include highly potent, medical-grade skincare products; exfoliating facial treatments and chemical peels; injectables such as Botox and fillers; and laser resurfacing.

How do I know what is right for me or where to start?

A complimentary skin care consultation is always the best place to start. Your provider will get to know you, your concerns, your goals, and help educate you about your skin. Also, during your visit, we use the VISIA skin scanner to take a picture of your face and analyze it for wrinkles, lesions, age spots, broken capillaries, and more. This tool has been extremely effective in allowing you to see what’s really going on with your skin. From there, you and your skin health provider can determine together what problems to focus on. You’re not in this alone!

What’s something simple I can add into my daily routine that will help me take better care of my skin?

First and foremost, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day. Once you’ve got that down, start using products with human growth factors and antioxidants; they’re very important in helping to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and to protect your skin from environmental damage. These types of products help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve poor skin texture and quality. Some products are so advanced that they’ve even been given nicknames like “laser in a bottle” and “topical Botox.”

I’m not even 35 yet – am I too young for Botox and injectables?

There has actually been a huge increase in the amount of younger patients we see for injectables. The idea is to help prevent or minimize the signs of aging before they get worse. And, by having small, maintenance-type procedures early on, clients are helping to prevent the need for larger, more invasive procedures down the road. They are keeping aging at bay by starting Botox and other non-surgical treatments in their twenties and thirties, and it really appears to be making a difference.

Ready to look as young as you feel? The highly trained doctors at CPS are happy to give you a complimentary consultation so you can learn just what you might want or need when it comes to facial rejuvenation—just call 704-837-7191 to schedule your free consultation, or fill out the form here. Whether you’re struggling with sagging skin or have some deep lines taking root, there is a perfect solution for you at CPS. Here’s to you becoming your best self!