Beauty for Life



A LIFETIME OF BEAUTY

Dr. Roxanne Guy Shares Tips for All Ages

Like it or not, we’re all subject to the unavoidable affects that growth and aging naturally have on our outward appearances. Luckily, however, cosmetic surgeons have developed a range of procedures that can enhance and preserve one’s physical beauty. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has laid out a timeline of treatments and procedures at all life stages to help achieve and maintain “Beauty for Life.” Here’s what to consider, and when to consider it:

Teens: During these years, the pressure to be accepted by peers can become overwhelming, not to mention a distraction from school, sports and fun. Certain cosmetic procedures – such as microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, breast reshaping, ear surgery and nose reshaping — can help boost confidence during these critical years of development.

20s: As young adults entering the workforce, it’s crucial to make a good first appearance. This is when it’s important to put a proper skin-care regime in place and correct bothersome imperfections. The most common procedures among 20-somethings include medical skin care, microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, Botox, injectable fillers, laser treatments, skin tightening, breast augmentation/breast lift, breast reduction, nose reshaping, tummy tuck and liposuction.

30s: This is the time “we’re hitting our stride for work and family – for life,” says the ASPS. That said, facial lines and creases, as well as skin-sagging, especially among mothers, also begins to occur. Explore injection therapies to treat forehead, frown lines and laugh lines, and consider post-pregnancy surgical procedures to lift or enhance breasts, tighten the tummy, and/or contour the hips and thighs.

40s: Mid-life is approaching, and many women begin to make lifestyle adjustments to boost energy and enhance their appearance. The ASPS recommends procedures to reduce the signs of aging around the eyes and neckline, combining injection therapy at the forehead with eyelid surgery or a brow lift to “brighten facial expressions and diminish baggy eyes and crow’s feet.” Injectable fillers also are popular during this decade, replacing facial areas that are beginning to lose volume. And because metabolism has slowed considerably, liposuction or a tummy tuck also may be considered to complement routine exercise.

Mid-50s to Mid-60s: At this stage, the effects of aging are much more noticeable. The goal is restore the natural jaw line and reestablish youthful fullness of cheeks. Surgical procedures, such as nose reshaping, facelift or necklift may be combined with fillers to restore additional volume loss in the face and to refine the facial profile.

60s and Beyond: Today, individuals are living longer than ever and want feel good about the way they look. According to the ASPS, the golden years are the time build on previous facial-rejuvenation cosmetic enhancements combined with other procedures such as a brow lift, chin implant, forehead lift and/or neck life. Other body contouring procedures to reduce excess skin, such as a tummy tuck, also should be considered.