A Dentist's Insight to Overall Health

If you want to look youthful, you’ll want to start with smoothing out your face with facial rejuvenation techniques. Cigarette smoking, heredity, unprotected sun exposure and aging can all take their toll--creating wrinkles and unattractive skin. The first step toward fixing this is prevention. Quitting smoking or being in the presence of second hand smoke is an absolute must. Wearing sunscreen and a broad brimmed hat is another lifestyle change that will have big payoffs over time. Start by being proactive. After damage has occurred, there are still ways to rejuvenate, including:

- Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion: Both of these techniques will resurface the face by using an abrasive tool such as a rotary device or crystals. The upper surface is basically sanded away and the new layer grows back in smooth and undamaged.

- Facial fillers are another idea. These are substances which are injected in order to plump up wrinkled areas. They will temporarily smooth out the regions for three to six months. Some examples include collagen, Juvederm, Restylane or even fat transferred from your own body. In the case of fat transfer, liposuction is used to take it from one area of the body, purify it and then re-inject it into the face. Collagen is also considered to be a natural substance since it comes from an animal, most likely a cow, rather than made from chemicals. 

- Laser resurfacing is another method for the same concept as dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. It still removes the upper layer of skin, but with pulsed light. The laser damages the skin which causes it to peel off. When the healed layer grows back, it is tighter and appears more youthful. 

- Chemical peels are yet another method of resurfacing. Instead of abrasive tools or pulsed light, however, chemicals are used in order to burn off the top layer. There are varying levels of peels and each must be done under the trained eye of a professional. 

- Facials are another way to rejuvenate the skin. They can be extremely pampering treats and may include deep cleansing, aromatherapy, extractions, massage and specialized creams and lotions. Facials are often performed by trained aestheticians at day spas or in dermatologist offices.

- Botox is another option for easing wrinkles. This substance is so popular that it has become a household word. It is injected in order to relax the muscles which, in turn, make the face appear smooth and wrinkle-free.

If you want to look younger, facial rejuvenation can be the answer you’ve been looking for.