Facial rejuvenation can help to minimize the effects of gravity, sun exposure and years of facial muscle movement, such as smiling, chewing, and squinting. The soft tissue of the face which helps to keep our skin looking youthful and smooth begins to break down. This results in laugh lines, smiles lines, crow's feet and/or facial creases over the areas where muscle movement occurs. Options available for rejuvenation include injectable soft tissue fillers, Botox®, photo-facials, chemical peels, laser resurfacing or a surgical re-contouring procedure such as a facelift. Many of these options may be combined together to obtain the desired results.

There are a number of injectable soft tissue fillers available today. It is important to remember that the results are not permanent since the injected materials are eventually metabolized by the body. In addition, the injectables cannot adequately treat very severe wrinkles. Injectable fillers, Botox® and various resurfacing techniques cannot change facial contour the way surgery can, even when used in combination with each other.

Facial rejuvenation is a very individual process and it is important to discuss your expectations with your surgeon. At your consultation, several factors will play a role in determining a treatment option to achieve your goals. The quality of your skin is extremely important not only in deciding a treatment plan but also the final result. Your surgeon may suggest a skin care regimen prior to any other treatment. There are products on the market today which can reverse sun damage, lighten dark spots, eliminate fine wrinkles, decrease pore size which results in smoother looking skin, and induce new collagen formation in your skin. In addition, the muscles and underlying bone will play a role in determining your facial rejuvenation treatment plan.

Each therapeutic option varies in terms of risk, cost, and recovery time. As you begin to formulate a treatment plan your surgeon will provide information to help guide you in deciding which option(s) to pursue.