Aging: Cosmetic Surgical Options

There is no question that those of the baby boom generation make up a significantly large percentage of the U.S. population. According to CNN, baby boomers made up 24 percent of the U.S. population in 2012. This translated into 77 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964. On top of that, Generation X (those born between 1964 and 1984) constitute another 51 million Americans. This translates into two entire generations of Americans who are experiencing the effects of aging, which means that many of them may be looking toward anti-aging treatments to keep them looking more youthful in order to keep up with their Millennium generation counterparts (those born after 1984) in competing for jobs in today’s shrinking marketplace.

Fortunately, cosmetic surgical techniques have made significant strides in combating the effects of aging. There is now a wide array of surgeries and other procedures that can help older patients revitalize their appearance. The staff at Jefferson Plastic Surgery treats many of these patients on a daily basis.

What Causes Aging?

One of the most common signs of aging is increased lines and wrinkles on the face. These can form anywhere from the forehead to the mouth. As the body ages, it loses collagen, which is a natural protein found in the body to help connect bones and fill out the skin over the skeleton. When the body loses collagen, the skin looks less firm and full. Furthermore, because skin also loses elasticity over time, the end result is lines and wrinkles on the face, as well as on the hands.

Another cause for aging is the body’s inability to maintain as high a metabolism rate after approximately age 40. This means that it becomes more difficult for people to not only keep themselves from gaining excess weight, but also to lose that excess weight. This can lead to excess fat in several locations on the body, including the abdomen, thighs, arms, and under the chin.

Anti-Aging Treatments

The most popular treatment to combat collagen loss involves using what are known as dermal fillers. These essentially serve to replace collagen that has been lost. Dermal fillers can be used in a number of places around the face or on the hands. Certain types of dermal fillers can also be injected directly into the lips.

In cases of overall sagginess to the face, a variety of facial plastic surgery procedures can be performed. These range from an upper or lower eyelid lift to a full facelift. In these procedures, incisions are made around the areas to be lifted, the skin and underlying tissue are then lifted away and pulled tight, and the excess skin and tissue are removed before being sutured back into place.

Liposuction can be performed to remove excess fat that may accumulate due to aging. A series of small incisions are made into the body where the fat is to be removed, a thin metal tube is inserted through the incisions, and then the fat is gently suctioned out of the body. In other cases where there may be excess flabby skin, a lift procedure can be performed. The basic concept works similarly to a facelift procedure.

It can be difficult for older people to compete in today’s youth-oriented society. Fortunately, there are a number of anti-aging cosmetic procedures that can help them look as young as they feel. To schedule an appointment, contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery today.