Anti-aging Options for a Young Woman?

I'm 24 years old, but as I am obsessed with my looks, I am looking to find ways to stay looking young. Should I get a mini face lift now or only Botox? What is the best option for a 24 year old who is beginning to see SLIGHT signs of aging, besides creams. I feel like my nasolabial folds are bothering me the most, and I feel I'm starting to get them because of my constant dieting and losing/gaining weight in my face.

I used to have chubby cheeks when I was younger but as I got older they went down. If I get Botox or some kind of filler, I don't want to look like I have chubby cheeks again, but if I get a Face lift and pull them back would I look overdone?

Asked 36 months ago by barbiebionda16 in usa
Sort 11 expert answers by:
+2

Manage factors that promote aging

As most on the blog suggest options at this point should not emphasize procedrues but should emphasize practices that reduce the liklihood of prematurely aging like smoking, drinking heavily, sun exposure, lack of exercise, improper hydration. The only procedural things we recommend to young women are to begin a sound skin care regime utilizing pharmaceutical grade skin care products.
Richard Gentile, MD
Cleveland Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

There are many things you can do

Well performed fillers and Botox and medical grade skin care and SUN AVOIDANCE will keep you looking young.  Please don't even consider any kind of facelift at your age.  Any doctor worth seeing would never consider doing this surgery on you now.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

Young women don't need anti-aging options, because they are not aging

You said it yourself. You are obsessed. Self esteem has to come from the inside. I am sure you have heard that. You have a lot of the signs (concern with minor imperfections, yo-yo dieting) of someone who absolutely should not have plastic surgery or dermatology treatments, BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT GOING TO MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER. There is a book I recommend for you: FEELING GOOD by David Burns. Buy it and read it. It is easy to read. It may change your life.
George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Anti-aging options

The prominent nasolabial folds that are bothering you may be due to lax skin of the cheek. If this is the case, you may benefit from filler to augment the cheek areas. At 24, it seems premature for you to be considering a facelift procedure. Botox is not for nasolabial folds but for dynamic wrinkles.
Bryan K. Chen, MD
San Diego Dermatologist
+2

Develop a sense of self-esteem that will support an aging face

Hi Barbie, Society puts a lot of pressure on women to look as good as possible so it is not surprising that you are so concerned about your appearance. Body dysmorphic disorder is an abnormal preoccupation with minor or imaged issues. One of the keys to the diagnosis is related to how much of your day is taken up by such preoccupations. Recognize that aging is inevitable. Nora Ephron (Sleepless in Seattle) has a wonderful essay in a book of the same name titled: "I hate my neck... more
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
+2

Get several opinions from plastic surgeons, they are usually free

I am not a plastic surgeon but a cardiovascular surgeon who has a huge vein practice and constantly see women and men who care about how they look - So, I don't think there is anything 'wrong with you' and I don't think you should be labelled to have "body dysmorphic syndrome" as the previous doctor suggested. One of the best things going in plastic surgery is that most good ones provide free consultation and therefore you should take the opportunity and get 2 opinions, not... more
Hratch Karamanoukian, MD
Buffalo General Surgeon
+2

An individualized approach is best

Thank you for your post. At 24, I would consider you pretty young for most cosmetic procedures, although I totally understand that you want to look your best and continue to do so for years to come. So, for right now, I would do minimally invasive treatments such as Botox, IPL, light chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and Retin-A/sunscreen. Without seeing you personally, it would be hard to suggest juvederm or any other filler for the nasolabial folds, although if indicated, this should be... more
Don Mehrabi, MD
Beverly Hills Dermatologist
+2

Less invasive anti-aging options

You are very young to think about a face lift, mini or otherwise. Fillers gently used beneath the nasolabial folds can usually fix the creases nicely, without giving you puffy cheeks. The best things you can do to maintain your youthful appearance is avoid smoking, excessive drinking, and sun exposure. Additionally, keep weight stable, well hydrated, and use moisturizer creams and makeup with sun block. Finally, you need to take a look at your values, and perhaps read your post. I get the... more
Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Non-surgical skin tightening and fillers are best for younger skin

Dear Barbie, Without seeing you I can tell you that you do not want a face lift-you are too young and the improvement would not be worth going through surgery and having scars. I use the non-surgical skin tightening Infrared machine called LuxIR Deep for facial and neck skin tightening. You would need 4 treatments scheduled 4 weeks apart and the maximum skin tightening would be seen at 6 months. This type of procedure is ideal for someone your age. Other brands are Thermage, Titan and... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon
+1

No facelift

At your age you probably don't need anything. You can always find a surgeon to do something to you, and you will probably look worse. See a reputable surgeon or dermatologist to see if fillers might help.
Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Good skin care and hygiene as well as fillers are your best option

BarbieBionda, Without pictures, it is hard to give you specific advice. However, at your age, you would likely benefit from a good skin care routine, exercise, and a nutritious diet. You may also benefit from Botox and/or dermal fillers, but without seeing you, it is hard to tell. Facelift surgery at your age is a bit premature. Good luck.
David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
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