Sculptra, Radio frequency/Laser or facelift? (Photo)

Question

I am 58 year old female in very good health. I am seeing the progression of the aging process and I am not sure which option is best to reduce early jowls, and add volume. I am concerned that Sculptra and skin tightening devices will create scar tissue under my skin making a facelift harder in the future. Any advice? Thanks in advance for your help.

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

Congratulations, because you look great at age 58.  However, it’s important to start rejuvenation procedures so you can continue to look as young and vibrant for the next several years. Sculptra and skin tightening treatments work by stimulating the body to produce more collagen. Collagen is an essential protein that we have in abundance in our skin when we are young. As early as our 20s, our bodies start decreasing collagen production, which leads to the sagging and loss of volume that is concerning you. By restoring collagen levels, we can effectively reverse some of these signs of aging. Adding volume to the perimeter of the face will actually lift and pull back your mild jowling. A touch of Kybella to your jowl will also help. If your procedure is performed by an experienced, board-certified dermatologist with expertise in the device or product used, getting these treatments now will not impact your ability to get a surgical facelift in the future. In fact, they will delay your need for surgery as they work to keep your skin in a more youthful state for as long as possible. They can also strengthen the skin so should you desire a face lift in the future, the tissues will be sturdier.

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear camon,

Thanks for sharing your photo. Your question is intuitive to understanding of the anti-aging process and options for it.

Following the age of 30, collagen production passively diminishes and the volume of our skin and soft tissues declines producing the facial folds (nasojugal, nasolabial, lateral commissures and marionette). The 3 non-surgical anti-aging options include:
•	Volume replacement: fillers and fat
•	Lifting: suspension sutures
•	Tightening: Sculptra, RF, laser, peels, retinoids

Each of these options produces a differing magnitude of collagen regeneration but no skin excess removal. A facelift uses many of the above techniques with the greatest amount of collagen, ie., scar production and the advantage of skin excess removal. For the experienced surgeon, the limited amount of scar produced by the above alternatives will not deter nor add complexity to a facelift.

Please consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with the full breadth experience of the above to evaluate and recommend what is best for you. I wish you all the best.

Sculptra, Radio frequency/Laser or facelift? (Photo)

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Sculptra, Radio frequency/Laser or facelift? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Sculptra

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.