Understanding Facial Aging

Everyone dreads the aging process, and every day, it seems like there is a new magical cure for aging. While aging is ultimately inevitable, understanding what is going on in our bodies as we age can help us take steps to slow the process, address problem areas, and ensure we can always look and feel our best.

What Happens as We Age?

There are a variety of changes that happen to our bodies and to our faces over time. Some of the fundamental changes in our faces include changes in how our skin looks and feels due to various factors. These factors include sun exposure, genetics, and, of course, the passage of time. Many people may gain or lose weight as they age, which can also impact appearance. Bone loss can play a factor in a change in facial appearance, as can the gradual loss of facial muscles and ligaments.

Skin Changes

Over time, skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. This leads to wrinkles, which many people seek to avoid. The pigmentation of a person’s skin can also change as they age for various reasons. These include significant sun exposure, skin conditions, and genetics. There are a variety of techniques, such as laser treatments and chemical peels, that can be used to try and combat some of these undesirable changes in your skin.

Changes Below the Skin

In addition to dealing with changes in your skin, everything going on underneath also goes through changes as you age. Under the skin is a layer of facial fat, and as we age, that facial fat decreases. Changes in fat volume, skin appearance, and the effects of gravity, can cause a changing appearance as we age. It can cause cheeks to appear flatter, eyelids to appear baggier, and the face generally less full. Various procedures, such as facial fillers and fat transfers, can be used to address these sorts of problems.

Making a Change for You

If you feel self-conscious and concerned about your appearance as you age, it might be time to consult with a knowledgeable and skilled plastic surgeon. These doctors will discuss various options with you to ensure you know each treatment path and always look and feel your best.

Schedule a Consultation

In the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area, look to the highly experienced team at Plastic Surgeon Associates to feel comfortable and confident in choosing to improve your future. If you want to learn more about our aging procedures, you can contact the team at Plastic Surgeon Associates today to schedule a consultation.