Understanding & Treating Aging Skin

Secret #1

Not only is proper skin care a very important part of maintaining a youthful and healthy appearance, it is also the first step to understanding and effectively treating aging skin. A professionally designed skin treatment program can help slow the wrinkling process and the effects of sun damage, resulting in a more youthful and radiant appearance. Sandy Fridge, our certified aesthetician, performs a personal skin analysis on every patient, and uses a wide range of programs to design a unique plan for your skin type that maximizes results and maintains healthy skin over time.

Clients come to us with a variety of issues ranging from rosacea and sun damage, to progressively aged skin. Whether you need facial peels, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, or simple professional help with developing an effective skin care regimen, we use the most innovative and high-end products on the market to educate patients and help give you results.

Secret #2

As skin ages, it changes; and wrinkles and sagging skin in particular, are among the most visible signs of aging.  Skin is versatile and vital to survival in many respects. It protects us from hazardous environmental elements, helps control body temperature and regulates fluids, as well as balances electrolytes. Additionally, your skin contains nerve receptors that allow you to feel sensations, like touch, pain, and pressure, etc.

Secret #3

The layers of the skin are multiple, yet three main layers take precedence in most conversations.

First, the outer most layer is known as the epidermis, and includes a variety of cells, as well as pigment and proteins; all of which have important purposes.

Second is the middle layer, known as the dermis, contains blood vessels, as well as hair follicles, nerves, and oil glands. The dermis also serves to provide essential nutrients to the epidermis.

The third inner most layer, is known as the subcutaneous tissue, and it is just under the dermis. This skin layer contains more blood vessels and hair follicles, but also fat and sweat glands.

Each layer of your skin contains connective tissues that are, in part, comprised of collagen and elastin fibers. Collagen gives support to skin cells; and, elastin fibers provide support by means of flexibility and strength.

As skin ages, the first thing that adults notice is a loss in skin elasticity and firmness, this is due to a loss in the natural development of collagen fibers. Instead of a firm and smooth look, skin cell fibers begin to thin, loosen or sag, and wrinkles gradually begin to appear.

Secret #4

Fortunately, at the Houston Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, we are available to consult with our patients to help each person understand the aging skin process, and seek effective treatment options that will work best for them.

Schedule a consultation with Sandy or Dr. Patt today!