Facelift Gadgets
So many innovative ideas and products are born in Japan—it’s always interesting to keep an eye out to see what will come our way next. So, does this mean we will suggest that our New York facelift candidates try out some of the latest Japanese exports like the big red rubber lips called the “Face Slimmer?” or the bulbous yellow “Tongue Exerciser?”
No, fun though they may be, these gadgets that promise to boost sagging facial tissues are not likely to make it on our list of recommended treatments. And it’s not because we are itching to perform surgery on every prospective patient—it’s because contraptions like these just don’t work.
The reason exercise gizmos can’t make much difference lies in the way our faces age:
Collagen and elastin breakdown: Underneath the surface, collagen and elastin fibers that form the foundation for skin support break down. Over time, this network becomes weaker, and skin and fat deposits eventually sag. The pull of gravity makes it worse. Deeper wrinkles form as skin falls inward and downward.
Changes in skin tone: If you’ve heard that cell turnover slows as we age, it’s true. New cells rise to the surface more slowly than in our youth, meaning dead skin cells hang around longer and dull the appearance. In addition, glands that produce oil to moisten the skin also slow down. The result is that facial skin eventually appears crepe-y and fine lines show up.
If you know a bit about wrinkles, you may know that some of the lines on our faces are termed “dynamic wrinkles.” This means they are formed by repeated muscle action, such as the frown lines on your forehead and crow’s feet near your eyes. Knowing this, one can’t help but wonder whether there’s a chance that additional facial “exercises” might make wrinkles worse!
Obviously, we don’t recommend a facelift for every New York patient. There are other treatments that can help restore a youthful look, such as BOTOX Cosmetic and dermal fillers. And for some men and women, a less invasive mid facelift is a very viable option.
At the same time, there are many products that just don’t live up to the promises they make. Whatever you decide to do about the aging process—or whether you do anything at all—be sure to apply critical thinking before investing.
If we can help, just give us a call. We’re on Park Avenue in Manhattan at 212-570-6080.
