Laser Skin Treatments for the Causes of Facial Aging

Whether it's sun or aging, our faces take a lot of abuse during our lifetime. Salt Lake City Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Haupt would like you to be aware of the different factors that can affect how your face ages.

External Contributors

External contributors to facial aging are based on what happens in the world around you day to day. Their impact can be both visible and invisible based on contributing factors. For example, something seemingly innocuous as how you lay in bed while sleeping can, over time, cause facial wrinkles and folds. Smoking, sun exposure, facial expressions and even gravity also greatly affect how your facial skin looks. Blemishes, pigmentation, rough skin and freckles are all visible signs of the damage done.

In addition to changes in the look of the skin, the feel of the skin can also change. Often referred to as a "leathery" complexion, this is actually the thickening of the outer layer of skin. Oddly enough, the under layers of skin tend to get thinner as we age. For some people, this can leave their skin looking paper-thin. These effects are primarily considered invisible.

Internal Contributors

Our facial aging is also affected by what happens on the inside of our bodies. While general aging is the primary internal contributor to facial aging, genetics is a close second. Bone density, cell structure and basic body functions can easily be altered from the norm due to hereditary conditions.

Another key internal contributor is hormonal changes. While this is primarily an issue facing women, hormone changes can also affect men and the look, feel and health of their skin.

Like the external contributors to facial again, internal contributors have both visible and unseen effects. Since the internal contributors are more involved, here are brief explanations to help give you a clearer picture:

• Reduction of collagen and elastin — Collagen is what keeps the skin looking plump and elastin is what helps the skin "spring back" after stretching and contracting
• Bone resorption — This is the wearing away of the bone tissue, which can lead to osteoporosis and other spinal deformities
• Dermal thinning — This is the same effect as seen in external contributors and is a thinning of the under layers of skin
• Reduction in hyaluronic fluid — This is the fluid normally found in our joints that helps keep them moving smoothly

The after effects of many of these internal contributors may be visible, but the following are visible from the start:

• Jowls around your lower mouth will sag or droop
• Facial skin will become dry
• Cheeks look hollow
• Eyelids droop due to a loss of elasticity
• Fine lines, wrinkles and folds develop

Dr. Haupt and the staff at Utah Cosmetic Laser & Aesthetics have the technology and experience to resolve and improve many of these facial aging problems. We are pleased to offer non-surgical facelift procedures such as Refirme™ Skin Tightening, Renew Fotofacial RF and laser skin resurfacing.

Dr. Haupt also provides a wide variety of more traditional facial cosmetic surgery procedures. No matter which procedure is right for you, we will always make sure you can present a refreshed, younger, healthier face to match your inner beauty.

If you live in the Salt Lake City, Utah area and would like to learn more about repairing the damage done by facial aging, please contact Utah Cosmetic Laser & Aesthetics today to schedule your initial consultation.