| Low-cost alternatives to a face-lift |
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Hylaform is another hyaluronic acid derivative extracted
from rooster combs. "It works well for improving the deep lines
visible from the nostrils to the corners of the mouth that can be
hard to treat, advises Dr. Alastair Carruthers, clinical professor
of dermatology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.
"In addition, it lasts longer and requires less
volume to fill wrinkles and skin folds compared to collagen."
Because Hylaform is an animal-based product, redness,
swelling and a higher rate of allergic reaction have been reported.
Cost: The national average cost is $650 per injection.
Fat transfer
or fat sculpting. This procedure involves transferring fat
from one part of the body, usually the abdomen, hips and thighs,
and injecting it in tiny amounts into the deep tissue of the face.
"It's basically a tissue transplant," explains
Dr. Tzikas, who has perfected the technique over a decade in his
practice. "We're taking living tissue from one area of the
body and putting it into another in the least traumatizing way possible.
We are rejuvenating the face by adding contour to the cheek, jaw
line and other areas that have sunken in over time.
"Aging is not just gravity working on our faces.
The biggest factor in aging is the loss of fullness from the face.
"Look at young models and actresses whose faces
grace the covers of magazines. Youth has fullness.
"Fat sculpting buys you time before you have
to have a face lift. Many patients look up to 10 years younger."
To get the best outcome, Dr. Tzikas says he works
with the whole face, making sure that the proportions are balanced,
because we lose volume from all over the face.
"When this procedure is done correctly, you can
get a permanent improvement to the face," says Dr. Tzikas,
who often asks patients to bring in photographs from their 20s or
30s.
While there is zero discomfort, there will be some
swelling which can be treated with ice. You can go back to work
fairly quickly.
"Fat works because it makes the face look younger
and softer in a natural way," Dr. Tzikas explains.
Fat sculpting is technique dependent -- the success
is entirely dependent on the skill of the surgeon performing the
procedure.
"You want to find a surgeon who is board certified,
with a good safety record, a good reputation in the community and
one who has experience in what you're looking to do," says
Dr. Tzikas.
"Someone who does well with breast augmentation
surgery may not be good at injectable products.
"Ask the doctor: How many procedures like this
do you do in a year? There are little tricks with everything, even
injecting someone."
Cost: The national average physician fee is $1,026.
Liposuction
of the neck and jaw line. You can put off a face lift for
six or seven years by trimming some of the excess fat under the
chin and along the jaw line, notes Dr. Silver.
"It's relatively easy, much less invasive and
has a quicker recovery time than a traditional face lift. The liposuction
creates a layer of scar tissue that holds the skin tight for many
years."
Cost: The national average physician fee for this
procedure is $2,224.
Prevention: the most economical
Dr. Silver emphasizes that the best way to put off the need for
a face lift is to start at a very young age and use sun protection.
"There are two things that age the face the quickest
-- sun damage and cigarette smoking. If you can stop or not smoke
and take good care of your skin, protecting it from the sun and
using a good daily cleaning regimen, you can save yourself tremendous
amounts of money as you age," suggests Dr. Silver.
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