Chasing the clock - When is it "Too Late” to Start Cosmetic Procedures?

A new reconstruction era has arrived in America with Americans spending $10.4 billion on cosmetic surgery in 2011. Do people have more money to spend on themselves or are Americans getting more self conscious? Liposuction was nation's top cosmetic surgical procedure and Botox® injections was the top non-invasive cosmetic surgery procedure. There is also a growing trend among men to get cosmetic surgery though women still outweigh men by 80% in cosmetic surgery.

In this race for looking younger longer, patients are also trying out cosmetic procedures earlier than ever. Although in a recent JAMA Dermatology Viewpoints article, Skin Care Physicians, Heather K. Hamilton, MD, and Kenneth A. Arndt, MD, make the case that it’s rarely “too early” to treat patients with “appearance-enhancing procedures,” such as neuromodulators, fillers, and light or laser treatments. 

Aging skin doesn’t have to be wrinkled skin but repeated folding of skin from normal day to day expressions like smiling or expressive talking does leave its mark on our faces. No one wants to look old. For those who don't want to go under the knives, non-invasive cosmetic procedures like Botox and other injectobles and fillers are the answer to a more youthful look but the question is when do we start? 

Per Skin Care Physicians, Heather K. Hamilton, MD, and Kenneth A. Arndt, MD, “If the action of the muscles of facial expression is diminished, the lines on the face that are interpreted as aging, tiredness or anger will simply not form" They recommend, "Initiating regular treatment with a neuromodulator in an individual’s 20s or 30s will have a dramatic effect on the appearance of the face as seen in the person’s 40s or 50s. There will be few, if any, lines of facial expression present.”

The authors conclude, “Similar to our advocacy for the early use of other strategies to avoid or diminish the evolution of age-related changes such as sunscreens and topical retinoids, the initiation of conservative and thoughtful use of neuromodulators, fillers, and noninvasive energy-based treatments, alone or in combination, will keep patients looking young and their skin looking healthier. So there really is rarely a time that is too early. Perhaps the better question is, ‘When is it too late?’”

You may wonder what age is the best age for you to start the non-invasive cosmetic procedures? I would say be your own advocate and judge! At whatever point you find yourself bothered by the frown or laugh lines or sagging face consider starting cosmetic procedures like Botox, Juvederm and such injectables and fillers treatments. Dr. Ram K. Reddy, Medical Director of Yuva Medical Spa says, "It’s easier and more effective to inhibit progression than come in 10 years later and take them away".  At the same time remember no one is perfect. Cosmetic procedures are not your only option to look better and gain the self confidence but if you need one, it is certainly an option to consider.You have one life, one body to live so enjoy and look your very best l-o-n-g-e-r!

Sunita Singh is Vice President of Business Development for Reddy & Associates which includes Yuva Medical Spa. This Medical Spa offers all medical and aesthetic procedures (including Botox and injectables) in a serene Spa like setting in Athens and free consultations are available. www.YuvaMedicalSpa.com