Reversing the Effects of Sun Damage

Most patients have spent far to many hours in the sun with their skin unprotected.  Left exposed to the sun's harmful rays, the skin eventually begins to darken, dry, and wrinkle. The face is left looking aged, pigmented, and undesireable. Once patients begin to notice these effects, they begin to apply sun screen and are much more careful outdoors. However, the damage has already been done as most of the harmful effects of solar radiation occur before the age of thirteen.

As plastic surgeons, we have so many weapons at our disposal now that we didn't have 5 years ago. Treating sun damage and aging can be much easier today with non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures and treatments. We start with assessing the patient's individual needs and goals. Then put together a plan to address the main issues. Sometimes, this could entail several months of treatments that build on each other to produce amazing results with little to no overall downtime.

For instance, facial skin products like hydroquinone, Retin-A, and moisturizers (like Obagi) are the basics of any skin restoration program.  To that we add peels, lasers, fillers, and skin tightening treatments. Aside from making a patient`s face look younger, chemical peels also improve acne scars, age and liver spots and irregular skin pigmentation. Any skin acne must be treated as well prior to or during the regimen.

"Plastic surgery shouldn`t shout, it should whisper. It should look elegant, and so a younger person who just wants to sort of maintain a good quality skin can start with these non-invasive procedures- Dr. Sternberg."

The surgeons at TruYou plastic surgery perform botox and injectible [link id='55'] such as Sculptra, Juvaderm, Restylane and silicone lip implants to help with achieving the treatment goals. They say these procedures are good for those who want to reverse the signs of aging and are looking for subtle, realistic results.