The Ageing Face with Mr Richard Karoo

As we grow older, the ageing face is an inevitable process. We look at our faces to tell our story and strive for a glowing, healthy complexion, to give us self-confidence and act as the first interface with the outside world. Many factors of our ageing are out of our control. They are in our genetics and occur naturally. However, we can control our exposure to external factors such as ultraviolet radiation. When ultraviolet (UV) light hits skin unprotected by sunscreen, this may cause DNA changes at a cellular level. Because photodamage happens in the deepest layers of the skin—the dermis—it can take years before the damage surfaces become visible with excessive wrinkling, loss of elasticity and age spots. There are treatments and considerations that we can take to assist the ageing face and rejuvenate our skin. We spoke to Mr Richard Karoo, Consultant Plastic Surgeon to find out what we should consider when thinking about an aesthetic procedure.

Firstly, it is important to understand how the ageing face develops and what we can do to help slow it down. “The muscles in our face and neck thin throughout the ageing process contributing to a ‘dropping’ appearance. Volume is lost from the mid face and fatty tissue accumulates in the neck.” Our skin naturally becomes more fragile in consistency and the elasticity decreases. This is a natural development and can differ between individuals with no experience being the same. Teeth health and natural changes in the facial skeleton can cause our lips to appear smaller and eyes more hollowed. Our eyelids can weaken and develop ‘bags’ under our eyes due to the lack of muscle tone in this area combined with the herniation of fat, the thought to be linked to premature ageing, delayed wound healing, and increase the likelihood of skin disorders. Experts recommend limiting your exposure to the toxic chemical can see long-term benefits to your quality of skin, and the ageing process. Taking measures to protect against external factors can mean that we prolong the ageing face from taking effect. However, there are options for those considering treatment. brow itself can also descend and upper eyelid skin appear heavy resulting in a tired look to one’s appearance.” These are all areas which help shape the face and are concern areas for most.

What about external factors? Sunlight, and cigarette smoke are two sources that can cause skin damage and enhance the ageing process. When exposing your skin to UV rays it is vital to wear SPF, with experts now saying that face SPF should be part of your daily routine. Limiting your exposure to UV rays can control premature ageing and lessen the occurrence of dark spots. Smoking is

Non-surgical procedures can include Anti-wrinkle injections, Dermal Fillers, Chemical peels or Laser. When carefully undertaken these non-surgical interventions can soften fine lines, enhance facial volume, encourage collagen production to help create a refreshed look. But these treatments should be performed by trained medical practitioners with potential risks fully explained beforehand prior to any treatment. However there always are limitations in how far non-surgical treatments can assist and to appreciate that for some this will not address their key concerns at which point a surgical option may wished to be explored.

If you are considering a surgical procedure, it is always recommended that you meet with your consultant to discuss your options and fully understand the procedure. You should also give yourself a breathing period to digest the information. Surgical procedures can include Face Lifting, Neck Lifting, liposuction to the neck, Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty), Brow lifting or any combination as required to help address concerns. Face and Neck lifting surgery will elevate tissues, assist with volume, help define your jawline and remove excess skin. Blepharoplasty surgery removes tissue excess and creates a refreshed appearance to the lids themselves and then brow lifting via open or endoscopic techniques create elevation