I’ve got a great question for my ladies of a certain age, can we defy gravities effect on our face? Before we get to the answer, let’s examine if gravity is the culprit or perhaps the loss of facial fat.
According to a New York Times article, the author posed an even better concern, is it accurate to blame the forces of gravity for the havoc that aging wreaks on youthful features?
Years ago, I learned I have a heart-shaped face, not so much anymore. I always thought my high cheekbones would save my face, from sagging. Not! It’s excellent to age, but the passage of time shows up on our faces, for sure, on mine.
During last month’s facial with my esthetician, Krissy, I mentioned my displeasure with my smile/laugh lines or, in technical terms, the nasolabial folds. And a sagging jawline that seemed to appear overnight.
A quick pull up on my cheeks gave me a clear indication of how the subtle shift could improve my facial features.
Because of COVID -19, no milestone birthday celebration, I thought perhaps another European river cruise or a weekend at the luxury inn and restaurant called The Inn of Little Washington in Washington, Virginia.
Instead, I opted for consultation with my internist, Dr. Claudette Jatto, who also offers aesthetic beauty and wellness services. According to Krissy, I needed a vial or two of Juvérderm® to pump up the volume in my cheeks. The slight lift in cheek volume softens the laugh lines around my mouth.
This type of minor procedure is the new liquid facelift. The filler makes the nasolabial lines less noticeable but not completely removed. I’m not trying to turn back the hands of time, just trying to preserve what’s there.
I scheduled the procedure one week after my consultation. After a local anesthetic applied, I was in and out of the office in less than one hour for a life-enhancing moment that hopefully lasts for one-year.
According to the Allergan website, Juvéderm® is the #1 dermal filler collection in the world. This Allergan filler adds volume to plump lips, smooth lines, or lift & contour cheeks.
Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is a naturally occurring substance that delivers volume to the skin. Juvérderm® is a long-lasting non-surgical option that contains a modified form of HA.
An academic online source said the major forces contributing to facial aging include gravity, skeletal remodeling, subcutaneous (under the skin) fat redistribution, hormonal imbalance, chronic solar exposure with no SPF, and smoking.
Other environmental factors that affect facial appearance include mental stress, diet, work habits, drug abuse, and chronic diseases.
I know my mother warned me about the importance of skin care at an early age. She reminded me the tell-tale signs of aging would show up when you least expect if I didn’t adhere to a routine.
Sleeping on the left side on my face caught up with me with subcutaneous fat loss, as detected by Dr. Jatto. As noted in my patient treatment record above, there are more injections there.
So far, no regrets about my liquid facelift to help me defy gravities affecting my face except the cost. But I say, I’m worth it. This procedure gave me the lift I needed in more ways than one. My Mom is in hospice care, and she is declining.
What are your thoughts on all the new procedures to help “lift” your spirits and defy gravities effects on your face? Do tell.
As always, thank you for reading. Please follow CDC guidelines to help stop the spread wear a mask and social distance.
