I’ve got a great question for my ladies of a certain age: Can we defy gravity’s effect on our faces? Before we get to the answer, let’s examine whether 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. 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 f lds, and a sagging jawline that seemed to appear overnight.
A quick pull-up on my cheeks indicated how the subtle shift could improve my facial features.
Because of COVID-19, there will be no milestone birthday celebration. I could take another European river cruise or spend a weekend at the luxury inn and restaurant The Inn of Little Washington in Washington, Virginia.
Instead, I consulted 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 wholly red. I’m not trying to turn back the hands of time; I’m just trying to preserve what’s there.
I scheduled the procedure one week after my consultation. After applying a local anesthetic, I was in and out of the office in less than one hour for a life-enhancing moment that hopefully lasted one year.
According to the Allergan website, Juvéderm® is the world’s #1 dermal filler collection. This Allergan filler adds volume to plump lips, smooth lines, lifts, and contours cheeks.
Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is a naturally occurring substance that delivers volume to the in. 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.
My mother warned me about the importance of skincare 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 of my face caught up with me with subcutaneous fat loss, as detected by Dr. Jatto. As noted in my patient treatment record above, more injections exist.
So far, I have no regrets about my liquid facelift to help me defy gravities affecting my face, except for the ost. 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 the effects of gravities on your ace? Do tell.
As always, thank you for reaching out. To help stop the spread, please follow the CDC guidelines, wear a mask, and maintain social distancing.
