As we age, we gradually lose fat and bone mass from deep within the face. As a result, the subcutaneous volume decreases and the skin becomes loose: the nasolabial fold becomes more pronounced, jowls appear, and the face loses its firmness and roundness. This is intrinsic ageing. This can be corrected by deep injections of highly concentrated hyaluronic acid and by stimulating the production of our own collagen through PRP injections, radiofrequency, microneedling with radiofrequency, HIFU, fractional CO2 laser. These techniques are suitable for the face, neck and décolleté and are also valuable to prevent the skin sagging.
If the skin sags too much, a surgical intervention such as a facelift, a lipofilling or an upper or lower blepharoplasty may be more appropriate.
As for extrinsic ageing, this is mainly the result of the harmful effect of UV rays or other harmful elements such as tobacco. It is characterised by the formation of wrinkles and fine lines due to a deterioration of the collagen and elastic fibres in the dermis. Extrinsic skin ageing manifests itself also in the form of dull skin, pigment spots or lentigines, fine lines or wrinkles, small permanently dilated blood vessels and actinic keratoses. Treatment can include wrinkle filling with injections of hyaluronic acid or PRP or botulinum toxin if the wrinkles are classed as ‘expression lines’. Generally, expression wrinkles are located in the upper part of the face, on the forehead, glabella, and around the eyes. Botulinum toxin is sometimes used in small doses on the lower face, neck, or décolleté. Here too, radiofrequency, microneedling with radiofrequency, HIFU and fractional CO2 laser have a role in treatment and prevention. The best preventive treatment is the daily application of a good, high-protection sunscreen (SPF50) throughout the year.
Prior consultation with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon is compulsory. Together, you and your doctor will assess which treatment is best suited to your needs and what the possible side effects might be. Based on this discussion, the doctor will also provide a quote.