It’s been touted for years by the aesthetic physicians – “Prejuvenation” – starting maintenance treatments in one’s late teens or early twenties.  The Kardashians have popularized these minor cosmetic tweaks to stay youthful and refreshed with visits to their Beverly Hills physician, documented regularly on “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”. There is increasing pressure to get that perfect selfie for Instagram or to look cool and attractive on a “Snap”. Unfortunately filters don’t work well with videos unless you want to look like a cute puppy. Doctors are in agreement (for any disease process) that it is much easier to treat problems in their early stages than to reverse them after they have spiraled out of control. Small preventative treatments early on, can maintain and even enhance one’s looks for many years and avoid invasive surgical procedures in the future.  The question is, which procedures should be considered for Prejuevenation?

Neuromodulators: These wrinkle improving injections take less than 5 minutes and have no downtime. Millions of these procedures are done each year and it is the most popular cosmetic procedure performed worldwide. Most often these are used in the younger population in the frown lines (glabella), forehead lines, and crows feet. Treating these areas before the lines set in at rest, known as “etched in” lines, is one of the fundamental concepts of Prejuvenation. (Suggestions: Dysport, Botox)

Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid (HA) are used to improve the minor volume loss which occurs with age. In the more athletic patients, fat loss can be appreciated in the face as well as throughout the body. Supple enhancements can be added to the mid cheek and around the eye to stave off this premature volume loss. HA fillers are also used to plump up the lips to create a youthful appearance. (Suggestions: Restylane Refyne, Restylane L, Restylane Lyft, Sculptra)

Chemical Peels: To keep the skin in top notch shape and to reverse early sun damage, chemical peels can exfoliate the superficial layers of skin. This renews the texture and pigmentation and leaves a youthful and glowing quality to the skin. (Suggestions: Illuminize, Vitalize, ZO 3 Step Peel)

Skin care: Great skin care is the basis for good looking skin. Most would agree that some type of Retin A or Retinol is essential for maintaining youthful skin. These products lead to increased turnover of the skin cells, improve dyspigmentation (pigmentation problems), thicken the skin, and create a more hydrated skin. Sun protection with an SPF should be part of one’s daily regime. It is also highly recommended to apply growth factors to the skin to reverse the aging process. (Suggestions: ZO Skin Health, Lifeline Stem Cell Skincare)

Prejuvenation is a trend that is here to stay. Preventative maintenance will prolong the need for more aggressive corrections in the later years. With short, no downtime procedures such as neuromodulators, chemical peels, fillers, and a good skin care regime, youthful, natural appearances will persist for years. Stay ahead of the curve with Prejuvenation.