To combat the effects of aging, many people turn to surgical intervention with the costly procedure of a face-lift. But there are many other alternative options on the market that can provide some of the same benefits without costing a lot of money.
Over-the-Counter Products
Over-the-counter anti-aging creams, lotions and balms are cheap alternatives to a surgical face-lift. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you look for products containing proven anti-aging ingredients such as retinol, Coenzyme Q10, copper peptides, hydroxy acids, tea extracts and kinetin. Talk to your dermatologist to help determine which ingredients will most benefit your skin type.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are substances that are injected into the skin to help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles on the face without surgery. Dermal fillers are injected into wrinkles and can work in two main ways. Some dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, work by attracting and binding to water in the skin, which naturally plumps the skin even with the surrounding tissue. Other fillers, such as human or bovine-based collagen, work by filling in the empty space beneath the skin that causes the wrinkle to appear.
Botox
Botox is another common alternative to face-lifts. It's a potent neurotoxin derived from botulinum toxin that can be injected into muscles beneath wrinkles on the skin. Once injected, Botox blocks the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Without acetylcholine the muscle is unable to contract, forcing the skin to lie flat on the surface and reducing the overall appearance of wrinkles on the skin. Botox injections are not permanent and must be repeated every three to four months, the Mayo Clinic says.
Dermatologist Treatments
Your dermatologist may be able to help reduce wrinkles through a chemical peel or dermabrasion, which removes the outer layer of wrinkled tissue and activates the production of collagen in the skin. Chemical peels work by exposing the outer layer of skin to chemicals, such as beta hydroxy acids or phenol. This causes the outer layer of skin to peel off. Dermabrasion is more invasive. It involves the use of a rotary tool with an abrasive surface to sand the outer wrinkled tissue off the affected area.
Non-surgical Face-Lifts
Advances in technology have introduced non-surgical face-lifts to the market. For example, lasers can now be used to target the deeper layers of tissue and activate the skin's natural ability to produce collagen. An increase in collage causes the skin to become tighter and reduces the look of wrinkles. Microcurrent face-lifts are another non-surgical option that uses electric currents to activate the body's natural production of collagen and elastin.
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