A s the years change, so does our skin — but thanks to new anti-aging treatments, dermatologists can now turn back the clock for patients.  

Toronto dermatologist Dr. Sheldon Pollack explains that there are both internal and external factors that can cause our skin to wrinkle and sag — starting with the loss of the skin’s key structural components, such as collagen and elastin.

“This loss causes the skin to be both less plump and less tight,” says Dr. Pollack, adding that sun damage also contributes to the loss of elasticity and further aging.

As we enter our 40s, we begin to lose fat in our skin. The result is that our face appears to “deflate like a mattress,” says Dr. Pollack, which causes our skin to fall lower. Gravity will pull sagging skin lower with time — which can mean more pronounced lines around the corners of the mouth and chin, deeper furrows, and cheeks that turn to jowls.

Filling in what’s missing 

“Volume loss has been identified as one of the major signs of aging, and it leads to thin, sagging, tired looking faces,” says Dr. Pollack. But he explains that treatments, such as injectable dermal fillers, can help skin bounce back. Belotero is a range of dermal fillers  that can be used to help reduce the look of finer lines, folds, and furrows and also safely help to fill out deeper wrinkles and combat the deflated look of aging skin. He compares it to re-inflating the cheeks that have lost fat, which helps return any sagging skin back to its original position, “just as putting air in a mattress lifts it higher off the floor.”

Depending on the patient, Dr. Pollack sometimes opts to use Radiesse, another form of dermal filler.“We use Radiesse for facial contouring of cheeks, jaw lines and temples, where significant sagging and volume loss require superior filling and lifting effects,” says Dr. Pollack, adding that he has also used this dermal filler to help rejuvenate the look of aging hands.

At his downtown practice, Dr. Pollack uses Radiesse and Belotero dermal fillers to combat significant sagging and volume loss — consistently bringing his patients’ faces back to their natural, youthful shape and look.

Doctor’s advice

When it comes to protecting against the effects of aging, Dr. Pollack says taking care of your skin by using sunscreen (SPF 45 or higher) daily and meeting regularly with a dermatologist will help you put your best face forward for years to come.   

“Do not wait until the skin is aged beyond repair,” he advises. “At the first sign of worrisome lines, folds and wrinkles, consult a skin expert for advice on how to proceed with keeping the skin looking as young and natural as possible.”