“A lot of people have never done anything like this but suddenly they feel they look aged or tired and want to do something,” says Dr. Fred Weksberg, owner of the Weksberg Centre for Cosmetic Dermatology.

Rejuvenation is a process that goes beyond the odd wrinkle to deal with your whole face: the shape, texture, elasticity, and how it all works together.

“There’s been an evolution in the last 10 years of not just treating lines and wrinkles but treating the face three-dimensionally — the volume of the face,” says Dr. Weksberg.

Enhance shape and volume

“When we’re younger we have an upside-down triangle, where the cheeks are the base of the triangle and it goes down to a point at the chin,” says Dr. Weksberg. “As we age, the triangle reverses.”

Cosmetic dermatologists use fillers to return the face to its youthful shape. “By injecting fillers we can fill in lines, grooves, and improve scars. And very importantly we can improve the three-dimensional appearance by replacing volume that has been lost by the aging process,” says Dr. Weksberg.

Some 90 percent of fillers in use today are hyaluronic-acid based. “Hyaluronic acid is one of the main components of skin,” explains Dr. Weksberg, “so by using a filler made of the same material you can avoid reactions, and enable the filler to blend in very naturally with the skin.” There are very few cases of inflammation, he says, because it’s doesn’t stimulate the immune system. These products are reversible, predictable, and reliable which makes them very safe, he says.

Fillers typically last up to a year, and some newer products last up to two years.

“I prefer not to inject permanent fillers, I find they are less predictable as you age”, says Dr. Weksberg, because, “as you continue to age, the shape of your face will change, however permanent fillers will not change to its shape. This could result in a distorted look.”

Smooth lines and wrinkles

Static lines form between the nose and the mouth, the cheek, around the lips and jaw line; while dynamic lines come from your muscles, i.e. crows’ feet, frown and forehead lines.

Fillers smooth the static lines, says Dr. Weksberg, while neuromodulators deal with the dynamic lines. “The neuromodulator binds itself to the nerves that fire the muscle. It actually affects the direct connection between the nerves, resulting in a weaker muscle contraction. Once this happens the lines begin to fade” he says.

This technology has been used for over 20 years, and approved in over 80 countries, he says. “The days of uncertainty are over.” Mainstream in medicine, its uses extend to stroke victims, children, migraine therapy, and reducing sweating.

Current trends are leaning toward smaller doses to reduce muscle movement while maintaining a natural appearance — no more frozen-face look. The treatment lasts about four months, and Dr. Weksberg says it’s safe because doses are small and injected locally.

Tighten skin elasticity

As we get older, the skin loses elasticity. Radiofrequency or ultrasound energy can be used to tighten the collagen fibers and stimulate new collagen formation, making skin less saggy.

Improve colour

Brown spots that commonly appear on the skin as we age can be improved dramatically with topical treatments and creams, chemical peels, lasers, and Intense Pulse Light or liquid nitrogen treatment, says Dr. Weksberg.

Resurfacing

How your skin feels is just as important as how it looks. Skin that’s soft to the touch can be achieved by chemical peels and microdermabrasion, or by resurfacing with a fractionated laser.

The big picture

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to rejuvenation. Consulting with a cosmetic dermatologist or specialist to find out what’s best for you is the first step towards a youthful and fresh appearance.