Facial Aging: Expert Reveals Effective Treatments and Myths
There have never been more ways to address aging. From early Botox to collagen banking, the line between prevention and overdoing it is increasingly blurred. To handle this, we turned to Dr. Amir Karam, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience.
What’s Actually Worth Doing to Your Face?
When patients seek to look younger, Dr. Karam prioritizes skin quality. “Youthful, bright, glowing skin plays a huge role,” he says. For those in their early 40s and younger, improving skin, Botox, and subtle volume adjustments often suffice. However, for individuals in their late 40s and beyond, a facelift may be necessary to address structural laxity.
The concept of collagen banking has gained traction, but Dr. Karam clarifies that it’s not about complicated procedures. Instead, focus on sun protection and skincare actives like retinol and vitamin C to reduce collagen breakdown. In-office treatments like microneedling can further stimulate collagen production.
The Truth About Nonsurgical Treatments
Dr. Karam is skeptical of nonsurgical treatments claiming to lift the face. While at-home devices like red light masks and microcurrent tools are popular, he emphasizes that sun protection and active skincare ingredients account for over 90% of skin improvements. Red light devices are the most reliable at-home option, but he cautions against microneedling at home due to infection risks.
Read Also: DedCool Launches Mocha Magic Fragrance for Colder Weather
For under-eye concerns, PRF is often marketed as a natural alternative to fillers. However, Dr. Karam notes that PRF does not restore volume effectively. For moderate to severe hollowing, fat transfer or hyaluronic acid fillers remain the best options. PRF may benefit those with mild concerns like crepiness or skin thinning.
When asked about essential treatments for women over 35, Dr. Karam recommends sun protection, his KaramMD Trifecta, and Botox. He advises against spending money on other treatments, emphasizing that consistency with these fundamentals yields the best results.
Adjusting Treatments as You Age
As individuals age, the approach to treatments like Botox should evolve. Dr. Karam explains that while a small amount of Botox around the eyes and forehead can significantly refresh someone in their 30s or 40s, the same approach may not yield impressive results for those in their 50s or 60s due to increased laxity around the eyes and brows. In fact, he advises against using Botox on the forehead for older patients to prevent brows from drooping. If a patient feels that a neuromodulator like Botox is no longer effective, Dr. Karam suggests trying a different product rather than increasing the dose or changing placement.
The Role of Skincare and At-Home Devices
Dr. Karam emphasizes that the foundation of youthful, beautiful skin lies in sun protection and the use of active skincare ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, ceramides, lipids, and hyaluronic acid. These elements are responsible for over 90% of the improvements one can expect. At-home devices, while popular, should only be considered after these basics are covered. Among these devices, red light masks are the most reliable, offering safety and scientific backing. However, Dr. Karam cautions against at-home microneedling due to the risk of infection if needles are not properly cleaned.
