Fight the Aging Process: Get Tips from Dr. Scott Miller

As the New Year approaches many will make resolutions that will never be executed!! This year I challenge YOU to not be afraid to take the steps to fight the anti-aging process. We have all flirted with the idea of what might a lil' filler do "right here" or the "what if" I could look 5 or 10 years younger.  I speak to clients in the salon daily about beauty tips, but I am constantly asked "What more can I do about anti-aging procedures before turning to the knife"!! Years ago there were very few options for turning back time, but today, you can subdue the signs of aging with a wide range of non-surgical options.

So I took it upon myself to seek San Diego's TOP "anti-aging fighters" on how to stay young and rejuvenated. I have always been interested in chemical peels but so fearful of the downtime. After speaking with a highly trained and knowledgeable Doctor, M.D., F.A.C.S. (in La Jolla and Temecula). There is several types that can meet each patient's needs and some require no downtime at all. Chemical Peels are usually needed to:

  * Reduce Fine Lines

  *Diminish Sun Spots, Age Spots or Skin Discoloration

  *Treat Mild Acne spots

Chemical Peels shed top layer of skin cells causing them to peel off and exposing a fresh layer of skin that after "one single treatment will give skin a healthier, radiant look". Chemical peels can give your skin a healthy, refreshing look or can be aggressive, taking years off of your appearance. Someone who is in their 20s may need a peel to treat acne spots or poolside brown spots. Whereas 30's and up may want to get a peel about every month for for about 3-4 months to treat fine lines. There are many blends of chemical peels from low to high concentrations, which is why it is EXTREMELY necessary to consult a physician when deciding to take this approach to fight aging. Think of a chemical peel as shedding away your imperfections!

Being that I am slightly under 30, I can notice a difference in my forehead. Frown lines tend to stick around longer after I make an expression.  In the beauty industry, I hear 1st hand what the newest rage of anti-aging procedures is. One that has caught my attention is that a lot of my young friends and clients are now getting Botox. I have been interested but a bit hesitant to start young, I don't want to sound like I have "wrinkle-pyrexia"? A new addiction to Botox. So I made an appointment with Dr. Scott Miller M.D., F.A.C.S.  (La Jolla). After a thorough consult, I was extremely shocked to find out:

 *Beware of Low-Cost Botox, some offices dilute the injection with saline which results in your wrinkles appearing quicker.

  *Careful at Botox parties, drinking before or after injection can result in light bruising.

  *Injections should only be done by a doctor or a nurse working under a deligated order (i.e supervision).

After finding out that Dr. Miller does treat young actors by a technique called "pretox", it's when you "have no wrinkles at rest but full use of facial muscles when performing". They receive treatment 5 to 6 months prior to filiming so when it's time for 'action' the face is smooth - but anger, sadness, and surprise can be expressed.  But, for those of us that are not actors but just want to look great day to day and not have fine lines or have an event or wedding coming up that you want to look flawless for.

After my consult, I was excited to say goodbye to my 11's (wrinkles between brows that form the #11, the technical word "glabellar lines"). As I leaned back into the chair waiting a bit nervous and ready to feel every prick. I was told I would hardly feel a thing, a light freeze spray followed by the injection. Done in less than 60 seconds and full results in 5-7 days. I now understand why woman love it!! Yes, after your first try you will love having the smoothness in your skin. Since I am in the younger age bracket for this service I will not have to do as often as someone who does have deeper lines. Dr. Miller recommends that you "keep muscle relaxed and as it recovers you do it again."

As we get older our skin does begin to change. Over the years our natural volume of youthful skin begins to diminish as fine lines appear. A more aggressive approach to anti-aging would be a "Liquid Face Lift"! This is more for the person who wants to see immediate results and wants to refresh the face with gentle fillers like Botox, and Juvederm and stimulate new collagen without surgery. With the "Liquid Face Lift" results vary in:

  *Gentle lift on facial features

  *Reduce wrinkles

  *Restore facial contours

There is no downtime and results are immediate. This procedure can last up to 2-3 years.

So before you look into a new hairstyle to cover aging lines, like bangs, or spend another dime on expensive anti-aging moisturizers,  consult a physician and see if these treatments are right for you!  Cheers to a New Year and Forever Young!!