It’s something about turning 40. Around that age, women come to the practice for the first-time noticing changes in their skin, facial shape and features that they do not like. Many say something like, “This just appeared overnight!”
When I evaluate a patient, regardless of age, I always ask them to point out what bothers them the most and use that as a starting place. I love to get to know my patients, their goals, who they look like – Mom or Dad (genetics is a major player), lifestyle, personality, and more. These things are very important to determine the best treatment protocol. For instance: Do they want results yesterday or are they willing to be patient and work through a series of treatments? Are they willing to stay out of the sun following certain procedures? Are they smokers? Do they have realistic expectations or do they think I can make them look exactly like one of the Kardashians or whomever? Do they need to not spend a dime on anything other than plastic surgery?
With non-surgical medical aesthetics, we are either attempting to enhance natural features or restore/rejuvenate features and the skin. For the most part, women over the age of 40 are looking for a more youthful appearance needing restoration and rejuvenation, such as cheeks for lifting and reshaping the face, jawline to camouflage sagging or jowls, lip definition, sun spots, fine lines and wrinkles. While younger women seek enhancement – cheeks, lips, forehead wrinkles- often to mimic a fashionable ‘look.’
Our toolbox is full of different modalities to accomplish aesthetic goals of all ages with procedures like Botox, dermal fillers, microneedling, laser therapies, chemical peels, body contouring devices and more. It is important to make sure that these procedures are performed by licensed, certified, experienced providers using the best FDA approved products and devices. They are all done in office with little to no downtime with an emphasis on personal attention and comfort control. Are you experiencing any of the changes I’ve mentioned and would like to know more about a personalized treatment plan? An experienced aesthetic provider can help you reach age-appropriate goals so you can look as young as you feel!
Terri Harper, MSN, FNP-C, clinical director at Spa Medical® in Macon, GA.
