Can you treat wrinkles at home?

While at-home treatments simply can’t deliver the kind of transformation that is possible with plastic surgery or injectables, certain products can help slow the signs of aging and soften fine lines. The team at MindBodyGreen recently discussed various tactics for reducing wrinkles at home; here are our favorite ideas from their list:

• SPF. You’ve surely had the importance of wearing sunscreen impressed upon you from a young age, but we’ll reiterate it here: sunscreen is one of your first and best lines of defense against wrinkles because it blocks the sun’s harmful UV rays from damaging elastin fibers in your skin.
• Smart topical products. Medical-grade skincare products can further protect your skin while providing essential nutrients such as retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids, niacinamide, anti-aging peptides, and/or growth factors. But with so many options, it’s important to consult with a medical skincare professional to help determine which products are appropriate for treating your unique skin concerns. (Working with a medical practice will also save you from wasting time and money on OTC skincare: while some products include similar nutrients, the concentrations are much lower, making it unlikely you will see any real results.) From Revision Skincare to ZO Skin Health, shop our favorite skincare products here. Our skin care specialists tailor at home regimens to fit your specific needs. We recommend a personal consultation to get you on track to proper skin health.
• Supplements. When it comes to supplements, many are not medically proven; however, one supplement long-known for its ability to support skin health is vitamin C. Vitamin C helps promote collagen production and is needed for its synthesis and maintenance. Making sure you get enough vitamin C in your diet will likely improve your skin’s overall health—just make sure to choose a high-quality, trusted supplement brand.

Incorporating these at-home techniques should provide some noticeable wrinkle protection and modest reduction over time, but if you really want to see smoother, more youthful skin fast, it’s time to head to a true medspa.

At-home treatments simply can’t deliver the kind of transformation that is possible with plastic surgery or injectables, but certain products can help slow aging and soften fine lines.

How can a medspa treat wrinkles without injectables?

A true medical spa offers a variety of physician-supervised treatments designed to remove layers of dead skin cells, hydrate skin, and encourage collagen production. Here are a few of our favorite non-injectable medspa treatments for wrinkles and lines:

• A HydraFacial can help you achieve softer, smoother skin in a relaxing treatment that involves zero needles or downtime. The treatment utilizes a gentle, deep-cleansing jet of water infused with nourishing antioxidant serums to exfoliate, cleanse, and finally replenish your skin’s essential nutrients. For an added rejuvenating boost, your HydraFacial can be customized to include a connective tissue growth factor designed to promote natural collagen and elastin production and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Unlike some skin treatments, HydraFacial is also completely safe for patients who have darker complexions, as well as for those with skin issues such as melasma.

• Radiofrequency microneedling delivers high-intensity radiofrequency energy deep into your skin via an array of insulated needles. This warms the deep dermis to stimulate new collagen fiber growth and tighten skin, leading to visible skin improvements that improve over the following months. This hard-working treatment has been touted by celebrities for its ability to quickly diminish fine lines and other blemishes, like sunspots and acne scars.

• Laser skin resurfacing may sound intimidating, but it’s one of the most effective methods of treating wrinkles and lines on the face and body. Laser skin resurfacing utilizes focused beams of heat and light energy to encourage newer, healthier skin growth. At The Swan Center, we use the HALO Hybrid Fractional Laser because it provides the fully rejuvenating benefits of an ablative laser but with less downtime.

What’s the best way to permanently get rid of wrinkles?

Unfortunately, short of having surgical procedures at intervals, there’s really no way to permanently remove and prevent wrinkles. However, since deep lines—like nasolabial “smile” lines—are caused in part by volume loss, dermal fillers can go a long way in reducing their appearance.

We know you are probably reading this in an effort to avoid fillers, but before you write injectables off, let’s consider the main reasons people give for wanting to avoid them:

• Fear of poor results: Many people assume injectable fillers create a fake, puffy look because they have only noticed patients with poor results. Consider, however, that you’ve likely seen lots of good injectable work without realizing it—after all, most celebrities make use of them. And the truth is, retaining a completely natural look is possible: skilled injectors who understand advanced techniques consistently achieve this goal. For example, when treating the nasolabial folds, a physician who is fully versed in facial anatomy will often take an indirect approach with fillers, treating surrounding areas to naturally lift the tissues below (rather than only treating the immediate area which can lead to the “duck face” look).
• Fear of needles/pain: A skilled injector will take a number of steps to reduce pain and anxiety during treatment. If this is an issue for you, talk to your provider and consider trying a minor injectable treatment first.
• A perception that fillers can be harmful: While it is true that some unscrupulous providers have injected patients with harmful substances, legitimate filler products have a long history of safe use on millions of patients.
• A desire to avoid “unnatural” substances: It would be easy to assume injectable fillers must be made of foreign substances, but hyaluronic acid—the key ingredient in our go-to dermal filler, Restylane—is already produced naturally in your body. Fillers simply boost the amount you have, placing it right where you most want it.

We advocate for dermal fillers because they can achieve structural appearance changes that no other non-surgical option offers. For example, plumping the cheeks with fillers will not only help reduce smile lines but also give a lifted look to your entire face, reflect more light into your eyes, and enhance your face’s symmetry.

But do I need dermal fillers to get rid of wrinkles?

There are essentially three options to choose from when it comes to fighting wrinkles:

• Utilize medical-grade skincare and medspa wrinkle treatments as a way to slow aging and soften the appearance of fine lines.
• Use dermal filler injections; they are the safest, most effective way to immediately reduce the appearance of wrinkles (and you can choose a completely natural hyaluronic-acid based formula).
• Have a surgical lifting procedure; while surgery requires an investment of time and money, a skillfully performed facelift can treat deeper folds and wrinkles, turning back the clock about a decade.

While the most ideal long-term results ultimately come from using a combination of all of the above techniques, if you want to completely avoid fillers, we suggest being extra attentive to your skincare routine, seeking regular medspa treatments, and having a surgical procedure when skin laxity becomes more apparent.

Wrinkle reduction in Atlanta

At The Swan Center in Atlanta, our board certified plastic surgeons and skilled aestheticians have the skill, experience, and technology to help you reverse and prevent the signs of aging with or without injectables. To make a skincare plan that meets your goals and comfort level, contact us today or call (770) 667-0904.

As seasoned Atlantans, our Swan Girls know a thing or two about tackling Back to School season with style and grace—and we thought we’d share our know-how with you. Here are 7 of our tips and favorite products that help us keep calm and carpool on.

Upgrade your caffeine fix

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A better wake-up drink than coffee? Is this possible? Yes, according to our Patient Care Coordinator Nancy V. Her go-to morning beverage is V8 Fusion +Energy, which offers more nutrients than your average cup of joe.

“Coffee is great for some, but I love the boost of energy I get from V-Fusion Energy Drinks. I’m getting vitamins, fruits, veggies, and much-needed caffeine. What more could I ask for?”

Stock up at Target.com or your local grocery store.

Shake your booty, change your day!

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We all know how important exercise is for a healthy mind, body, and soul, but getting to the gym can be impossible when you’re juggling carpool and after-school activities on top of everything else. Swan Center Technician Cherylyn H. solves this problem by subscribing to REB3L, a high-intensity dance fitness program with online and IRL options.

“REB3L Groove is my outlet for the stresses of going back to school and balancing the schedule of being a working Momma! The workouts fit in with my crazy schedule and help me stay strong. And no packing a gym bag!”

Subscribe at reb3lfit.com or check out Dance 101 in Alpharetta for live classes.

Never a bad hair day

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With getting-ready time in short supply, something’s got to give. A great quality dry shampoo lets you skip the daily shampoo and blowout without looking like you skipped the shampoo and blowout. Our Patient Care Coordinator Cassie C. is living proof that Living Proof Perfect Hair Day is a kick-ass product—her hair always looks on point.

“I’m a Mommy who is always on the go! This dry shampoo smells amazing and gives you the perfect bounce if your hair is falling flat from a day of running around!” 

Buy it at Sephora.com

Everyone needs new shoes for Back to School…

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If mom’s feet aren’t happy, no one’s happy. So when Spa Manager Rachel L. found these shoes from Lulus, she was over the moon.

“From getting my family up and ready for school to the daily excitement of the office, I’m on my feet a lot. I need a comfortable and stylish shoe! In the South, we can wear a heeled sandal from March through October, and these platform sandals with a chunky heel from are super comfy and go with everything! I’ve worn them all summer. They are great with jeans, skirts, or dresses and I can go 10+ hours in them without a complaint!”

Shop the shoes at Lulus.com

Polish your look in a flash

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Your jam-packed back to school schedule need not show in the form of chipped, fading nail polish. Try polish from Essie, a favorite of our Master Laser Technician Nicole Y.

“With the hustle of Back to School, I try to take time for myself. I like to get a mani/pedi and relax. My favorite polish is Essie Longwear because it lasts like a gel polish but comes off as easily as a regular polish! I love the range of colors, so I can coordinate my nails with what I’m wearing.”

Find your perfect polish at Essie.com.

A brush with magic

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School mornings are hectic enough; you don’t need to add fussy kids to the mix. Avoid unnecessary drama in the hair department with the Original Wet Brush Detangler. It’s been a lifesaver for Front Office Coordinator Ashley B. and her little girl:

“I can’t imagine life without our Wet Brush. It makes for such easy mornings with my daughter and her long, thick hair. She will not let me use any other brush now, as this is the only one that doesn’t pull her hair when I brush it. I honestly don’t know what magic this brush holds, but I have gifted one to all of my mommy friends and they never go back!”

Buy it at Target.com.

Turn around, bright eyes

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We’re all feeling a little short-changed on sleep right now, but Swan Center Spa Coordinator Kelsey H. looks as bright-eyed and refreshed as ever. Here’s her secret: a dab of Revision Skincare Teamine® Eye Complex every morning.

“Every morning I like to pull this product out of the fridge and apply it to my under-eyes. It instantly tightens and brightens, helping me look well-rested. It’s my fave!”

Get yours right here at The Swan Center! Call 770-667-0904 to place your order. You can swing by and pick it up anytime!

Here are some ways your environment is affecting your skin and what you can do about it.

Pollution solutions

Traffic is largely unavoidable when you live in a city like Atlanta. In addition to making it difficult to get anywhere on time, it’s also not so great for your skin. Pollution and smog typically generated by heavy traffic can negatively impact your body, including the health of your skin; just like smog clogs the air, it also clogs your pores. In fact, a recent study links unclean air with brown spots on the skin. Yikes! Additionally, air pollutants can deprive the skin of oxygen, contributing to a dull, saggy appearance.

What you can do:

• Watch your local air quality report and note when you should avoid spending too much time outside.
• Always protect your skin with antioxidants like vitamin C and E.
• Keep your home clean and free of damaging particulates that have been swept in by using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
• Use air filters in your home and office.

Ozone defense

Because of the heavy amounts of free radicals floating in the air, the ozone layer has thinned over time. This is bad news for everyone, whether your skin is fair or dark: less ozone means more damaging sun rays can reach your skin, increasing the likelihood of skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging.

What you can do:

• Always, always, always wear sunscreen that is at least SPF 30.
• Reapply sunscreen multiple times per day.
• Invest in protective, UV-blocking clothing.
• Avoid the sun during peak hours.

Forest fires and skin health

The forest fires throughout the southeast have damaged acres of land, and it doesn’t end there. Whether you know it or not, your skin has suffered the consequences as well. Smoke harms your skin by clogging pores and zapping moisture, resulting in a duller, drier complexion.

What you can do:

• Avoid prolonged contact with smoke.
• Clean air filters in heating & cooling units at least once every two weeks.
• Wear protective clothing when necessary.
• Put on SPF 30 sunscreen and wear a deep moisturizer when the air quality is poor.
• Get a cleansing facial after you’ve been exposed to smoke for a prolonged amount of time.

Undoing the damage

Although it may seem unavoidable, you do have options for improving your skin health. Here are a few of our favorite ways to nourish, clarify, and rejuvenate the skin:

Rid your skin of dead cells with a chemical peel

Chemical peels are an affordable, quick, and customizable option for improving tone, texture, signs of aging, and giving your skin an overall revitalized look.

Develop great skin habits at home with medical-grade skincare products

To maintain your results after a professional treatment and keep your skin healthy, happy, and glowing year round, consider choosing physician-grade products.

Get deeper rejuvenation with laser skin resurfacing

Lasers can produce dramatic results with less recovery time than ever. In fact, the Halo hybrid fractional laser is a heaven-sent option that has little-to-no downtime but yields excellent results.

Speak with a professional

The best way to get safe, successful results is to work with a skin professional who understands your needs and how best to meet them. Contact us today, and we can help give you a beautiful (re)new year!