Page 22 - BCMS ONline directory

COSMETIC MEDICINE

“But first, let me take a selfie.
Can you guys help me pick a
filter? I don’t know if I should
go with looking tan, skinny,
removing wrinkles…”

The best way S kin care, cosmetic procedures, lasers and other devices are con-

tinually being enhanced in order to keep up with the demands
of the aging person to look and feel younger. The prominent influ-
to maintain ence of social media has dramatically increased self-awareness and

the ways people seek to improve their appearance. Every blemish,
healthy skin wrinkle and flaw are scrutinized in an attempt to rejuvenate and satisfy
their appearance.
With the growth of the ‘selfie generation,’ people are now seeking
is through instant gratification more so than ever. Procedures such as botulinum
toxin and fillers have increased in popularity due in part to the rise of
social media. Even for patients who don’t fall into that category, there
prevention are a host of other options for wrinkle reduction, skin tightening, lift-
ing and brightening as well as other devices and treatment regimens.
Short of a surgical procedure, what can be done for the aging face?
The best method is prevention. There are three main components
that age our skin: ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pollutants/cigarette smok-
By Thushan DeSilva, MD
ing and time. UV radiation (obtained by sun and/or tanning beds) is
best treated with avoidance, protective covering and sunscreen. Re-
member the shadow rule; if your shadow is shorter than you, it’s best

22 San Antonio Medicine • July 2019