What Causes Skin to Wrinkle and Sag as We Age?
By Enrique Leon MD | Published on August 3, 2011 | 0 Comments
Your skin plays a major role in the way you’re viewed by yourself and others. It’s also your body’s largest organ and, like all parts of your body, is subject to the effects of diet, environment, sleep and other factors – especially over time.
As Scottsdale cosmetic surgeon Enrique Leon, MD, of New Age Cosmetic Surgery explains, our skin reacts both positively and negatively to the choices we make throughout life and as we grow older. While some aspects of aging are hereditary, others can be prevented or slowed through lifestyle modifications and consistent daily care.
Sun Exposure
One of the largest contributors to sagging, wrinkling and discoloration as skin ages is sun damage. Prolonged exposure to sun breaks down collagen, an essential protein that binds skin together. Without collagen, skin becomes less “plump” and less elastic. This loss of elasticity makes it more difficult for skin to withstand the effects of gravity, which, over time, causes the skin to sag and wrinkle.
Poor Lifestyle
Other lifestyle choices can have negative effects on the skin as well. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, for instance, can dehydrate the skin, causing wrinkling and loss of elasticity. Likewise, prolonged sleep deprivation or a poor diet can affect the skin’s ability to ward off the effects of time and gravity.
Time and Heredity
Not all contributors to the skin’s aging process can be avoided. Heredity plays a major role in the way your skin will react to the effects of the elements. And no matter how diligently you care for your skin, its natural aging process will inevitably cause some level of wrinkling, discoloration or sagging.
Choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon in Scottsdale
If you’re concerned about sagging or aging skin, and lifestyle modifications haven’t provided you with the results you want, it may be time to visit a cosmetic surgeon. Finding the right Scottsdale cosmetic surgeon takes time, patience and some investigative work. Ask questions, review before and after photos, and pay careful attention to the way you’re treated by the doctor’s staff. They’ll play an important role in your overall patient experience.
Offering services ranging from liposuction body sculpting to precision facelifts, Scottsdale cosmetic surgeon Dr. Leon and his expert surgical team provide attentive, personalized care with your safety and comfort as their top priorities. At his beautiful, state-of-the-art surgical center, Dr. Leon combines cutting-edge technology with tried-and-true surgical techniques to produce beautiful results. New Age Cosmetic Surgery sets the standard for superior artistry in all areas of plastic surgery, and the center’s friendly, well-qualified staff makes you feel welcomed and cared for – exactly the patient experience you deserve.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.