Plastic surgery is often used as a way to combat the arrival of wrinkles. While this is a very invasive way to accomplish the goal, it is often successful. With plastic surgery, it is so important to research the procedure and the surgeon very carefully. This is a major surgery and should not be taken lightly. While there have been many wonderful results, there has also been some disasters with plastic surgery.



Basically, when a face-lift is performed, the skin of the face is literally lifted off, pulled up and stitched back into place. The end result is tighter skin with no wrinkles. This procedure is not permanent and signs of aging can and probably will occur again in the future. Since there has been so much in the media regarding doctors who are performing this surgery without being properly licensed and the number of people who complain of botched face-lifts, please do extensive background research before letting them perform it on you. Double check the credentials of the surgeon. A good resource is The Ethical Cosmetic Surgery Association (www.Ecsaonline.com)

Botox and restylane injections are two other popular ways to rebel against the aging process. These types of procedures have gained in popularity, mostly because they are quick and if done by a licensed professional, are safe. You do want to be sure you carefully check to make sure that the practitioner is, in fact, properly licensed and experienced.

Botox is a protein that has been purified from Clostridium botulinum. The fact that Botox is a form of Botulinum is the reason that it is so important for this procedure to be done by an experienced practitioner. Do not be pulled in by someone who says that they can give you Botox or collagen injections for a fraction of the cost of a doctor. These are scams and all too often use either substandard or completely fake injection materials. It is best to be safe and use a doctor with a good history using these methods. It will be worth the extra cost.

The best way to prevent wrinkles and, therefore, the need to fill them in, is with proper diet and exercise. Keeping in shape and eating a healthy diet that includes the proper vitamins and water intake is the best way to keep your skin healthy for years to come. If you find that you are not getting the proper vitamins and nutrients, ask your health care provider about supplements.

Starting with a healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and lean meats, you will have a good head start on keeping hour the elasticity of your skin last longer. It will also benefit your general health, so it is very much worth the time and effort to follow a well-balanced diet.

While vitamin supplements are widely available over the counter, the decision as to which is best for you can be a bit overwhelming. Your doctor will be able to ask you questions about your diet and exercise regimen and recommend the right supplements for you.

There are other changes that you can make to your daily schedule, right now, that will have an effect on the appearance of wrinkles. For example, if you smoke, you will notice the appearance of wrinkles around your mouth. While quitting smoking may not be easy, it is a step that will not only make your face look younger, but your whole body as well.

Sunscreen is another thing that will help keep your face wrinkle free for longer. The use of a sunscreen that is at least a 15 SPF will prevent sun damage, cancer and wrinkles. If this habit is formed when a person is young, the sunscreen will help to greatly reduce the early onset of aging signs. This doesn't mean, however, that starting later in life will have no impact, the opposite is actually true. Cosmetic manufacturers know this to be true, as well and many have included SPF 15 sunscreen in their make-up, from foundations to eye shadows.

Drinking at least 32 ounces of water daily will help your skin stay hydrated and supple. Hydrated skin does not wrinkle as quickly or as severely as skin that has not been taken care of. If you have trouble fitting the full 32 ounces of clear water into your daily routine or find that you simply don't like plain water, try mixing in some lemon or a low calorie flavored drink mix. Besides helping to keep your face free of wrinkles, water is essential to keep your body hydrated and healthy.

By combining healthy eating habits, water, sunscreen and the correct vitamin regimen, you can greatly reduce wrinkles and the procedures that are then needed to correct them. This will also benefit your general health. Please remember before starting any exercise or vitamin plan to speak with your doctor or health care provider.

Copyright (c) 2007 Barry Lycka