Days turn into weeks and, before you know it, decades have gone by. Although you may feel young at heart, your body is a reflection of the years you’ve been on Earth. And that’s okay! Getting older is something that should be appreciated.
But it’s also okay to want to age well and take advantage of procedures that can help you do it. Luckily, there’s no shortage of options to choose from. Here are a few cosmetic procedures that can help you look younger, even as time continues marching forward.
1. Get a Hair Upgrade with Transplants
Aging isn’t only noticeable on your face. Your hair’s density, texture, and overall appearance can be a dead giveaway of your age or help you look younger than you are. So, improving your locks is a great place to start when exploring anti-aging procedures.
Who could benefit: If you struggle with hair thinning or baldness, getting a hair transplant may be the best treatment option.This surgical procedure involves removing healthy hair follicles from one part of your scalp or body to areas that have thinned. Most often, it’s hair from the back of your scalp that’s used, but your surgeon will determine the best option for you. Then, after six to 12 months, you get to enjoy the benefits of fuller, healthier hair.
Risk assessment: As with any procedure, there can be negative outcomes. In the short term, you may experience itching or discomfort. However, that should only be for a little while during the healing process. While not common, the treated areas can get infected and require additional medical intervention. But there are pros and cons to everything, so it’s just a matter of deciding if this is the right option for you.
Cost: Prices for hair transplants vary largely depending on location and the amount of area requiring treatment. Because it’s a meticulous, involved procedure, you may end up paying more the longer it takes to complete. With that said the average cost for a hair transplant is $10,000.
2. Tackle Wrinkles with Injectables
From smile lines and crow’s feet to forehead wrinkles, there’s no shortage of fine lines that appear over time. And while it’s normal to have creases and signs of aging on your face, it’s not everyone’s favorite look. For this reason, injectables can be a great addition to an anti-aging routine.
Who could benefit: Injectables, like Botox or hyaluronic acid filler, are a good place to start if you’re new to facial procedures. Plus, they’re not permanent, which may be comforting if you’re simply hoping to test out a new look without fully committing. However, there are some differences between the two that are important to know. While neither is permanent, Botox can’t be reversed and will require time for it to wear off. Filler, on the other hand, can be dissolved if you’re not a fan.
Risk assessment: There’s a chance you won’t react well to injectables, notably with filler. That’s because filler can migrate beneath the skin, which can alter the look you end up with. But filler dissolves over time, so you can wait it out or go to a professional to dissolve it proactively.
Cost: Injectables in particular are hard to determine from a cost perspective because there are so many factors involved. While you’ll likely pay by the units — the way the Botox or filler is measured — that can vary greatly. So, if you want to get Botox throughout your face, it’ll be more expensive than just getting a little in your forehead. That’s why it’s especially important to share what you’re comfortable spending ahead of your treatment. Ultimately, you should be able to find a middle ground you’re happy with.
3. Combat Sagging Skin with a Facelift
For a more aggressive approach to aging, a rhytidectomy, more commonly known as a facelift, may be the right choice. This surgical procedure can completely transform a person’s face since it removes excess fat and tightens the skin. As such, the results can be tailored to fit your preferences and achieve your desired look.
Who could benefit: Ideal candidates for facelifts have severely wrinkled or sagging skin that is flexible to allow doctors to perform the procedure. While that typically comes with aging naturally, it doesn’t mean younger people can’t get it done. However, facelifts are a more particular procedure eligibility-wise, so it’s a good idea to consult a doctor. They can advise if you’d be a good candidate and propose alternatives if not.
Risk assessment: With anything surgical, there are risks. There can be complications associated with a face lift, such as asymmetry, nerve injury, scarring or infection. And because facelifts require anesthesia, there’s a chance of an adverse or allergic reaction as well. It’s important to find a doctor and medical staff you trust. Of course, most facelifts go well, but it’s best to know the risks in advance.
Cost: The average cost of a facelift is quite a few thousand dollars, and it’s not covered by most insurance companies. That average also doesn’t account for anesthesia and other medically necessary expenses, so the total cost will likely be higher. As such, this procedure in particular can require advanced planning or a payment plan to cover costs. However, the results can be incredible, and it may be the best option if you’re wanting a dramatic change.
Enjoy Your Results
When it comes to aging, everyone is different. The concerns you have and the ideal mature look you’re going for will likely vary from others. And that’s okay. The decision to get a procedure done to help be happier with your aging process is entirely personal. At the end of the day, loving how you look can make growing older a more enjoyable experience.
