Determining Our Place on the Anti-Aging Spectrum: Dr. Paul Stallone reveals ways natural aesthetics can help us age gracefully.

Aging is best done gracefully. Some are able to do it naturally, and some need a little help. That help can come in many forms, from supplements and aesthetic procedures to surgery. There are myriad of combinations in between to help slow down the hands of time. It’s inevitable to face ourselves every day, and if the reflection in the mirror causes unhappiness, there’s plenty we can do about it. Any program should be supervised by a skilled physician and begin with a consultation, which may be free. Many non-surgical options are temporary, but some results can last a few years. Do enough research to find a practitioner to trust.

Supplements

A baby step into an anti-aging regime can begin with supplements. Collagen and hyaluronic acid are great examples of nutrients that restore skin volume and soften fine lines. They can even help replace lost supportive tissue in joints, thus easing joint pain. Supplemental nutrients come in all shapes, sizes and quality, which might be cheap, worthless and even dangerous for the wrong person. Physician-grade supplements, obtainable only from a licensed professional, are among the highest-quality on the market. During the consultation, a program will be mapped out. Results can take months and will fade when the program stops, but many have achieved great results using this natural method. Most recommended supplements will also benefit other parts of the body and can complement other anti-aging therapies.

Injections

For a little more correction, explore products like Botox cosmetic or Dysport. They’re injected into the forehead and eye area to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. Both are comprised of a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, found in natural environments like lakes, soil, forests and in some mammals and marine life. Once injected, it blocks nerve impulses, causing specific muscles to relax and the wrinkles to soften. The results are not permanent, with an average of six months for most people.

There are minor risks associated with receiving these treatments, but many can be avoided by seeing an experienced and reputable physician. One of the best things about Botox and Dysport is their flexibility. We can opt to receive a little for a refreshed look or something more, depending on the desired result. We can start slow, and schedule another appointment for more correction.

Fillers

Either used alone or coupled with Botox or Dysport, dermal fillers can virtually take decades off some faces. They can plump lips, remove wrinkles, enhance shallow contours, soften creases and even improve the appearance of recessed scars. Dermal fillers are most often used as volumizers for lifting and filling areas like cheeks, jawlines, chins and temples.

Just because fillers can improve multiple areas doesn’t mean we have to correct everything. A little can go a long way. There are dermal fillers with different ingredients for different parts of the face. Some stimulate the body’s growth factors, with the volume supplied by our own biological tissue growing over time.

Hormones

Another option for anyone wanting to combat the total effects of aging is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to address internal effects such as fatigue, weight gain, low libido, stamina and mental cognition. This is a great option for anyone wanting to feel younger, not just look younger. It requires a little more commitment, multiple office visits and blood work, but the payoff will be felt from the inside-out.

Self-esteem has a significant impact on our health and outlook on life. Many people address aging with these techniques to help themselves feel and look like the way that makes them feel more confident. An experienced physician can help navigate the available information and together agree on the level of correction desired. The longer we wait, the less time we’ll have to enjoy the results.

Paul Stallone, NMD, founded the Arizona Integrative Medical Center, located at 8144 E. Cactus Rd., Ste. 820, in Scottsdale. He combines natural/alternative/conventional treatments for each patient’s needs. For more information, call 480-214-3922 or visit DrStallone.com.