Look 10 Years Younger -- Without Surgery: Youthful Appearance

Youthful Appearance

However we phrase it, we all want to do it: defy aging, look younger, find the fountain of youth. But how many of us actually take the plunge and do something about it? The numbers are surprisingly high: Last year, 7 million Americans spent over $2 billion on minimally invasive age-erasing procedures. That's a 43 percent jump in the number of patients just since 2002. Seventy-two percent of them were between the ages of 35 and 64; 13 percent were men, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. And almost 2 million of us took it a step further, going under the knife for procedures like face-lifts.

Why are we so obsessed with reversing the signs of aging? Blame television, or technology: Thanks to the fictional characters on "Nip/Tuck" and the real-life patients on "Miami Slice," "Dr. 90210," and makeover shows like "The Swan," we're getting an up-close peek at the process. And looking younger is looking a whole lot easier.

Ongoing breakthroughs in the anti-aging industry have made turning back the hands of time easy, inexpensive and relatively painless. "Unlike the past, curbing the progression of aging doesn't have to involve great physical and financial expense," says David Goldberg, MD, a dermatologist at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

Today, a flood of products and procedures can prevent and slow the signs of aging with little or no discomfort or downtime, and without breaking the bank. But be prepared for a lifetime of use, whether it's applying a topical cream every day or undergoing injections every 3 to 6 months. (See below for the 30-year cost) "Once you stop a treatment, you will go back to baseline," says Leslie Baumann, MD, chief of cosmetic dermatology at the University of Miami.

Though there's still no magic pill, potion or lotion that will completely atone for all past skin sins and erase signs of aging, we're getting nearer. Here, five surgery-free techniques that can deliver a youthful appearance:

Problem: Age spots, fine lines
Retinoids
Natural compounds derived from vitamin A, retinoids treat brown spots and superficial wrinkles. Studies have shown that topical creams containing the retinoids tretinoin and tazarotene are highly effective. When used regularly, they can reduce fine wrinkles and clear up mottled pigmentation and rough skin. "You'll see significant improvements in about three months," says Rhoda Narins, MD, president of the American Society for Dermatological Surgery.

How they work: Retinoids penetrate deep into skin where they stimulate cell division. This has two effects: repairing the top layer of skin and enhancing the production of collagen, a protein that makes skin supple and provides structure.

Before you begin:

Prescription-strength retinoids are stronger, more effective and produce results faster than over-the-counter products, says Robert S. Stern, MD, a professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School. Common side effects include irritation, such as redness, flaking and skin sensitivity. Retin-A and Renova contain tretinoin, while tazarotene is found in Avage -- all require a prescription.

Retinoids increase the penetration of UV radiation, so unless you use one that contains SPF 15 or higher, wearing a daily sunscreen with UV blockers is more important than ever. Price: OTC versions like RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 or Neutrogena Skin Transforming Complex Daily SPF 15 Moisturizer cost $20 to $24 for a one-month supply, while prescriptions cost $25 to $75 for a month's supply.

Problem: Deep wrinkles (crow's-feet, frown lines)
Botox
In 2003, Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox) was the No. 1 minimally invasive procedure in the country, with over 2.8 million injections -- about 12 percent of those were for men. There's little wonder: Botox can make some people look up to ten years younger. "Softening deep vertical frown lines is a powerful signal of rejuvenation," says Jean Carruthers, MD, an ophthalmologist turned cosmetic surgeon, who 17 years ago recognized the cosmetic benefits of Botox, which was originally used to treat eye twitching.

How it works: Made from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, Botox interrupts the connection between nerve and muscle, causing the surface area -- frown and forehead lines, crow's-feet and neck creases -- to relax.

Before you begin:

Choose only an experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Find one at botoxcosmetic.com.

The first treatment lasts three to four months. After several sessions, results may last up to six months.

The most common side effect is bruising or pain caused by the injection, says Carruthers. But in a recent unpublished study of 853 treatments, 99 percent were side effect-free. Price: On average, $400 for each area of the face and neck treated.

Immediate Improvement

Problem: Deep folds, wrinkles
Skin Fillers
As we age, our skin thins. Fillers plump it up. There are over 40 different varieties on the market, made from substances such as bovine and human collagen and cadaver tissue to body fat and calcium. But only eight are FDA-approved for cosmetic purposes. Restylane, made from hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the skin, is the newest filler, approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in 2003.

Baumann gets the best results using Hylaform (another hyaluronic acid), a natural sugar-based solution that binds with water to add volume, along with CosmoPlast, human collagen that gives structure. "Each provides its own benefits, so I use them together," she says. Wrinkles smooth immediately after injection. "It's instant gratification."

How they work: Fillers are injected into the skin to increase volume in tissue. The added plumpness gives the face structure and smooths deep wrinkles, fine lines and crow's-feet.

Before you begin:

Visit a skilled dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who will consider potential allergies, risk of side effects (redness and swelling or pain are possible) and expense to determine the right FDA-approved filler for you. To find a doctor, visit the American Academy of Dermatology at aad.org or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons at plasticsurgery.org.

Results from one treatment can last anywhere from four to six months. Price: About $400 for most fillers.

Problem: Sagging skin
Thermage
This procedure tightens skin without incisions. Approved by the FDA for the upper face in 2002, Thermage got the okay for use on the lower face in June. "It's especially great in men who don't want to get a traditional face-lift because they can't hide the scars," says Narins. Results are seen in about four months, but some lucky patients see immediate improvement.

How it works: Radio frequencies heat and damage collagen. In turn, collagen contracts, and then rebuilds and strengthens, tightening and lifting skin.

Before you begin:

Thermage is new, so long-term results are unknown. But it's speculated that it will last five years, almost the same amount of time as a face-lift.

Visit the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (asds.net) or thermage.com to find a provider. Price: For a brow-lift, it's $2,500; up to $4,000 for lower face and neck.

Problem: Dull, yellow teeth
Teeth Whitening
Dental office bleaching trays, laser light treatments, do-it-yourself whitening strips -- even toothpaste can help transform aged teeth into more youthful pearly whites. The products that deliver faster results, of course, cost more. "If you're patient and don't want to spend a lot of money, start with store-bought whitening strips," says Lawrence Addleson, DDS, president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. OTC strips whiten teeth in about 7 to 14 days, and they may be all that's needed for some people.

How it works: Carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide penetrate enamel to lighten discoloration caused by aging, and habits like smoking and drinking Coffee, tea and red wine. Laser whitening applies a laser light to teeth immediately after bleaching to speed up and enhance the process.

Before you begin:

Bleaching may cause temporary tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.

Peroxide doesn't lighten fillings, crowns, veneers, bonding and bridges, so bleaching can lead to uneven color.

How long any treatment lasts varies, depending on your daily oral habits, but OTC products can be effective for up to a year, while laser treatments can last from six months to two years.

Price: A 14-day supply of Crest Whitestrips Premium is $35. Bleaching trays can cost $185 to $200, and laser treatments can set you back $1,000.

The Real Cost of Looking Young
Yes, these age-reducers work, and they're less costly than more invasive procedures like face-lifts. But over time, regular use can add up to a hefty sum. Start at age 35, and use them for 30 years, and this is what you could pay:

Botox: $36,000 per area treated

Fillers: $36,000 per area treated

Thermage: $24,000

Retinoids: $18,000

Laser teeth whitening: $15,000