There’s a surge of interest in anti-aging tricks and techniques, as the boomer population is living longer, healthier, and increasingly aware of therapeutic options and alternatives.

Remember facelifts? Once considered a rite of passage for tired, sagging skin, they have given way to less invasive procedures requiring minimal downtime or recovery. Though facelifts pulled sagging skin tighter, many patients were still left with irregular pigment, hollow cheeks and eyes, and textural imperfections.

That’s why the filler market was born. Fillers are non-permanent proteins and gels absorbed by the body that plump up and help to restore volume loss. Fillers began initially with collagen and progressed to hyaluronic acid. Both are natural sugars and proteins produced by the body that give the skin support, creating a plump appearance. Think of chubby cheeks in a baby or young child. The first generation fillers typically lasted between four to six months - sometimes longer; sometimes less. The new generation of collagens appears to be longer lasting.

The next-generation filler market is exploding with new products. An exciting new filler is Juvederm, which comes in small, medium and large particle size. Different particle sizes enable flexibility in selection to fit a particular area. Preliminary clinical research trials suggest this temporary filler may last up to six to eight months. Artefill, the latest FDA-approved facial filler, has the potential to remain in the face for years. It combines purifed collagen and polymethacrylate.

One day, calcium hydroxylappatite may also join the list for facial contouring. It’s been FDA-approved for loss of fat for a condition associated with HIV/AIDS, but hasn’t been approved for broader uses. More studies are needed to assess the long-term adverse effects and reactions that may occur over time.

But back to the basics. Prevention is the best key. Begin with the bare essentials: Use sunscreen of at least SPF 15, avoid deliberate tanning (laying out or tanning beds), exercise and eat healthy.

A diet high in antioxidants helps squelch pesky free radicals that target healthy cells and put them at risk for disease. Think dark leafy vegetables and fruits, such as arugula, bok choy, spinach, cabbage, blueberries, cranberries, and blackberries. Another great choice is baked or broiled tuna, salmon, even sardines!

I would be completely remiss if I didn’t mention the benefits of good old H2O. Juice, colas, and coffee are not a substitute for water. You don’t need fancy or pricey bottled products. Plain tap water helps to replenish and hydrate the body, in addition to eliminating toxins. H2O gives skin a lively glow.

Exercise keeps the heart and other important blood vessels from becoming stiff and inflexible. Remember that high stress and anxiety produces substances in the body that increase blood pressure and risk for heart attack and stroke. So don’t forget to take a few deep breaths, be happy and smile. It will not only make you feel better, but will help you live longer.

About the Author: Peggy Fuller is a board-certified dermatologist and director of Esthetics Center for Dermatology in Charlotte, N.C. The practice focuses on both the medical and surgical aspects of skin disease, and on cosmetic dermatology that helps patients look and feel better about their appearance. Dr. Fuller is a diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology and a member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons. She earned her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston and completed her dermatology residency at Brown University. For more advice from Dr. Fuller, see her web site, www.hellohappyskin.com

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