It’s not unusual for people to think of January 1 as the beginning of a new life or as a chance to wipe the slate clean and make a number of improvements in their lives. Most New Year’s resolutions focus on self-improvement in some way, like quitting smoking or losing weight.
If one major concern includes the signs of aging on your face, the new year can be the optimal time to start planning ways to reduce those signs or even reverse them. Whether you just noticed your first wrinkle or have been thinking about facial plastic surgery for some time, there a few resolutions that are perfect for you this year.
Find a Skincare Routine That Works for You
As you get older, your skin needs change. On top of that, your skin might need different care and treatment at different times of the year. For example, you might deal with drier skin in the winter than in the summer. Figuring out the skincare routine that does what you need and doesn’t hurt your skin can take some trial and error.
If you’re dealing with acne, for instance, you’ll want to find a routine that clears up the blemishes without blasting your skin dry. If lines and wrinkles are the problem, you’ll want a routine that helps reduce them or make them less visible. While you can find products to help you in the drugstore or department store, consulting with a medical professional before choosing a product line can take the guesswork out of the process.
Try a New Treatment
If there’s a non-surgical treatment that you’ve been thinking about trying, the new year is the ideal time to give it a go. Non-surgical treatments, such as Botox injections or fillers, tend to cost significantly less than a surgery, so the financial strain is lower. They also tend to last for less time than the results of the surgery, making them less of a commitment. If you get Botox, for example, and decide you absolutely do not like it, within three to six months, it will have worn off and you’ll be able to go back to your old self.
Talk to a plastic surgeon to find out which treatment is the best option for you. While it might seem like an injection is an injection, there are big differences when it comes to what they can do. Botox and a similar product, Dysport, are designed for wrinkles that develop as a result of muscle movements. Fillers, such as Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane, are intended for wrinkles that form as your skin loses moisture and plumpness.
Get Back to Basics
While some New Year’s resolutions focus on the new, others are simply a way for you to get back on track. If you usually eat a healthy diet, but have fallen off course thanks to the holidays, your resolution might be to press "reset" on your eating habits and to again focus on a diet full of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. One way to make it easier to stick to an "eat better" resolution in the new year is to always buy produce when you head to the grocery store. Buy pre-cut vegetables and fruits and put them at the front of your fridge, so that they are within easy reach. You can also cut up the veggies as soon as you get home from the store, so that they don’t languish in the refrigerator uneaten.
Another New Year’s resolution to consider is to recommit to wearing sunscreen daily. The sun is one of the leading causes of signs of aging on your skin. Shielding your skin from it on a daily basis is a must if you hope to look youthful throughout 2015 and beyond.
Start Saving for a Procedure
This last New Year’s resolution isn’t for the commitment-phobic. You might decide that 2015 is the year you’ll finally undergo a facelift or other surgery. Since facial plastic surgery is a big step, you’ll want to break your resolution down into smaller pieces. Step one might be to book a consultation with a surgeon and learn more about the procedure, including whether it’s appropriate for you.
Step two might be to start saving up for the surgery. Financing is often available if you can’t afford the full price of the procedure up front. Figure out how much you can afford to pay, then look into financing options to cover the rest.
Step three is to start making plans for the surgery. You’ll need to request time off from work, either vacation time or sick days, depending on your job’s policies. You’ll also want to get your home and family ready for the procedure. Find a reliable friend or relative to take you to and from the surgery center and to stay with you for a day or two afterwards. Make sure you have a comfy place to rest up after the surgery and a few simple activities to keep you occupied.
Whether your 2015 resolutions involve a few small changes or major surgery, Dr. Jessica Kulak, an aging-face specialist in Virginia and Maryland, is here to help. Resolve to keep your resolutions by contacting her office for a consultation today. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kulak at the Naderi Center in Virginia, call 703-481-0002. For an appointment at the center’s Maryland practice, call 301-222-2020.
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