More younger patients undergoing facial rejuvenation

Wrinkle-relaxer procedures and soft-tissue filler treatments performed by American Society for Dermatologic Surgery members increased by at least 50% for patients aged 30 years and younger between 2012 and 2013, according to survey results.

Younger patients are trying to prevent wrinkles and preserve their skin, Doris Day, MD, a dermatologist in private practice in New York and ASDS member, said in a press release.

“They’re motivated. They use sunscreen and stay out of the sun altogether,” Day said. “They eat right, avoiding processed foods. They are coming in to see what they can do now to avoid issues later, to atone for some bad practices in their teen years and their early 20s and improve on that going forward.”

There were 90,000 wrinkle-relaxer procedures performed by ASDS members in the survey group, according to the 2013 ASDS Survey on Dermatologic Procedures, an increase of 50% from the previous year for the same age group. There also were almost 30,000 soft-tissue filler treatments for the group last year, a 63% increase from 2012.

Wrinkle relaxers and soft-tissue fillers were the most popular cosmetic procedures performed by ASDS members in 2012 and 2013, according to the release.

“Treatments are not about blowing up like a balloon,” Day said. “It’s not about chasing lines or wrinkles or looking ‘done.’ It’s about balance, and that’s not always intuitive in terms of technique. The beauty of advances in aesthetic products and techniques is that we understand how to enhance and optimize each individual patient.”