#AskID : Prof Ryan about premature aging

We asked Prof Caitriona Ryan:
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‘The majority of people pay a lot more attention to future-proofing the skin of their face than the skin of their décolletage (neck and chest). As a result, there can be a significant difference in premature aging, wrinkling, skin laxity and discolouration of the neck and chest as one ages. This can be very bothersome to patients and even impact their clothing choices.

An anti-aging, collagen-building skincare regimen is important to optimise skin tightness and texture in this area, and should include a physical sunblock, a retinoid, Vitamin C, antioxidants and moisturisers or serums with a high content of hyaluronic acid.

UV-induced orange/brown/red mottled discolouration and dilated blood vessels of the neck and chest is called Poikoloderma of Civatte. This can produce a very aged appearance of the decolletage. IPL is extremely effective in reversing these changes. Photofractional rejuvenation, combining IPL with the ResurFX fractional resurfacing laser, is a great way to combine treatments for tone and texture simultaneously for complete skin rejuvenation in a much shorter timeframe with significantly reduced overall downtime. It is essential to use your zinc-containing SPF daily to prevent further pigmentary and vascular changes and this typically decreases the need for maintenance treatments.

Exilis Ultra 360 is a radiofrequency device which uses heat to tighten the skin and increase collagen production. This is an excellent treatment to improve tightness and texture of the skin in the decolletage. The treatment duration takes approximately 30 minutes and is pain-free with no downtime.
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Ultherapy is an FDA-approved, non-invasive, focused ultrasound treatment that stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin deep within the skin without disrupting the skin’s surface which can produce tightening of the skin of the neck and chest.’
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Please call us on (01) 912 3030 or email info@instituteofdermatologists.ie to discuss your bespoke treatment plan.