Brown or olive skin tends to age differently than lighter skin, so treatments to restore a younger look should be tailored to the unique needs of darker skin.
One big difference is in damage from the sun. Light skin is affected much more strongly by UV rays than darker skin and tends to form visible lines and wrinkles earlier in the aging process. Lines and wrinkles formed by facial movements, on the other hand, are common to all skin types. So the treatments used on light skin to reduce and soften wrinkles from sun damage are less important for dark skin and may not be needed at all. Frown lines on the forehead and laugh lines around the mouth and eyes are more typical concerns with darker skin.
With dark skin, volume loss in the cheeks and under the eyes is the other key sign of aging and is often the primary problem to address with cosmetic treatment. As we age, skin of all shades gradually loses its strength and elasticity. On the face, this can lead to a loosening of the skin under the eyes, in the cheeks, under the chin, and on the neck. Tissue below the skin that gives the cheeks volume when we are young thins as we age and can lead to a sunken look. The same process of tissue loss can result in hollows under the eyes and thinner lips.
Frown and laugh lines can be softened with injections of Botox® and other neuromodulators. Facial volume issues can be corrected with dermal fillers. If you have darker skin and are considering facial treatment, it’s important to work with a skilled plastic surgeon who understands ethnic differences in facial aesthetics. Malena Amato, M.D., is a board-certified eyelid and facial plastic surgeon in Austin, TX, with over 20 years of medical experience.
Botox® for Frown and Laugh Lines
Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® are all neuromodulators. They work by blocking signals from the nerves to treated facial muscles, causing the muscles to relax. That relaxation reduces the skin creases caused by facial muscle contractions. Dysport® is used to treat a larger area of the face to minimize fine lines. Botox® is more focused in its effect and is used to treat specific wrinkles. Xeomin® is similar to Botox® but contains only the active neuromodulator ingredient and no other additives. If frown lines or laugh lines are a concern, Botox® or Xeomin® is likely to be the treatment of choice.
Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that is naturally produced by the body. Fillers made from HA, like Juvéderm® and Restylane®, bind moisture in the tissue layers beneath the skin’s surface, adding volume that remains in place for six months to a year. Different formulations of these HA fillers are made with larger or smaller gel particles, for finer work or for adding more volume. Juvéderm 18, for example, is used to eliminate fine lines like crow’s feet, while Juvéderm 30 is used to add volume to areas of the face. Restylane SubQ is another large-particle volume-building filler. With darker skin, the formulations of the HA fillers that work to add volume to areas like the cheeks or to fill deep creases, such as frown lines on the forehead, are likely to be the optimal choices.
A Customized, Individual Approach
When you consult with Dr. Amato, she will examine your face and recommend the most effective ways to rejuvenate your appearance. Dr. Amato has extensive experience working with patients of different skin tones and ethnicities and is skilled in tailoring her approach to bring out each individual’s natural beauty.
Contact Dr. Amato’s Austin, Texas, office today for a consultation to find out how dermal fillers and other injectable treatments can restore a more youthful look to your face.