Unit 36

Look 10 Years Younger without Surgery

We all want do it: defy ageing, look younger, find the fountain of youth. But how many of us actually take the plunge and do something about? The numbers are surprisingly high. In Japan, age- erasing procedures are a $100-million-a-year industry. In Singapore, 60 percent of those undergoing the procedures are between the ages of 35 and 64, and 25 percent are men. In Thailand, the government promotes plastic surgery tours.

Today a flood of products and procedures can prevent and slow the signs of ageing with little or no discomfort, and without breaking the bank. But be prepared for a lifetime of use, whether it is using topical cream every day or undergoing injections every three or six months. Once a treatment is stopped, you have to start all over again.

Though there's still no magic pill that will completely erase signs of ageing, we are getting nearer. Here are four surgery-free techniques that can bring a youthful appearance.

Retinoid: Natural compounds from vitamin A, retinoids treat brown spots and superficial wrinkles. When used regularly, topical cream containing retinoids reduce fine lines, roug skin and other signs of ageing. Retinoids go deep into skin where they stimulate cell division. This has two effect: repairing the top layer of skin and promoting the production of collagen, a protein that makes skin supple.

Botox: Botox type A is becoming a top choice in Asia. There is little wonder: Botox interrupts the connection between nerve and muscle, causing the surface area -- frown and forehead lines, crow's feet and neck creases -- to relax, The results are great -- with wrinkles smoothed out, younger brow positions, bigger double eyelids, making people look up to 10 years younger.

Skin fillers: As we age, out skin thins. Fillers are injected into the skin to increase volume in tissue, the added plumpness gives the face structure and smoothes out deep wrinkles.

Thermage: This procedure heats and damages collagen. In trun, the collagen contracts, then rebuilds and strengthens, tightening and lifting sagging skin. Results can be seen immediately for men, but they may take two or four months to become visible for women.

Thermage is new, so long-term results are unknown. But it is believed that it will last 5 years, almost the same amount of time as a face-lift.