No medical remedy can approach the healing power of a good night’s sleep. Even though doctors are quick to prescribe more rest as a treatment for just about anything that ails you, many people still struggle to catch enough of those ever-elusive “zzz’s.” While the health benefits of rest are well known, you may be surprised to learn just how vital a good night’s sleep can be to your skin’s appearance.
In a recent clinical trial commissioned by cosmetic company Estee Lauder, scientists found a definitive link between lack of sleep and decreased skin quality. While plastic surgeons don’t treat patients for sleeping disorders, our field does offer a variety of nonsurgical treatments to counteract the visible signs of aging skin that may be further exacerbated by sleeping problems.
Achieving a Well-Rested Look
Cumulative sun exposure and genetics are not the only culprits behind wrinkles or a decrease in facial fullness; lifestyle also plays a role in skin’s appearance. If your poor sleeping habits are beginning to show on your face, injectable fillers like JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® can help restore a refreshed, well-rested demeanor by lessening the appearance of wrinkles. Fillers can also add fullness to the lips.
For patients hoping to delay the formation of new wrinkles or prevent the deepening of existing lines, BOTOX® is another treatment option that requires little to no downtime. BOTOX® is also an excellent solution for erasing crow’s feet.
If you suffer from sleeping problems that affect your job performance or quality of life, you should seek advice from a trusted physician. However, with so many nonsurgical options to counteract the visible effects of sleep loss, at least your skin no longer has to look quite so tired.
Dr. Alexander received his Medical Degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, one of the country’s first medical schools, and then had five years of intensive general surgery training at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, serving as chief resident in 1993-1994. There he was one of two residents honored “Outstanding Teacher” by the Whitehead Society.
After becoming Board Certified in General Surgery, Dr. Alexander attended the University of California San Francisco, one of the premiere Plastic Surgery programs in the United States. There he completed two additional years of residency training in Plastic Surgery. Dr. Alexander is double board certified in Surgery and Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Alexander specializes in facial rejuvenation, and was the first surgeon in California to perform the QuickLift,™ a revolutionary surgical procedure that takes years off the face with less downtime than traditional facelifts. He is a specialist in chemical peels and laser surgery and was selected to author the chapter “Facial Resurfacing” in Plastic Surgery, the premiere textbook of the specialty. He also specializes in facial cancer reconstruction and endoscopic, minimally-invasive procedures, publishing his own original research about endoscopic plastic surgery. He lectures in medical forums and has presented his results at both national and international surgical meetings.
