As adolescents, we yearn for the independence and sophistication that comes with age. When we finally reach adulthood, we begin frantically dragging our feet against the current of time, desperately trying to maintain the visage of youth. Thankfully, you can reverse time's momentum without the inherent risk and hefty price tag of plastic surgery.

Read on for ways to get the look without the knife.

Topics:
Botox Injections
Chemical Peels
Collagen Injections
Endermologie
Facial Exercise
Microdermabrasion
Silicone Serums
Prevention

BOTOX INJECTIONS (return to top)
Botox injections smooth skin by inhibiting underlying facial muscles from contracting. While collagen and silicone fill crevices, Botox paralyses muscles responsible for wrinkle inducing expressions. The paralysis lasts approximately 4 months. Since muscles are no longer in the habit of contracting in certain patterns, visual results persist as full facial motion returns. Critics note the risk involved in voluntary muscular paralysis, but research documents recovery complications in less than 5% of those treated.

CHEMICAL PEELS (return to top)
Dermatologists perform chemical peels using controlled acids that induce skin to shed cells. Removal of the skin's outermost layers improves the look of lined, sun damaged and blemished skin. Different types of chemical peels are available. Recovery time, results and discomfort levels vary with the specific type of peel. Chemical peel treatments are ideally suited for fair skin with superficial imperfections.

COLLAGEN INJECTIONS (return to top)
Collagen injections serve a plumping function. Fat cells are injected into creased or drooping skin pushing it outward, creating the illusion of fullness. Take a deep breath - collagen injections consist of a gel derived from purified bovine collagen taken from cow skin. Still interested? Your doctor should test your skin's reaction to the collagen before administering treatment. Approximately 3% of people are allergic to bovine collagen or the chemicals used to prepare it for human injection. If you're in the clear, collagen injections can improve minor flaws almost instantly. On average, results last for three months.

ENDERMOLOGIE (return to top)
If you cringe in the presence of three way mirrors, you probably already know that cellulite is genetic and independent of body weight. Though you may not be able to eradicate these fat deposits trapped in connective tissue, don't relegate yourself to a life of billowy culottes just yet. You can improve the appearance of cellulite with endermologie treatments. Endermologie combines massage and suction to burst and depress fat cells.

FACIAL EXERCISE (return to top)
To maintain a youthful physique, people join gyms, take athletic classes and hire personal trainers. Exercise may have similar effects when applied to the delicate muscles of the face, scalp and neck. Toning these three areas gives facial features a natural boost. Whereas face lifts stretch skin to tighten wrinkles, facial exercise claims to firm the muscles under the skin, "lifting" facial features naturally and more permanently. Various books and video tapes outline facial exercise regimens that increase circulation, elasticity and muscle tone from the neck up.

MICRODERMABRASION (return to top)
Audra Senkus, co-owner of Manhattan's Haven spa believes that microdermabrasion is a superior plastic surgery alternative "because it stimulates blood flow and boosts collagen to keep skin smooth, soft, and glowing." Microdermabrasion improves the appearance of minor skin imperfections like fine lines, scars and dark spots. Using a high-speed rotary wheel, microdermabrasion mechanically removes dead skin cells. The procedure combats the drying effects of aging. This mild buffing process restores treated areas to a smooth, polished state and is often recommended for treatment of pock marks and other scars. Milder "microdermabrasion" face peel kits are available over the counter for home use. Try these inexpensive alternatives as an introduction to the radiant effects of microdermabrasion.

SILICONE SERUMS (return to top)
Topical silicone serums, available over the counter, temporarily fill fine facial wrinkles. When applied to skin, these silicone gels and creams seal moisture into creases, projecting a smooth appearance. Seems too good to be true? Keep the word "temporary" in mind - these products camouflage wrinkles like concealer hides dark circles. The effects last until your next run-in with water and cleanser.

PREVENTION (return to top)
Senkus stresses the importance of preventative measures over restorative ones: "The best thing you can possibly do for your skin is to wear sunscreen every single day. You'll never even have to contemplate going under the knife if you lather up every day." This means dump the mirrored reflector and the jumbo-sized bottle of baby oil. From here on out, preach the virtues of sunscreen to every child you meet. It's never too early to prevent sun damage. So that's the story. There are no drive-through facelifts, no crow's feet convenience stores. Until there is a facelift in a jar, we'll keep our eyes on the next best thing, aging gracefully, if not always naturally.