by Lori Vadala Bizzoco

Created on: January 04, 2009

Does growing older mean looking older? As our body ages, we begin to notice certain changes in our skin. It becomes dry and sun-damaged and growths, dark spots and wrinkles begin to appear. Some changes are natural and harmless while others are annoying and even psychologically painful.

Before you read any further, sit down and take a long look in the mirror. Ask yourself this one quick question, "Does my face look older than the way I really feel?" If you answered "yes" to this question, you are probably among millions of people in today's society who are constantly striving for a more youthful looking appearance. Is there anything that can help keep that youthful glow without the invasive technique of a facelift?

When I asked a well-known New York City dermatologist this question, his response was "the aging process is natural." Yes, perhaps growing old should NOT be a defect we have to suffer in a dark room all alone while everyone around us looks younger. However, in order to make that message resonate, we will need a few good role models to help push it through.

The latest Brad Pitt film, Benjamin Button gives us a preview of life in reverse. It is the story of a small child who was born looking like an old man and lives life in reverse, looking younger aesthetically but growing older physically. The conclusion from the movie is that it doesn't matter whether we age looking young, or age looking old, both directions contain their own unique set of problems. Even with Benjamin Button, Americans spend billions of dollars on over-the-counter medications and creams that promise to make them look like the magazine cover of the latest twenty-something "it" girl. Plastic surgery is one solution for wiping away wrinkles but it is invasive and comes with a host of side effects. Stretch marks caused by pregnancy have women convinced that they are necessary battle marks of motherhood. How do we begin digging into the fountain of youth?

Dermatologists seem to believe that laser therapy can help treat many common and well-known problems. The device makes it possible to treat both medical and cosmetic issues. If you're looking for a non-invasive procedure that can help remove unsightly marks and restore youth back to the skin, laser therapy may be the answer.

What is laser therapy and how does it work? Lasers are instruments that produce powerful beams of various colored light. The color of the light and the type of laser used is dependent upon the individual skin condition.

How many treatments will it require? Some conditions, such as broken facial blood vessels, age spots and wrinkles around the lips, require only one treatment. Other conditions such as tattoos, stretch marks and birthmarks may take several visits.

How long does the procedure take? Many patients are happy to know that laser therapy takes place as an outpatient treatment in the doctor's office. The length of time depends on the area to be treated but patients can usually return to work the same day.

Does it hurt? Some people describe the laser as feeling like a rubber band snapping against the skin. Each pulse of the laser treats an area as big as the size of a pencil eraser.

How much will it cost? Most insurance companies will approve the cost of a condition they deem to be medical. Ultimately, this is something to discuss with your doctor.

If you know a friend that is embarrassed by warts, moles, an old tattoo or any signs of aging let them know that there are alternatives out there. Have them see a dermatologist that is equipped to treat the condition. They will thank you for it.

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