Signs of aging appear at different times and in various ways for each individual. Wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin are just a few of the common issues that many people face. At Shea Aesthetic Clinic, we offer a variety of treatments to patients in Knoxville and Oak Ridge, TN, to address these concerns.
With over 75 years of combined experience and a 5-star rating, we provide treatments that reduce the visible effects of aging. Our core values — integrity, excellence, kindness, and compassion — guide every service we offer. Our patients have come to expect professional care and the enhancement of natural beauty through scientifically backed treatments.
Common Signs of Aging and Their Treatments
Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Wrinkles and fine lines are among the most visible signs of aging. They are creases or folds that form in the skin, often becoming more pronounced over time. Wrinkles are categorized into two types: dynamic and static.
Dynamic wrinkles appear when facial muscles contract, such as when smiling or frowning. Static wrinkles are visible even when the face is at rest and are typically due to a loss of skin elasticity and collagen. Common areas where wrinkles and fine lines appear include the forehead, around the eyes (crow’s feet), and around the mouth.
What Causes Wrinkles and Fine Lines?
Wrinkles and fine lines develop due to a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic aging is the natural aging process that occurs over time, leading to a gradual decrease in the production of collagen and elastin, which are crucial for maintaining skin’s firmness and elasticity.
Extrinsic factors include environmental influences such as sun exposure, smoking, and pollution, which accelerate the breakdown of skin structures. Repeated facial expressions and movements also contribute to the formation of dynamic wrinkles, while lifestyle choices and genetics determine how and when wrinkles develop.
The Best Treatments for Wrinkles and Fine Lines
- Micro-Coring® With Ellacor®: This minimally invasive anti-aging treatment targets wrinkle reduction by removing tiny cores of skin tissue, prompting natural healing and tightening. Available for patients in Knoxville and Oak Ridge, this treatment reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by improving the texture of the skin.
- Chemical Peels: Using powerful exfoliants, chemical peels treat wrinkles and offer anti-aging skincare. These treatments work through skin resurfacing, removing the outer layer of skin.
- Morpheus8: Combining microneedling with radiofrequency energy, Morpheus8 offers advanced wrinkle reduction by stimulating collagen production deep within the skin. This treatment helps to firm and tighten the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Sagging Skin
Sagging skin is a common sign of aging, typically appearing in areas such as the face, neck, and arms. As the skin loses its elasticity and firmness, it begins to droop, creating a less youthful appearance. This often affects the jawline, cheeks, and eyelids and leads to concerns about overall facial contour and structure.
Why Does Skin Sag?
Skin sagging occurs primarily due to the natural aging process, which results in a decrease in collagen and elastin production. External factors such as sun exposure, gravity, and lifestyle choices (like smoking and poor diet) accelerate the breakdown of these proteins, which makes the skin less elastic. Over time, the skin’s ability to regenerate and repair itself diminishes, leading to visible sagging and loss of volume.
What Treatments Are Best for Sagging Skin?
- EvolveX Tite: This treatment uses radiofrequency energy to promote skin tightening by stimulating collagen production. EvolveX Tite treats sagging skin on various parts of the body to restore a more youthful and firm appearance.
- Forma: Also using radiofrequency technology, Forma provides targeted skin tightening by heating the deeper layers of the skin. This stimulates collagen remodeling and enhances skin elasticity, treating the face, neck, and other areas.
- EXILIS®: EXILIS combines radiofrequency and ultrasound technology to offer comprehensive anti-aging solutions. It works by heating the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production, resulting in firmer and tighter skin. This treatment is used on various areas to address sagging and improve overall skin texture.
Uneven Skin Tone and Texture
Uneven skin tone and texture are common concerns that affect skin that was once smooth and youthful. Issues such as hyperpigmentation, rough patches, and dullness make the skin look aged and tired. These conditions often manifest as dark spots, blotchy areas, and an overall lack of radiance.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation and Uneven Texture?
Sun exposure is a primary cause of hyperpigmentation, as UV rays often lead to the overproduction of melanin, resulting in dark spots and uneven skin tone. Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy or from the use of certain medications also contribute to hyperpigmentation. Aging and environmental damage often lead to a rough skin texture, as the skin’s natural exfoliation process slows down.
What Treats Uneven Skin Tone and Texture?
- Intense Pulsed Light Treatments: This anti-aging treatment uses broad-spectrum light to target and reduce pigmentation irregularities. It effectively diminishes dark spots, redness, and uneven skin tone and promotes a more even and radiant complexion for our patients in Oak Ridge.
- LaseMD Ultra: LaseMD Ultra improves skin tone and texture through fractional laser energy. This treatment promotes skin resurfacing, reduces pigmentation issues, and enhances skin smoothness.
Dryness and Dehydration
Dryness and dehydration are common issues in aging skin, leading to a lack of radiance and a rough, flaky texture. These conditions make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. Hydrating treatments and products keep skin looking younger.
Why Is Mature Skin More Dehydrated?
As we age, the skin’s natural oil production decreases. The skin’s barrier function also weakens over time, making it less effective at retaining hydration. Environmental factors, such as exposure to harsh weather and pollutants, further strip the skin of its natural moisture, exacerbating dryness and dehydration.
Treatments for Dry and Dehydrated Skin
- Hydrafacial®: This anti-aging facial treatment in Knoxville hydrates and rejuvenates the skin. It combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration with antioxidants and peptides, leaving the skin deeply moisturized and glowing.
- Skincare Products: Using high-quality anti-aging skincare products improves skin hydration. Brands such as Skinbetter Science®, SkinCeuticals®, SkinMedica®, and Revision Skincare® offer formulations that target dryness and dehydration. These products are formulated with ingredients that help retain moisture, enhance the skin’s barrier function, and promote a smoother, more hydrated complexion.
Volume Loss
Volume loss in the skin is a common sign of aging, resulting in a hollow or sunken appearance. This commonly affects areas such as the cheeks, under the eyes, and around the mouth, leading to a less youthful and vibrant look.
Why Does Skin Lose Volume Over Time?
Volume loss occurs as part of the natural aging process due to a decrease in fat, collagen, and hyaluronic acid levels in the skin. As these components diminish, the skin starts to hollow and lose its youthful contour. Genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle choices accelerate this process and make volume loss more noticeable.
The Best Treatments for Volume Loss
- JUVÉDERM®: Fillers are an anti-aging skin treatment that involves the injection of hyaluronic acid-based fillers to restore volume and smooth out facial contours. The JUVÉDERM family of fillers addresses areas like the cheeks and lips, enhancing plumpness and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
- PRP Injections: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are another anti-aging treatment we offer to our patients in Oak Ridge and Knoxville. It uses components from the patient’s blood to stimulate collagen production and tissue regeneration. This treatment restores lost volume and improves skin texture.
Explore Our Anti-Aging Options in Oak Ridge
Effectively addressing the signs of aging involves understanding the underlying causes and choosing the right treatments. As the top aesthetic spa in East Tennessee, Shea Aesthetic Clinic offers a range of anti-aging solutions to help you achieve youthful, radiant skin. If you are looking for anti-aging treatments in the Oak Ridge and Knoxville area, contact us through our online form or by calling (865) 294-4114.