The ageing of the population and the increase in the average life expectancy, create an increased need for prevention and early treatment of health problems. Quality Ageing or Antiaging Medicine is scientifically documented, with strategies that manage to maintain good organ function and tissue vitality, while reducing the effects of age, disease and loss of function. Developments in medicine, advances in technology in clinical and laboratory tests, early diagnosis of pathological conditions and more effective treatments for chronic and incurable diseases have changed the quality of life and its average in the population of the western world.
Our knowledge of the biological mechanisms of ageing, the influence of nutrition and metabolism, the reduction of oxidative-degenerative factors from the environment and the adoption of a balanced - in all its aspects - lifestyle, allow - what we all want - a path to well-being and good quality in old age. More and more people are choosing to combine modern medical practices, such as Aesthetic Plastic Surgery with its anti-aging treatments, with a holistic care of body and mind. The goal is not perpetual youth, but quality aging: a longer period of life with good health, self-confidence, and excellent psychology.
The holistic philosophy of quality ageing.
Ageing is a multifactorial issue, which is first and foremost based on our DNA. But when we evolve this gene base, protect it and continually improve it to give us our best, then we can boast that we have done our best for our body and our mental health. It is the only way to quality aging, so we can enjoy the best version of ourselves.
Many different things need to be accomplished and experienced simultaneously in different areas of our lives.
Adopting a healthy, balanced and quality diet, regular physical exercise, limiting any unhealthy habit that causes damage and deterioration to the body. The use of preventive medicine with the early diagnosis of diseases, the use of techniques of anti-aging medicine and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Personalized assistance from dietary supplements, vitamins and other auxiliary trace elements that cannot be absorbed to a satisfactory degree in old age, continued active social life, good quality sleep, are the basic framework that facilitates the road to wellness and quality aging.
Nutrition. The basis of healthy appearance.
There is a Greek saying «We are what we eat». No cosmetic procedure or intervention can replace the importance of nutrition. A healthy and balanced diet is not only complementary, but fundamental. Our body needs the right ‘fuel’ to repair its cells and produce collagen, the protein that gives elasticity and firmness to tissues and skin.
A balanced diet, rich in fresh fruit, colourful vegetables, good fats and adequate and good quality protein, is essential for nourishing the skin, muscles, bones and generally all cells and tissues from within. Antioxidants fight oxidative stress on cells, delaying their deterioration, while sufficient water intake gives the skin elasticity and radiance.
What to prefer:
- Foods, rich in antioxidants such as dark berries, green leafy vegetables, carrots. Emphasize a variety of colors weekly and don't forget that each color represents a different group of antioxidants. And we need them all!
- Sources of good fats, like olive oil, avocados, nuts, fatty fish. Eat oily fish at least once a week and ideally 2-3 times per week.
- Plenty of water, beverages with no added sugar, fruits and vegetables for adequate hydration.
- High biological value protein from, fish, eggs, legumes, which supports muscle mass and skin structure.
Dietary supplements. Allies with Great Value.
Many clinical studies through the years have demonstrated the tremendous value of taking dietary supplements and vitamins that enhance and accomplish the anti-aging effort:
- Collagen (hydrolyzed) to enhance skin and joint elasticity. Collagen supplementation of 5-20g per day has been shown to be particularly beneficial in rebuilding and supporting connective tissue, especially in pathological conditions of increased need, such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and chondropathy.
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Oral supplements: Recent studies show improvement in skin hydration with a dosage of 120-240 mg daily to maintain healthy connective tissue.
- Vitamin C for collagen synthesis and strong antioxidant activity. It is the flagship for excellent skin quality and also for maintaining the immune system.
- Vitamin E for protection against oxidative stress, which works closely with vitamin C to fight free radicals and protect cells on the road to quality aging.
- Omega-3 fatty acids for anti-inflammatory action and healthy-looking skin. Clinically proven to reduce inflammation, improve hydration the skin barrier and texture. Main source: Fish oil or krill oil. Dose: 1-3 g EPA/DHA daily. Omega-3 deficiency has been associated with a decline in cognitive function due to aging and an increase in degenerative cell inflammation. Anti-inflammatory activity, further supports quality aging by strengthening the immune and musculoskeletal systems.
- Zinc and selenium contribute to skin and hair health. Combined with biotin or vitamin H, they are the most powerful supplements for maintaining the stratum corneum of hair, nails and skin.
- Polyphenols (resveratrol, green tea extract, EGCG). Studies define them as powerful antioxidants that reduce UV damage and oxidative aging of the skin. Resveratrol supplement 100-250 mg per day or green tea supplement (200-400 mg E).
Many more different recipes from nature that have proven their effectiveness. Particularly important is the individualized and under the supervision of a specialist, taking nutritional supplements according to age, gender, hormonal profile, pre-existing health conditions and clinical condition, that we want to enhance or correct.
Modern advances and clinical knowledge provide us with the luxury of being able to take advantage of all these essential nutritional aids.
The power of movement
Regular exercise is one of the key foundations for quality ageing. It enhances muscle strength, improves blood circulation, keeps joints flexible and helps keep bone mass and density in good condition. The entire musculoskeletal system can be maintained in excellent condition even at ages over 90. We have such examples in athletes, professional dancers, people who have exercised their bodies in moderation all their lives and continue to do so regularly. Sports, such as swimming, yoga or pilates, which combine flexibility, strength and breathing, are ideal for maintaining a healthy body without stiffness or chronic joint pain.
At the same time, exercise is the most natural "antidepressant" as it increases endorphin levels in the blood and drastically reduces stress.
Anti-aging medicine and cosmetic plastic surgery: the ultimate ally.
Modern Aesthetic Plastic Surgery drastically addresses the appearance of the signs of aging. Sophisticated treatments, -techniques must be carried out with an individualized plan, no paspartout treatments same for everyone. This way a completely natural result is achieved. The most popular anti-aging weapons include. Autologous Filler, Laser, RF machines for skin tightening and regeneration. All offer immediate elimination or severe improvement of wrinkles and skin texture, with no recovery time.
✅ Minimally invasive techniques: Thread Lift and Suspension Devices Facelift, Bloodless 3D Face Sculpting, Scarless Face & Neck Lifts, particularly popular techniques with the male audience, that "lift" and rejuvenate the face with natural results from minimal incisions and no incarceration time.
✅ Minimally invasive techniques: Thread Lift and Suspension Devices Facelift, bloodless 3D Face Sculpting, Scarless Face & Neck Lifts, particularly popular techniques among the male audience, that "lift" and renew the face with a natural result from minimal incisions and no incarceration time.
✅ Classic procedures with a modern philosophy: face lift surgery, combined with 3D lipoatrophy restoration, the so-called 3D Face Lifting, blepharoplasty or liposuction performed with absolute respect to the facial features. The holistic restoration of aging 3D in surgery and not just "skin lifting" aims at subtle renewal and not at alteration or any permanent deviation from the normal. Any alteration from normal that the human eye identifies as abnormal is also considered "bad work". The phrase "Let them guess" is what characterizes a truly natural and subtle result.
Balance and knowledge is the key to success.
Quality aging and well-being is not just a matter of aesthetics in the external appearance of the body and face. It is a holistic and ongoing care of ourselves on all levels: physical, mental and social. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, when applied judiciously, is certainly a valuable tool in the self-confidence of the younger image. Continued engagement in an active social life is also an important component in maintaining overall good mental health.
Balance is required overall in diet, regular exercise, targeted and rationalized supplementation, without excess, ongoing care of the wear and tear that "pops up" during "Growing Up". Taking care of all of these together and continuously make up the powerful "package" that gives good quality of life, well-being and a healthy dynamic appearance in old age.
Plastic Surgeon, MD, PhD
info@hollandandbarrett.gr
