We think of aging as a two-prong process.
Prong One: Things That You Can Control
The good news is that a significant portion of how we age is influenced by daily choices. Sun exposure is the single biggest external factor in skin aging. Ultraviolet light breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, pigmentation, and loss of skin quality. Consistent sun protection—hats, sunscreen, and smart exposure—pays enormous dividends over time.
Weight fluctuations also matter. Repeated weight gain and loss stretches facial skin and can accelerate sagging. Maintaining a stable, healthy weight helps preserve facial structure.
Nutrition is equally important. Skin is our body’s largest organ, and poor nutrition shows itself quickly—dullness, thinning, delayed healing, and loss of elasticity. Adequate protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and hydration are essential for skin health and recovery from any procedure.
Other controllable factors include smoking (which dramatically accelerates aging), sleep quality, stress management, and adherence to a thoughtful skincare routine. Medical-grade skincare, neuromodulators like Botox, and energy-based treatments can further slow visible aging when used appropriately.
Prong Two: Things You Cannot Control – What Is Inherited
The second prong of aging is entirely genetic. This includes how and where tissues sag, whether eye bags develop, the strength of your jawline or chin, neck anatomy, and how your face loses volume over time. No amount of sunscreen can change these structural tendencies—but modern facial rejuvenation can.
This is where surgery and fat grafting shine. Facelift surgery repositions descended tissues, restoring a natural, refreshed contour rather than a “pulled” look. Microfat grafting—one of Dr. Ekstrom’s specialties—restores lost volume using your own fat, improving facial shape and skin quality simultaneously. Because fat contains stem cells, it can also enhance skin texture and vitality.
The most natural, long-lasting rejuvenation comes from addressing both prongs: protecting and optimizing what you can control, while thoughtfully correcting what genetics has handed you. A customized plan—based on anatomy, goals, and timing—is the key to aging well and confidently.
