Forbes: The Millennial Approach to Remaining Young And Beautiful

by Stephan Rabimov / FEB 27, 2018

The fountain of youth used to be a myth from adventure novels. In the age of social media, beauty has become a lucrative tradable commodity. When Kim Kardashian launched her Selfish photo book in 2015, personal appearance management became a contemporary art form. The fight against time is now a fun and profitable pastime. The plastic surgery and cosmetics spending in the United States alone hit the $15 billion mark last year. The most cost-effective solution to aging process maintenance? Start young.

In the last decade, the cosmetic procedures industry has undergone a makeover itself. What was once perceived as radical and risky has now become commonplace. The notion of “getting work done” has gained social acceptance. This shift is due to the expanding arsenal of noninvasive treatments that yield effective results with little to no downtime. As health tech advances power safe and accessible treatments, preventative care has skyrocketed in popularity, especially among Millennials who are thinking ahead about the negative effects of aging. Procedures from light-based therapies and radio frequency treatments to micro-needling and chemical peels offer long-term value.

Dr. Lisa Kang, the co-founder of Serenity MedSpa in San Francisco and Burlingame, California. Photography by Melissa Mermin

“Everyone wants to look good, but many people in the past were understandably reluctant to go under the knife. The options were severely limited,” notes Dr. Lisa Kang, co-founder of Serenity Medpsa in San Francisco, alongside her brother Dr. David Kang. The brother-sister team quickly became leaders in the field of aesthetics, dedicating themselves full-time to researching the safest, most innovative and advanced cosmetic and dermatologic procedures available.

Neurotoxic Cosmetic Treatments

In an era ruled by image, noninvasive treatments like injectables and dermal fillers appeal to consumers across multiple demographics. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Botulinum Toxin – neurotoxic cosmetic injections like Botox, Dysport and Xeomin – is the most popular nonsurgical option with more than 4.5 million procedures performed in 2016. No longer associated with “getting older,” the clinics are seeing unprecedented numbers of Millennials flocking to get the treatment done. Within just five years, Botulinum Toxin use among people aged 19 to 34 increased by 87%.

Dr. Kang has observed this phenomenon in her own practice. “Botox has become very popular among young people,” Dr. Kang says. “While older generations are concerned with correcting damage, people in their 20s and 30s are staying ahead of the curve and actively figuring out how to preserve their skin tone and ward off unwanted lines.”

High-Intensity Ultrasound Stimulation

Another noninvasive miracle generating hype in the industry is high-intensity focused ultrasound. Originally developed to combat certain types of cancer, the procedure uses sound waves to inflict topical thermal injury. When used for aesthetic purposes, treatments like V-Zet stimulate natural collagen production, which causes the skin to lift, tighten, and tone. With regular treatments over the course of three to six months, results are on par with surgery.

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cells are harvested from the patient’s own fat through a mini liposuction procedure and can then be injected into hair for regrowth, into the face for facial rejuvenation, into IV for general well-being and into joints for people with arthritis and joint problems. “Patients that have received this treatment have loved it, including myself,” shares Dr. Kang. “I received the Stem Cell IV treatment in May of last year and have experienced significant increase in energy, focus and performance,” adds Dr. Kang.

Skin Rehydration

For those who want to be pro-active in self-care, but aren’t ready to visit a clinic, Dr. Kang suggests incorporating hyaluronic acid in skincare routine. “One of the most important things for having great skin is hydration,” she explained. “When your skin is dehydrated fine lines and wrinkles are more pronounced. That’s how you end up looking older than your physical age. Hyaluronic acid is a great hydrator because it can hold 1,000 times its weight in water.” It’s one of the buzziest ingredients in skincare starring in multiple products. One of bestsellers is the InterFuse Intensive Treatment LINES by Skinbetter Science. The advanced serum uses patented technology to deliver injectable-grade hyaluronic acid that absorbs deeply into the skin for nearly instant results.

Dr. Lisa Kang (right) and Sophie Azouaou (left), interior design guru and owner of SophiSticate Interiors, together at Burlingame Serenity MedSpa opening.

When it comes to finding the most suitable treatment for your needs, there is no panacea. What works for one person may not work for another. That’s why Dr. Kang stresses the importance of consulting a clinic of your choice. “There’s so much information out there on what is supposedly good or bad, what will work and what won’t work,” she said. “You can’t just listen to the Internet, you need a professional who can customize an individual treatment plan that’s right for you.”

Dr. Lisa Kang at the unveiling of all new Serenity MedSpa Burlingame.

Serenity Medspa has an expanded new full-service location in Burlingame, California. With Bay Area growing at a robust pace of about 90,000 residents per year, it’s one of the most appealing relocation destinations in the country in terms of culture and work opportunities.

“People who are drawn to make a life here are all about taking care of themselves inside and out,” affirms Dr. Kang. “The goal is achieving your best self.” The growing local demand for cosmetic treatments here is driven by the notion of wellness, rather than vanity. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Now, that’s ageless wisdom!

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The Millennial Approach To Remaining Young And Beautiful