Plastic Surgeons Share What They Actually Do to Look Younger

“The most effective anti-aging treatments for me are proper nutrition with a Mediterranean style diet, as well as daily cardio and strength training. Also important are hydration, eight hours of sleep and protecting your skin from the elements.”

—Pittsburgh plastic surgeon Leo R. McCafferty, MD

“A nonablative laser like Moxi, which treats more than one aging concern effectively without very much downtime. It also has an added benefit, because it’s designed to ‘prejuvenate‘ the skin. It effectively eliminates signs of aging, like hyperpigmentation, by targeting pigment well within the skin’s barrier.”

—Houston plastic surgeon Courtney El-Zokm, MD

“I don’t know if what I do is called anti-aging, but I take fish oil, vitamin D, Zinc, coQ-10 and vitamin C every day. Also, I try to not consume too many carbohydrates in my diet. My breakfast usually consists of salmon and eggs. I use sunscreen, don’t smoke or drink coffee and I get at least eight hours of sleep every night. I also go to the gym several times per week.”

—West Orange, NJ plastic surgeon Mokhtar Asaadi, MD

“I use an ascorbic acid-based brightening serum followed by a high-quality moisturizer like Biopelle Tensage Advanced Cream Moisturizer ($82) and a daily sunscreen each morning. I also use retinol before bed. In terms of treatments at the office, I get Dysport injections every four months and love the results in terms of smoothing areas out.”

—Rochester, NY plastic surgeon Calvin Young, MD

“I must confess that I am a regular Botox Cosmetic user. I always joke around that they should put Botox in the water, because it works so well at erasing wrinkles and preventing fine lines. Botox lasts about three months, so I do it regularly.”

—New York plastic surgeon Aviva Preminger, MD

“Morpheus8 radio-frequency microneedling. I love it for my lips and jawline, and also for making my décolletage nice and smooth for spring and summer clothes. After two treatments, I am a newborn. My topical is always the Iridesse Omega Restorative Serum ($155). Without question, this duo gives me the fresh look I need.” 

—Richmond, VA plastic surgeon Ruth L. Hillelson, MD

“I microneedle my face and neck every night, followed by retinol application. I also apply Retin-A every third day. It’s quick and easy and has improved my skin texture and tightness. I easily pass for a person 15 years younger than my chronological age.”

—Encino, CA plastic surgeon George Sanders, MD

“I do a Halo resurfacing with platelet-rich plasma annually, and Ultherapy to my lower face and neck every four years.”

—Vero Beach, FL plastic surgeon Alan Durkin, MD 

“For hair loss, I use all the topical treatments available, including minoxidil and topical Propecia, twice a day. This regimen has allowed me to grow a nice head of hair, which I think keeps the male population looking younger. And I do Dysport every three months no matter what.”

—Portsmouth, NH plastic surgeon Anthony J. Wilson, MD

“It was recently announced that 1 in 8 Americans are on a GLP-1 agonist. Count me in as one of them! It was not an easy road, with episodes of nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain that even required an ER visit, but I would certainly do it again. With my weight loss, I did notice some volume loss in my face, which is why I opted for Sculptra filler, and I’m very happy with the results. The 25 pounds I lost have made working out at the gym easier, and my blood work has never been better!”

—Newport News, VA plastic surgeon Michael Zwicklbauer, MD