Fresh Ideas: Lifestyles Over Knifestyles

In his latest book, The Age Fix: A Leading Plastic Surgeon Reveals How To Really Look Ten Years Younger, Detroit-based plastic surgeon Tony Youn, MD shies away from knifestyles and instead focuses more on lifestyles that can prevent or reverse aging—without surgery.

Dr. Youn finished his general surgery residency and his plastic surgery residency at Michigan State University in Grand Rapids, and completed his fellowship in aesthetic plastic surgery in Beverly Hills. He regularly appears on “The Rachael Ray Show” and was featured on E! Entertainment's “Dr. 90210.”

Dr. Youn spoke with Modern Aesthetics® about the origins of his new book as well as his holistic approach to anti-aging.

Why write another book on plastic surgery?

My first book, In Stitches, was a labor of love. It was a memoir, but The Age Fix answers some of the most common questions I get from my patients, such as “What should I eat to look younger? What should I avoid to look younger? What should I use on my skin?” In this book, I share all the secrets I've learned during my 18 years of training and being a plastic surgeon. It includes tips from dermatologists, nutritionists, and make-up artists, most of which are non-surgical in nature. As a plastic surgeon, we learn about reconstruction and surgery, but there is much more to looking younger and reversing the signs of aging in the skin. That is what this book is really about.

Are you aiming to put plastic surgeons out of business with all this lifestyle advice?

Not at all. I want my patients to have the least amount of surgery necessary to make them happy, and there are many options short of surgery to get them there. I describe the various levels of intervention early on in the book, starting with natural (healthy diet), chemical (creams and lotions), technical (energy-based devices), and surgical. There will always be a role and a need for surgery. For example, if you want bigger breasts, surgery is the only way to go.

What are we consuming that is aging us prematurely?

When I grew up, sugar wasn't the enemy, fat was. We had all these low-fat products but they were still loaded with sugar. Sugar is, by far, the worst culprit foodwise as far as aging goes. It contributes to chronic inflammation, and that can age our skin. Sugar=wrinkles!

Sugar, which is also found in refined grains such as white rice and bagels, causes blood sugar spikes, and over time, this leads to inflammation and wrinkles. Instead, avoid sugar and refined grains in favor of whole grains.

So if sugar is out, is fat in?

It's certainly “in” when it comes to fat grafting procedures. The story about fat in our diet is not as straightforward. We know that saturated and trans fats can cause us to age more quickly, but good fats such as those found in olive oil, nuts, fatty fish, and avocados help to moisturize skin and fight against free radical damage. It's not about avoiding fat, but choosing healthier kinds.

What else do you advise your patients to eat?

Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables are important. I tell them to aim for at least two servings of vitamin-C rich foods a day because vitamin C also boosts the natural production of collagen and elastin. A glass of red wine a day is also skin-smart. Rich in polyphenols, red wine is a potent and powerful source of antioxidants. Keep it to one glass, though. The negative effects of alcohol start to outweigh these benefits if you over imbibe.

Is this how you live?

Yes. I drink green tea almost every day, include healthy fresh fruits and vegetables in each meal, eat fish a few times a week and try to avoid sugars and processed foods.

Can you share one of your more surprising DIY beauty tips from the book?

Mayonnaise is an effective eye cream. Just apply a small amount of mayonnaise to the crow's feet area with a cotton ball and leave it for 20 minutes, then wash it with warm water and apply your favorite moisturizer.

What is your go-to skincare advice?

It really depends on your age. Sun protection is important for all ages. I recommend an antioxidant cream. Tretinoin is also a potent anti-ager, but I am realistic and know that some patients can't tolerate it all that well. Newer iterations are less irritating. Some include time-release technology and/or anti-inflammatory peptides so patients can get the benefits and minimize the risk of irritation.

Are diet and exercise always the answer?

No. Sometimes diet and exercise are not enough to remove small stubborn pockets of fat. In these cases, I recommend some energy-based technologies. If someone wants modest reduction of fat in their thighs, I suggest Coolsculpting or Ultrashape, and if they need dramatic fat reduction, there is no substitute for tumescent liposuction.

The book will be in stores on April 5, 2016. A television special, “The Age Fix,” begins airing on PBS in June 2016.