Normal Aging Linked to Progeria

Many patients I see at my Indianapolis plastic surgery practice are looking for a way to combat how they appear as they age. From simple treatments such as Botox and laser skin resurfacing that smooth out fine lines, wrinkles and even correct skin discoloration in a non-invasive way,  to more complex procedures like facelifts and eyelid surgery, patients will do a lot to age gracefully.

Interestingly enough, new studies suggest that aging is not your cells gradually wearing out as previously thought. In fact, it now seems that the same mechanism that causes children with Progeria to age at seven times the normal rate may play a role in normal aging too. Therefore, aging is actually an active biological mechanism that is messed with when it comes to age-related diseases.

Recent studies found progerin, a toxic protein which is found in large quantities in children with Progeria, is also made in healthy human beings too. This means that our bodies are producing the same toxic protein, but in much smaller amounts, causing us to age at a much slower pace. It also means that something occurs in children with Progeria to produce progerin in larger and more lethal amounts. It’s a far cry from thinking progerin was the actual cause of Progeria. Not only that, these findings show that aging is actually programmed into our cells.

This is just another great step in understanding the aging process. But, though our bodies may be aging on the inside, that doesn’t mean that my Indianapolis plastic surgery practice can’t help you look your best.

To your health and beauty,

Dr. Gregory Chernoff