“Most people think aging is just wrinkles,” says Dr. Rosalyn George, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Wilmington Dermatology Center. “But what’s really happening is in all of the layers — all the way down to the bone.”
During her recent educational webinar, Dr. George walked attendees through what actually causes facial aging, how skin changes over time, and the modern treatment options available — from Botox and fillers to lasers, skin boosters, and body contouring.
Here’s a recap of the key takeaways
“It Didn’t Happen Overnight.”
One of the biggest misconceptions about aging?
“People come in and say, ‘Oh my gosh, this happened overnight.’ It does seem that way — but women actually start aging in their 20s.”
Collagen loss begins earlier than most people realize. Over time:
- Fat pads shift and descend
- Bone structure changes (especially in the jaw and chin)
- Skin thins
- Ligaments loosen
- Pigmentation accumulates
“All of these different layers are changing as we age. So it’s not one thing.”
The Role of Sun Exposure
Dr. George emphasized that up to 80% of visible aging can be attributed to sun exposure.
“We are so lucky to live in this beautiful area… but we are out in the sun a lot. And it is the number one cause of our aging.”
That’s why skincare is foundational — not optional.
Her non-negotiables?
- Sunscreen every day
- Topical Vitamin C in the morning
- Retinoid at night
“If you’re going to pay us to make your skin look better, you should protect your investment.”
Wrinkles: Dynamic vs. Static
Dr. George breaks wrinkles into two categories:
- Dynamic wrinkles – caused by movement (forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet)
- Static wrinkles – visible at rest (often from sun damage or long-term repetitive movement)
Neuromodulators like Botox remain one of the safest and most consistent treatments.
“I started Botox when I was 28 years old. It still works. It’s one of the safest things that we do.”
Her philosophy?
Natural movement. No frozen faces.
Volume Loss & The Truth About Fillers
Fillers have gotten a bad reputation — but Dr. George is clear about why.
“People went and tried to just fill until all of that volume was corrected. And what happened was people got overfilled and started to look weird.”
Instead, she emphasizes:
- Small amounts
- Strategic placement
- Multiple sessions
- Artistic approach (not paint-by-numbers)
“Done right, filler is a very powerful tool — especially in combination with other things.”
Common treatment areas include:
- Lips
- Jawline
- Temples
- Marionette lines
- Tear trough (with extreme conservatism)
“If someone wants to put six syringes of filler in your face every time they see you, I would suggest seeing somebody different.”
Skin Tightening: Realistic Expectations
Dr. George is refreshingly honest:
“Nothing fixes true laxity and tightens the skin unless you have surgery. But there are things we can do to improve it.”
Popular in-office options include:
Speaking about Everesse, she shared:
“I got it and thought — there’s no way this works because it doesn’t hurt. But it really does a decent job of lifting the skin.”
These treatments are often done in series and tailored to age, skin thickness, and downtime tolerance.
Pigmentation: The #1 Thing That Ages You
“There was a study where people guessed ages based on photos,” Dr. George said.
“Pigmentation was the number one thing that aged someone.”
Options include:
- Medical-grade skincare
- Chemical peels
- BBL (Broadband Light)
- Pico laser
- Laser resurfacing (fractionated CO2, CoolPeel, Helix)
“Pigment is often where I recommend people start.”
Skin Quality: The Holy Grail
“That glow — that’s what we’re all after.”
One treatment she highlighted is SkinVive, a skin booster injected in tiny micro-amounts to enhance hydration and brightness.
“It’s not volumizing. It enhances the water held in the skin. You see brightening and improvement in fine lines without overfilling.”
Don’t Forget the Body
The webinar also covered:
- CoolSculpting (fat freezing for contouring — not weight loss)
- CoolTone (muscle stimulation for tone and functional strength)
- Laser hair removal
- Tattoo removal
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating treatment)
“As we age, our fat sits differently. Contouring areas like bra fat can make a huge difference.”
STAR Event: Lock in the Lowest Pricing of the Year
“We developed STAR Event to showcase everything we do in the office and reward our loyal clients with the lowest pricing of the year.”
How It Works
- You don’t have to decide your exact treatments.
- You choose your general budget.
- You place a deposit during STAR Week.
- That locks in the lowest pricing of the year.
- You can use it toward Botox, fillers, lasers, skincare, and more.
STAR Week runs March 9–13.
There is also a raffle benefiting Make-A-Wish of Eastern North Carolina, a cause Dr. George has supported for over 15 years.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re just starting to notice early signs of aging or looking for more advanced correction, Wilmington Dermatology Center offers:
- Complimentary cosmetic consultations
- Customized treatment plans
- Evidence-based skincare recommendations
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” Dr. George reminds patients. “Combination treatments done thoughtfully give the best results.”
⭐ RSVP for the STAR Event
Don’t miss your opportunity to lock in the lowest pricing of the year.
✔ Review treatment options
✔ Set your aesthetic budget
✔ Secure STAR pricing
✔ Enter the Make-A-Wish raffle
👉 RSVP now on our website to receive updates and STAR Event access details.
Spots and promotional pricing are limited to STAR Week only.