Wrinkles happen to everyone eventually and are a natural result of the aging process. However, no one likes looking older and if you have too many wrinkles or they are too prominent, they can have a negative impact on your self-esteem. Depending on the type of wrinkles you have, there are different treatment options that can help reduce their appearance and improve the way your skin looks.
Here are the different types of wrinkles and which treatments work best for each:
Dynamic Wrinkles
Dynamic expression lines appear when you move your face in a certain way, often while smiling, talking, or laughing. Some examples include crow’s feet, smile lines, frown lines, and lines on your forehead. Over time, these become permanent and will be visible even when your face is completely still.
Botulinum toxin type A injections, such as Dysport, are the best treatment for dynamic wrinkles. This works by blocking nerve signals to targeted muscles so they cannot move. The results typically last 3-5 months, at which point you would need to get another injection if you wanted to keep the lines from reappearing.
Static Wrinkles
Static wrinkles are different from the dynamic variety because they are present at all times, not just when you make certain facial expressions. Elastic creases appear due to a loss of collagen and elastin. This happens as we age but can also be accelerated by sun exposure, smoking, or your diet. At first, they may be fine lines, but they can deepen over time.
Dermal fillers can help fill in and soften these facial lines and creases. These injections plump your skin and add volume where you need it. Many types of fillers use hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in your body and keeps your skin moisturized. Like botulinum toxin injections, you will need to schedule dermal filler injections regularly to keep wrinkles away. This is because the effects wear off in 3-6 months depending on the injection sites.
Gravitational Folds
In addition to causing static lines, the loss of collagen and elastin can result in sagging as your skin becomes thinner. Wrinkles that result from this sagging are known as gravitational folds.
Dermal fillers can treat some of these wrinkles, but if you notice severe sagging, you may want to consider a facelift. This type of plastic surgery involves tightening the skin and muscles of your face and neck. A facelift can revitalize your appearance and lasts longer than injections. Depending on the techniques your surgeons use, a facelift can last up to 15 years.
Treating Multiple Types of Wrinkles
Most people will not have one specific type of wrinkles, but will instead have a combination of different signs of aging. As a result, a combination of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures can help treat your concerns.
We Can Help You Look Younger
If you are concerned about fine lines and wrinkles, Dr. Hess and Dr. Sandeen can help. During your initial consultation, we will go over your options to find the best treatments for your needs and desires. We are board-certified plastic surgeons and in addition to surgical procedures, we also perform botulinum toxin and dermal filler injections.
