Wrinkles, for many, are an unwanted sign of aging. Wrinkles are the result of several factors, some of which we can control and others we cannot. The main factor we can control is the sun which causes damage to our underlying collagen and elastic tissue creating wrinkles, brown spots and changes in our skin texture. Daily broad spectrum SPF 30 or greater sunscreen will help reduce further damage. Genetic factors and chronic use of our facial muscles (i.e. chewing, laughing) also contribute to wrinkles and are factors we cannot control.
Many of our patients do a combination of the treatment options below for maximum benefit with minimum risk and disruption to their daily lives.
Wrinkles from sun damage
There are a variety of excellent, safe, effective treatments to reduce unwanted wrinkles that occur from the sun.
1. Topical
Retinoid-based (Vitamin A) creams are the most effective topical therapy. They need to be applied daily for 6-8 months to see improvement. Most patients see improvement in their skin texture, tone and slight wrinkle reduction. There are a variety of other creams or cosmeceuticals our office recommends that have some effect in reversing sun-related skin damage. Topical therapy is most effective for very early signs of sun damage or as a complement to a laser or peel for moderate to severe sun damage.
2. Chemical peels/Microdermabrasion
A series of light chemical peels and/or microdermabrasions are extremely popular for treating sun-damaged skin. They are popular because they are safe and effective with low risk of side effects and minimal disruption to our daily lives. A total of 4-6 treatments are performed at monthly intervals. The procedures are performed in our office without anesthesia. Treatments take 15-20 minutes and the patient can resume normal work and social activities right after the procedure. In between treatments we recommend a vitamin A cream or cosmeceutical for maximum improvement. The majority of patients will see improved skin tone, clarity, and some wrinkle reduction over several months.
3. Non ablative lasers
Non ablative lasers are a major advancement in skin rejuvenation. The laser fires an intense short burst of energy that selectively heats the underlying collagen while leaving the top layer (epidermis) intact. The heat creates new collagen which results in a reduction of wrinkles.
The procedure takes 30 minutes and is performed in our office. A topical anesthesia is applied in our office followed by the laser treatment. Following the laser there is some redness which typically fades in 30-60 minutes. A total of three treatments are performed at monthly intervals and the full cosmetic impact from the new collagen occurs 6-8 months after the treatments.
4. Ablative lasers
Ablative lasers are used for the most severe forms of chronic sun damage. They can produce dramatic improvement in wrinkles, skin tone and clarity. They do require a 1-3 week recovery before patients feel cosmetically comfortable in work or social settings.
5. Non-sun related wrinkles
Wrinkles from chronic use of our facial muscles produce the wrinkles on our forehead, between our eyebrows and “laugh lines” on our cheeks. Lasers and peels are not effective in treating these wrinkles. Botox and fillers are highly effective and safe.
6. Botox
Botox is used to treat unwanted wrinkles on the forehead and crow’s feet on the upper face. It works by paralyzing the muscles in the treated region resulting in a reduction of wrinkles. The treatments are done in our office without anesthesia. Patients are able to resume regular activities following the treatment. The maximum effect occurs 3-7 days after the treatment. The vast majority of patients have moderate to dramatic reduction in their wrinkles. The improvement lasts 3-6 months.
7. Fillers
Fillers are used to reduce the deep “laugh lines” on our cheeks and chin. Our office uses the safest FDA approved fillers for maximum improvement with minimal risk. Restylane and Juvederm have become the most popular fillers in our office. They are made from a natural product and have an excellent safety profile and cosmetic effect in the skin. The cosmetic effect lasts for 6-9 months for the majority of patients.
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