Understanding Wrinkles: Prevention and Treatment Strategies
Love them or hate them, wrinkles are a natural part of life and the aging process. Wrinkles tend to appear in our early-mid thirties, and are usually accompanied by other signs of aging such as sagging skin and age spots.
Not All Wrinkles are Created Equal: Dynamic vs. Static
To better understand how they form and what causes them, wrinkles generally fall into two categories: dynamic and static.
Dynamic wrinkles are associated with repeated facial expressions such as smiling, laughing, frowning and squinting. Static wrinkles are lines that have become etched in over time and are visible even when the face is at rest.
When we’re young our dermal elasticity is robust and our skin returns to its smooth appearance when we’re not smiling or laughing. With each contraction of the muscle fibres, over many years, it takes more time for our skin to recover and static lines start to creep in.
The most effective way to prevent and treat dynamic lines is using a neuromodulator such as Botox. When injected into the muscle, the neurotoxin blocks nerve impulses between muscle cells, preventing the contraction that leads to dynamic lines.
Left Untreated, Dynamic Wrinkles Can Turn into Deep Static Lines
Many people wait until their wrinkles are quite deep before starting Botox treatment. At this point, their lines are now static, which means they’re visible all the time, even when the face is at rest.
Static lines are much more difficult to reverse with neuromodulators; however, with regular use, static lines can soften considerably. Really the best way to use Botox is as a preventative measure to proactively avoid the formation of dynamic lines (that later become static).
Other Causes of Static Wrinkles
If you used to be a sun worshiper in your teens or early twenties, then you may find yourself with crepey skin or fine static lines in areas such as cheeks, chin and around the eyes.
Botox may not do much for these types of lines because they’re more superficial, caused by a breakdown of collagen. Instead, they may benefit from other types of treatments that stimulate collagen.
Microneedling is an excellent way to boost collagen in your skin, giving it a smoother appearance. For something a little more powerful, our Venus Viva combines microneedling with RF energy to noticeably firm and smooth your complexion.
Skin peels are another excellent way to boost collagen production. Usually performed in a series of 3-5, one notable advantage of chemical peels is that they can also address other concerns at the same time, such as hyperpigmentation and texture issues.
In some cases, dermal fillers can help to plump up the skin, especially in areas such as around the mouth and upper lip. Fillers contain hyaluronic acid, which attracts water into the skin, thereby temporarily smoothing the appearance of fine lines.
Keep in mind that a combination of the treatments mentioned above are usually best to achieve a noticeable reduction of static wrinkles.
Give us a call at 613-342-0220 to find out more about our wrinkle treatments, and any special offers here at BrockvilleMediSpa. We invite you to book a personalized consultation with Dr. Steyn or Nurse Vicki. Look better without looking different!
