FAQs on Wrinkle Treatment

Millions worldwide go for wrinkle treatment every year to rejuvenate their face, forearm, neck and hand and maintain their aesthetic appearance. In the United States alone, 15 million men and women undergo laser resurfacing, cosmetic facial fillers, Botox and other rejuvenation procedures to treat wrinkles.

What is wrinkle treatment?

Wrinkle treatment is an umbrella term used to refer to a number of techniques that help get rid of wrinkled skin and prevent the reappearance of wrinkles.

Why do we have wrinkles?

Wrinkles refer to creases or lines that appear on our skin due to the natural aging process. The skin loses collagen that makes it elastic as we grow older. As a result, folds, ridges, creases and lines appear on the skin as it loosens.

Wrinkles are divided in to two types – static or fine surface lines attributed to aging, smoking or ultraviolet damage and dynamic or deep furrows, such as “frown lines, worry lines and crow’s feet,” attributed to muscles beneath the skin.

When is wrinkle treatment required?

Any one of any age can go for wrinkle treatment when he or she feels that fine line folds, creases or deep furrows affect the aesthetic appearance of  one’s face, neck or hand. The treatment is also suggested to dress up the aging effects, genetic wrinkles and environmental effects on the skin.

How is wrinkle treatment performed?

Wrinkle treatment involves a variety of surgeries, injectables, fillers and other procedure options. The specific wrinkle treatment chosen is suggested based on the type and extent of wrinkles. While surface lines are easy to remove with a single technique, deeper ones need more advanced and multiple techniques.

What are different wrinkle treatment techniques?

  • Chemical peel or application of chemicals, such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid and trichloroacetic acid, to smooth the skin. This non-invasive procedure is for fine-line wrinkles with less intensity.
  • Microdermabrasion or skin polishing using tiny crystals. Spread over several sessions, this superficial sanding of the skin polishes the tissues and erases folds and creases.
  • Dermabrasion or surgical skin sanding involves scraping off the outer skin layer subject to folds, lines, creases or wrinkles.
  • Laser resurfacing, a popular wrinkle treatment option, uses two types of lasers – ablative and nonablative. The former annihilates the outer skin layer and stimulates collagen formation in the inner skin layer through heat therapy. New skin resurfaces after several weeks. Nonablative laser, on the other hand, only stimulates collagen growth without destroying the outer skin and thus offering shorter recovery.
  • Heat and radiofrequency are also used to ensure collagen stimulation and growth.
  • Botox injections are used after prescribed intervals to paralyze muscles beneath the skin and return fullness to the skin without tension.
  • Dermal filler injections inject hyaluronic acid and other fillers to flatten wrinkles.
  • Fat and collagen injections help the skin regain its elasticity
  • Photo rejuvenation or skin toning using photodynamic therapy
  • Surgical procedures, such as facelift, face rejuvenation, etc., that takes out excess fat, replace damaged skin tissues with healthy ones and make the skin layer tight.

Is there any age limitation for wrinkle treatment?

Wrinkle treatment is a solution for those affected by the aging process. It is performed on a patient only after a thorough examination is done by a plastic surgeon. So there is no age limit.

Who is a candidate for wrinkle treatment?

There is no special requirement for being a suitable candidate for wrinkle treatment. Anyone can go for these procedures provided that he or she is in good health and has no ongoing infection. The Chicago plastic surgeon evaluates the recovery potential and possible side effects before suggesting any wrinkle treatment technique.

Is anesthesia required for wrinkle treatment?

Anesthesia is required for dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, facelift and brow lift procedures. Patient condition and the intensity of the procedure influence the decision to use local or general anesthesia or IV sedation. For injections and fillers, there is no need for anesthesia.

How long are wrinkle treatment procedures?

Face lift and similar surgical procedures takes about 1 to 6 hours depending on the extent of the surgery. The duration for other procedures vary between 20 to 60 minutes according to the procedure performed.

How should I feel after wrinkle treatment?

Patients feel redness, numbness, swelling, mild irritation and possibly mild pain soon after the treatment. Some procedures may also lead to temporary bruising. Scars, folds and lines become less visible. Changes in the skin texture and tone will be apparent in 24 to 72 hours depending on the procedure.

How long is the recovery from wrinkle treatment?

The recovery period for chemical peels, Botox treatment, microdermabrasion and derma fillers are less than 24 hours. However, it takes between one to four weeks for recovery from dermabrasion, laser procedures and face rejuvenation surgery.

When is the benefit of wrinkle treatment experienced?

The benefits of wrinkle procedures, such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion, are visible within a short period. Botox treatment and derma fillers take 24 to 48 hours to become fully effective. Laser and dermabrasion treatment results are apparent in two to three weeks while facelift results take about five to eight weeks to become visible. However, it is best to wait until four to six months to experience the final result. In many cases, it may continue to improve up to a year as collagen and elastin take time to fully form and exhibit their effects.

How long do the results of wrinkle treatment last?

Laser, dermabrasion and surgery procedures offer long-lasting results that remain unaffected for several years. Wrinkle treatment though chemical peels, Botox and derma fillers are repeated after a prescribed duration.

To prolong the result, patients must

  • avoid excessive exposure to sun
  • not engage in smoking and tanning
  • keep a healthy diet practice with antioxidants and green vegetables
  • avoid stress
  • ensure fitness and do regular exercise

Are there any risks associated with wrinkle treatment?

Unless performed by experienced plastic surgeons, wrinkle treatment may lead to side effects. Botox injections, chemical peels and fillers may lead to adverse reactions. Laser therapy has the potential to cause burn injuries and pigmentation changes. Facelift and dermabrasion surgery may result in bruising, infection or scars unless done with expertise and apropriate care.

References

Sarifakioglu, Nedim; Terzioglu, A.; Ates, L.; Aslan, G. (2004). “A New Phenomenon: ‘Sleep Lines’ on the Face”. Scan J Plast Reconstr Surg Hand Surg 38 (4): 244–247.

Caplin, DA, Perlyn, CA. Facelifts: a contemporary perspective. Modern Medicine (2010). 107(3): 195-197.

Markus, Ramsey (September 30, 2009). “Botox for Wrinkles”. Baylor College of Medicine. Retrieved July 14, 2010

Kim, K.H., Geronemus, R.G. Nonablative laser and light therapies for skin rejuvenation. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2004;6:398–409.

Buck DW 2nd, Alam M, Kim JY. Injectable fillers for facial rejuvenation: a review. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2009 Jan. 62(1):11-8.

Wise JB1, Greco T. Injectable treatments for the aging face. Facial Plast Surg. 2006 May;22(2):140-6.

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