Known Procedures of Wrinkle Reduction

When you look at your reflection in the mirror, are you constantly focusing in on those lines around your mouth, your eyes, and on your forehead? Do you worry that those wrinkles are going to make you look older than you really are or that how you feel? If so, there are options available for wrinkle reduction that might help you be happier next time you take a peek in the mirror.

Botox Injections

Currently, Botox is probably the most well known treatment for wrinkle reduction on the market. This “in-office” procedure involves injections of a chemical known as Botulinum toxin A (similar to jellyfish poison) into the muscles of your face near the wrinkles. The idea is the toxin paralyzes the muscle which stops the wrinkling, at least for a couple of months. Botox injections must be repeated indefinitely to maintain the wrinkle-free appearance but overuse of the injections can result in the loss of facial muscle control.

Fillers

Another hot procedure for wrinkle reduction are injectable fillers. These materials are injected right into the wrinkles and fills up the line to return the skin’s smooth texture. A wide assortment of fillers are on the market today. Two of the most popular name brands are Restylane and Juvederm but cosmetic surgeons use animal collagen, hyaluronic acid, human collagen, and ePTFE which is type of polymer.

Chemical Peels

Just the name alone may sound painful to some, but to others these are one of the top wrinkle reduction methods available. Basically, chemicals are applied to the skin which burn off the upper layer and force the body to produce a new top layer of skin that is younger looking and more elastic.

Dermabrasion

Not to be confused with microdermabrasion treatment, dermabrasion is a slightly more intense way of removing that outer layer of skin. The same type of crystal emitter is used with both procedures but dermabrasion also used a vacuum device with it. After the procedure, the results are similar to those following chemical peels. You can also use microdermabrasion for wrinkle reduction but only for small lines.

Resurfacing

As you may have suspected from some of the earlier mentioned procedures, one of the most common ways to reduce wrinkles is by damaging the skin and forcing the re-growth of newer layers. The same is true with resurfacing. In this case, a pulsed diode light or a laser are used to injure the skin and cause it to be removed. The newer skin has more collagen so it is smoother, fresher, and younger in appearance.

Prevention

While wrinkle reduction is a good choice if you’re already seeing those fine lines on your face, the best way to deal with the problem is through prevention. One of the main culprits in wrinkling is sun damaged skin, and this is easy to prevent. For one, you should use sunscreen whenever you are in the sun for long periods of time. Wearing a brimmed hat to keep the sun away from your face can also help.

Of course, some wrinkling is going to be a natural part of the aging process as your skin just becomes less elastic. And that’s where the wrinkle reduction treatments above can come in handy.