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Signs of Aging
Fine lines and wrinkles are the most common and most visible signs of aging. The collagen and elastin breakdown in the skin is responsible for the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles . As we age, our bodies are unable to produce enough collagen to replenish what has been lost. As a result, the skin begins to lose its natural elasticity over time. Wrinkle treatment regimens are sought out to decrease these signs of aging on the face and neck.
COMMON CAUSES OF FINE LINES AND WRINKLES
Here are some causes of fine line and wrinkles:
- Aging – As we get older, the skin becomes more fragile and less elastic. There is a decrease in the production of natural oils, therefore drying out the skin and making the face appear more wrinkled. Aging also diminishes fat in the deeper layers of the skin, causing it to appear loose and saggy, enhancing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light – Ultraviolet radiation speeds up the natural aging process, and is considered the primary cause of fine lines and wrinkles. Constant, unprotected exposure to UV light breaks down the skin’s connective tissue that lies in the dermis. UV rays prompt the development of free radicals within the skin, hence damaging the elastin fibres that contribute to wrinkles and skin cancer.
- Smoking – Constant nicotine consumption through smoking dramatically accelerates the natural aging process, contributing to the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Smoking also greatly affects collagen production, increasing the appearance of facial lines.
- Repeated facial expressions – Facial movements, such as squinting, can lead to the early formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Each time a facial muscle is used, grooves are formed beneath the surface of the skin. The natural aging process causes the loss of elasticity in these muscles, hence creating fine lines and wrinkles on the face.
WRINKLE TREATMENT OPTIONS
There are several treatment options for fine lines and wrinkles, depending on the cause and severity of the condition.
This can include, but is not limited to:
- Laser treatment
- Dermal fillers
- Neuromodulators, such as Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®
- PRP (PLATELET RICH PLASMA) FACIAL
- Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT)
Laser Treatment: Laser Genesis is a near-infrared (NIR) Nd:YAG laser with a wavelength of 1064-nm. Laser genesis gently heats the upper dermis well below your skin's surface to help improve the appearance of wrinkles through collagen stimulation. It also decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face, neck, chest, arms, and hands. It is an effective wrinkle treatment that encourages collagen production as it penetrates the innermost layers of the skin.
Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, soften creases or enhance facial contours.
As we age, our faces naturally lose subcutaneous fat. The facial muscles are then working closer to the skin surface, so smile lines and crow's feet become more apparent.
The facial skin becomes thin and stretches and adding this to the loss of facial volume. Other factors that affect the facial skin include sun exposure, heredity and lifestyle.
What dermal fillers can do
- Plump thin lips
- Enhance shallow contours
- Soften facial creases and wrinkles
- Improve the appearance of recessed scars
- Reconstruct contour deformities in the face
- Decrease or remove the shadow of the lower lids
Dermal fillers made with: There are variety of FDA approved filler products.
To name a few:
Hyaluronic Acid(HA) Juvederm XC, VOLUMA, Restylane products
Cacium Hydroxyapatitie(CaHA) Radiesse
Neuromodulators, such as Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®:
Neuromodulators or muscle relaxers works beneath the surface and temporarily reduces the underlying muscle activity that causes moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines in adults – to help them look visibly smoother
There are static facial wrinkles that are the result of gravity or sun damage and cannot be treated by Neuromodulators.
With Neuromodulators you can expect a more refreshed, youthful appearance. By reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles, you will appear more relaxed than before.
Typically, your results will start showing two to three days after the procedure (although this will vary from person to person), with full results noticeable within two weeks. Of course, your results will depend on what areas were treated and with what dosage. In order to retain your refreshed appearance, it is recommended that you repeat the treatment every four months.
PRP (PLATELET RICH PLASMA) FACIAL : PRP facial is a cosmetic procedure. Your medical team first takes a small amount of your blood. Then, they spin it in a centrifuge to extract protein-rich plasma with platelets. Finally, they concentrate the sample, creating what is called platelet-rich plasma (PRP). While aesthetic physicians recently started using PRP to stimulate collagen production, orthopedic doctors have injected PRP to heal injured joints — typically ankles, knees and elbows — for many years. It’s the high amount of growth factors in PRP that help your body heal.
Benefits of a PRP Facial
A PRP Facial can be useful for those who have scars, wrinkles or sun damage. By reintroducing PRP back into the skin, cell turnover is encouraged, which leads to an increase of collagen and elastin production. Your skin will look smoother, tighter and fuller. For facial areas with deeper lines and wrinkles, your doctor may also inject hyaluronic acid fillers and neuromodulators, which are wrinkle-relaxing injections like Botox®. The fillers help restore volume that your face loses naturally with age, while neuromodulators keep facial muscles from contracting. Neuromodulators can help reduce dynamic lines that form from muscle overuse, such as the “crow’s feet” around the eyes.
PRP Facial: Collagen Induction Therapy across your cheeks and forehead followed by application of PRP across your face to increase absorbtion of the proteins and growth factors.
PRP Facelift: Involves injecting PRP into desired areas of augmentation.
Side effects
If you decide to have a PRP facial, prepare to have your blood drawn. You can also expect some pain and slight post-treatment bruising from the Collagen Induction Therapy.
The PRP procedure is safe for almost everyone, except for those with clotting conditions that require blood thinners or people with other blood-related health issues.
Also, when skin is quite loose or has extreme sun damage, non-invasive treatments may not produce a dramatic improvement. You would likely do better with surgery instead.
If you opt for a PRP Facial, you will need a series of treatments 4 to 6 weeks apart to achieve the best results.
You might also need additional maintenance procedures as time passes..
It’s best to ask your doctor’s help in deciding which treatments are likely to provide the best results for your skin.
Collogen Induction Therapy: Collagen Induction Therapy also known as Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure. It involves micro-punctures to the skin with tiny sterilized needles. The small wounds stimulate body to make more collagen and elastin there by reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Treatment areas
Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), may be performed on most areas of the body and face. Frequently used on the face and neck for reducing fine lines and wrinkles
Healing and Risks:
Healing time. It may take days or weeks to heal, depending on the depth of the scars being treated. You may have some minor pain after the procedure, and your skin may be red for a few days.
Peeling. Your skin may feel tight and flake a bit while it heals.
Bruising and bleeding. Slight bruising and microbleeds are common and self resolves.
Possible scarring. Microneedling is not recommended for people who’ve had keloids, scars that look like large bubbles on the skin.
Infection. Unlikely to very low if you are healthy.