Wrinkles are a very common part of the aging process. As the skin ages, it becomes less elastic and more fragile, which is what makes it appear wrinkled. Natural oil production dries up, and facial fat diminishes, making wrinkles and lines more pronounced.
If you are bothered by noticeable wrinkles or fine lines, you have more options than ever to minimize them. Here, Charlotte plastic surgeons Robert Graper and Garrett Harper reveal five of the best ways to remedy wrinkles and enjoy smooth, youthful-looking skin.
1. Botox
The cosmetic injectable known as Botox is great for minimizing wrinkles around the eyes and forehead area. The product is injected into the facial muscles that contract to form expressions like frowning and squinting; it temporarily relaxes the muscle and the overlying wrinkle disappears. Results with Botox typically last three to six months.
2. Facial Fillers
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are very useful for minimizing wrinkles and deeper folds around the nose and mouth. Fillers will also add volume to a deflated cheek, indistinct jawline or pre jowl hollow. Small amounts of filler are injected into the area to “fill in” lines, wrinkles and creases; the hyaluronic acid also helps hold onto moisture for plumper, more supple-looking skin. Depending on the specific filler product, the results can last six months up to a year (or more).
Sometimes Dr. Graper and Dr. Harper combine fillers and Botox into what is known as a “liquid facelift;” this combination delivers more comprehensive wrinkle-reducing results.
3. Laser Skin Resurfacing
Some wrinkles respond well to laser skin resurfacing treatments, which use short pulses of light to remove the top layer of damaged skin and stimulate the deep layers of the skin to promote collagen remodeling. As a result, the new skin that forms is smoother, firmer and more youthful looking. Halo is a fractionated laser combining two different types of lasers into one more effective treatment with less down time and great results for the right patient. More significant wrinkles will require deeper chemical peel or laser treatments.
There are many different kinds of laser treatment options, each designed to treat different skin concerns. Based on an examination of your lines and wrinkles, our plastic surgeons can recommend the best option for you.
4. Microneedling
Microneedling is quickly gaining attention for its wrinkle-reducing capabilities. A special device is used to make microscopic pricks in the skin, in turn stimulating the body’s natural healing processes. New collagen and elastic fibers are produced and fine lines and wrinkles become less noticeable. Treatment is non-surgical and very well-tolerated by our patients.
5. Facelift
Facelift procedure is a comprehensive solution to wrinkles as well as other signs of aging like thin, loose skin and jowls. The procedure involves tightening and lifting the underlying facial structures and re-draping the skin more tightly over the face. We typically recommend facelift to patients in their 50s, 60s and 70s that are looking for a surgical solution to turn back the clock on facial aging. Facelifts will treat the extra skin, extra fat and loose muscles in the face. Additional treatments, such as filler or peels, are needed to treat deflation of the face and quality of skin issues. The correct diagnosis by a board certified plastic surgeon needs to be made in order to correctly and completely address all the aging issues.
To schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your options, please call Graper Cosmetic Surgery at 704.375.7111 or send us an email.