Wrinkles and Folds
As the skin ages, it undergoes more production of the enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases. This enzyme breaks down collagen, and skin loses its elasticity. This results in the wrinkles and folds you see around your eyes and mouth. These wrinkles can also take the form of fine surface lines on your face, neck, the backs of your hands, and the tops of your forearms.
Treating Wrinkles and Folds*
Cosmeceuticals
Cosmeceuticals are skin care products that have measurable biological effects on skin. Skin care products are your best bet for the long-term prevention of aging.* Everyone should use a high quality broad spectrum sunscreen every day. And everyone should be using anti-oxidant serums such as vitamin A and vitamin C. After that there are numerous specialty products with anti-aging properties. Skin Medica® and Cellcosmet® have outstanding lines.*
The best treatment is prevention, so start using cosmeceuticals early and use them every day.
To read more about cosmeceuticals click here.
Nerve Blockers
Nerve blockers (botulinum toxin) interfere with signals from nerves to muscles, which relaxes them and results in a reduction of dynamic wrinkles in the area (dynamic lines are line caused by muscle movement).*
Treatments usually involve 5 shots given to the forehead, 3 around each eye, and 5-7 shots are given in the glabellum (between the eyebrows). This takes roughly 10 minutes and there is no downtime.
The best candidates for nerve blockers are women and men in their 30s to 60s. The younger you are when you start treatment, the better. You can greatly reduce the amount of wrinkles and folds you'll have later in life.*
Nerve blockers may not be as effective by the time people are in their 70s, but there certainly are many people beyond their 60's who would still benefit.*
For details about nerver blockers click here.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are injected to "fill" any wrinkles or folds.
We offer two kinds: hyaluronic acid (Juvederm®) and Sculptra®. For more information on Sculptra, please read the next section. Here we'll discuss Juvederm® (hyaluronic acid fillers).
There are 3 products in the Juvederm® line: Volbella®, Volift®, and Voluma®, listed from thinnest to thickest. Voluma®gives the longest duration of effect, averaging about 18 months.*
Most procedures take about half an hour and the effects of dermal fillers can be seen immediately following the first treatment. The duration of benefit depends on the substance used, the area injected, and the person injected, and can range from 9-18 months.*
For an in-depth discussion of fillers click here.
Sculptra®
In Sculptra® treatments, poly-L-lactic acid is injected. This substance occurs naturally in the body.
Sculptra® stimulates collagen production.* Effects come on gradually and last an amazing 3-4 years.* The treatment itself takes about 30 minutes, and three treatments is the usual.
To read more about Sculptra® click here.
Micro-needling
Micro-needling remodels skin, adding elastin and collagen. Thousands of tiny needle punctures are made. These microscopic wounds trigger the body's healing response resulting in a significant improvement in skin tightness, texture, and lines.* Several sessions are required (3-6) depending on the severity of the problem. Treatments are generally very well tolerated.
Skin Tightening
Laser and RF devices can be used to tighten skin.
RF (radio frequency) skin tightening treatments can improve wrinkles and folds.* Painless harmless radio waves tighten skin by boosting collagen production.
The Gentle Max Pro laser uses infrared light to stimulate collagen production.
You can get more information when you click here.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Fractional laser skin resurfacing is a safe and easy way to treat your fine lines and wrinkles.*
Its advanced laser beam is split (or "fractionated") into numerous tiny beams, which creates tiny holes that are surrounded by healthy skin. The uninjured skin seals over the tiny holes very quickly. Over the course of several treatments all of your skin is replaced by fresh new skin.
In the 1990s, earlier forms of laser treatments treated wrinkles and folds by burning off every square millimetre of damaged skin, which is why patients needed a month to heal. The Pixel now allows patients to fully recover in a matter of days.
Click here for more information about skin resurfacing.
Our knowledgeable and experienced staff can help you with your wrinkles and folds today.
You can contact us by calling (905) 726-1126
*Results may vary.
