Wrinkles are folds and creases in the skin. A number of factors contribute to the formation of wrinkle. The good news is there are many treatments for wrinkles. Heredity, sun damage, muscle pull, gravity changes, sleep creases, and fat loss and redistrubition each have treatments.

Heredity: We inherit a predisposition for the deterioration of the skin’s building blocks, the fibrous protein known as collagen found in the dermis. If you look at your parents and grandparents, you will have a good idea of the pattern of wrinkling you might expect to see in yourself. Unfortunately, we cannot chose our ancestors so we cannot prevent this predisposition to wrinkling. Prevention treatments are nutritional factors, both topically and orally (vitamins A, C, E and zinc). Rejuvenation treatments are medicated creams (trenitoin and alpha hydroxy acids), chemical peels, microdermabrasion, facial fillers (collagen and hyaluronic acid) and laser treatments (Genesis and Titan).

Sun Damage: Collagen deterioration is accelerated by the sun’s rays. The ultraviolet B rays and the longer ultraviolet A rays of the sun both penetrate into the dermis, causing the breakdown of collagen and the formation of wrinkles, as well as other signs of sun damage: dilated superficial blood vessels; pigment changes; and scaly patches. Prevention is best taken care of with sunblock (titanium dioxide and zinc), Vitamin C topical creams, sunglasses and protective clothing. Rejuvenation is with medicated creams (trenitoin and alpha hydroxyl acids), chemical peels, microdermabrasion, facial fillers (collagen and hyaluronic acid), and laser treatments (Genesis and Titan).

Muscle Pull: Consistent tension in a particular area of the face due to a habitual facial expression can result in a permanent furrow. Frown lines between the brows, fine lines around the eyes, and smile lines extending between the nose and mouth are common examples of muscle pull furrows. Prevention is aimed at avoiding repetitive muscle pull actions (pursing the lips, frowning). Rejuvenation procedures include muscle relaxing injections (Botox Cosmetic™), facial fillers , and surgical procedures.

Gravity Changes: Young skin, because of its elasticity, can withstand gravitational pull. With age, degeneration of the collagen and elastin in the dermis makes the skin more susceptible to the pull of gravity causing it to sag. Droopy upper eyelids and under the eyes and jowls are common examples of the impact gravity can have on the face. Titan™ is an exciting new procedure to counteract the effects of loss of collagen and elastin and the effects of gravity.

Sleep Creases: Vertical lines on the forehead and the cheeks can be caused by habitually pressing the face into a pillow night after night while sleeping. Sleeping on your back may prevent this problem. Facial fillers will rejuvenate the area once a crease has formed.

Fat Loss and Redistribution: Loss of the fat cushion or redistribution of this cusion in the third layer of the skin often occurs in the fourth to sixth decade of life. A redraping of the skin results, with furrows and creases appearing on the forehead, around the eyes, and on the chin and neck. There is no practical prevention for these changes. Titan™ skin tightening can help, as well as surgical revision of the area of concern.

Each individual will have various components having a different impact. Therefore, the treatment options are individualized for the areas that concern the individual. These may change over time.