Wrinkles
What Are Wrinkles and What Causes Them?
A normal part of the aging process, wrinkles are lines and creases that form on your skin over time. Wrinkles usually appear as folds, ridges, or creases and are most often found on your face, neck, and arms. The following factors usually cause wrinkles:
Age
As you age, your skin becomes less elastic as the middle layer of your skin (dermis) starts to thin. It also produces less collagen, which is a protein that gives your skin elasticity and structure. Your skin becomes drier due to a decreased production of natural oils, making it appear more wrinkled. Fat in the deep layer of your skin also decreases as you age, causing more pronounced lines and crevices.
UV Exposure
Even though genetics play a major role in your skin structure and texture, UV exposure is a primary cause of early wrinkling. Exposure to UV light (such as sun tanning or tanning beds) breaks down your skin’s collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in your skin sagging and wrinkling prematurely.
Smoking
Research shows that smoking can cause a reduction in the production of new collagen, which is essential to the skin’s elasticity and structure—decreased collagen results in the development of wrinkles.
Repeated Facial Expressions
Repeated facial expressions and movements such as squinting, smiling, or furrowing brows can lead to fine lines and wrinkles as the repeated movements cause grooves to form under the skin’s surface.
Wrinkles aren’t harmful, but they are permanent unless treated, and many people are bothered by the look of them.
Fine Lines
Similar to wrinkles, fine lines develop when the skin becomes folded, and it is not able to bounce back to its original shape. The difference between fine lines and wrinkles is the depth of the crease in the skin. Fine lines appear to be very mild, while wrinkles are deeper set into the skin.
Treatments Available At
Meg & Co.
Botox
Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment that helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause them. It is a non-surgical procedure that is minimally invasive and requires little downtime. Botox is most commonly used to treat wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, and between the eyebrows.
Dysport
Dysport is a similar treatment to Botox, also used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It is a neurotoxin that is injected into the muscles to relax them and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is commonly used to treat the same areas as Botox.
Genius RF Microneedling
Genius RF Microneedling is a non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatment that uses microneedles and radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of wrinkles. It can also help to tighten and firm the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Carbon Laser Facial
The Carbon Laser Facial is a non-invasive treatment that uses a laser and a carbon peel to remove impurities from the skin, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is a quick and effective treatment with no downtime.
LaseMD Ultra Skin Resurfacing
LaseMD Ultra is a non-invasive laser skin resurfacing treatment that uses fractionated laser energy to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help to improve skin texture, tone, and overall skin health.
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that are used to add volume to the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They are made of a variety of different materials, including hyaluronic acid, and can be used to treat areas around the eyes, mouth, and cheeks.
Safety Considerations
While all of our wrinkle reduction treatments are extremely safe and effective, there are some things you should consider before treatment.
Botox & Dysport
While there are possible side effects, as with almost any medical treatment, they are rare with appropriate use and typically very mild. If you have complicating conditions like diabetes, you are more likely to experience these side effects. You should also not receive Botox or Dysport treatments when you’re pregnant or actively breastfeeding.
Genius RF Microneedling
If you are taking or have taken Accutane, have a skin infection, have a significant skin disease like psoriasis, you’re taking anticoagulants, are pregnant, or undergoing chemotherapy, micro-needling is contraindicated. If you have a compromised immune system, your blood doesn’t clot, or you have difficulty healing from minor, superficial skin damage, micro-needling is not a good choice for you. Be sure to protect your skin for several days after treatment with sunscreen, and avoid wearing makeup for at least 24 hours after treatment to allow your skin to recover.
LaseMD Ultra II
If you’re already prone to acne or another facial skin problem, a resurfacing laser can trigger a flare-up. Consult with your dermatologist before trying a resurfacing laser if you’re prone to acne or facial skin problems.
Maximizing Results
To maximize the results of your wrinkle reduction treatment, follow the recommended post-treatment care. Please keep in mind that you may require multiple sessions over time to maintain your results.
FAQ
Can I combine wrinkle reduction treatments?
Yes! You can combine Botox and Dysport with our Genius RF Microneedling or LaseMD treatment to achieve more dramatic results. Any treatment that improves collagen levels or general skin elasticity will be an effective complementary therapy for reducing your wrinkles and fine lines.
How many sessions will I need?
Typically, we recommend 3 treatments 6 to 8 weeks apart for Genius RF microneedling, 3 treatments 3-5 weeks apart for LaseMD, and treatments every 3-6 months for Botox/Dysport. However, everyone’s skin is different, and our expert clientele at Meg & Co. are happy to discuss a treatment plan unique to your needs!
How can I prevent wrinkles and fine lines from returning?
Prevent future wrinkles and fine lines by getting treatment as soon as possible! It’s best to keep up with treatments through routine maintenance. Not only do Botox/Dysport, microneedling, and resurfacing lasers eliminate scarring, but they also prevent future wrinkles and other imperfections from occurring.