As people age, they develop wrinkles, sagging skin, and a change in the shape of their faces. Although these signs of aging are normal, they can be concerning and undermine a patient’s confidence. At Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD in Redlands, CA, we help people of all ages maintain their youthful complexion. There are several minimally invasive wrinkle treatment options that tighten the skin and prevent premature aging.
How Can You Get Rid of Wrinkles?
Wrinkles form because the body produces less of the structural proteins collagen and elastin after age 20. The structure of the skin becomes looser, and it starts to sag and wrinkle. At the same time, the body’s tissues become less hydrated, and the cells don’t get replaced or repaired as quickly as before. Fortunately, several excellent treatments can address these issues.
Neuromodulators and dermal fillers are injectables that reverse the signs of aging and allow patients to enjoy smoother skin for longer. The HydraFacial is a soothing treatment designed for those with impurities in their skin. Laser therapy is the most long-lasting anti-aging treatment, and it works to reduce wrinkling and improve skin texture for up to three years at a time.
Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators like BOTOX work by immobilizing the muscles in the treatment area. The active ingredient is called botulinum toxin, and it inhibits the function of the muscles. As a result, the patient can’t create the facial expressions that lead to wrinkles. The treatment works well on dynamic wrinkles that disappear when the muscles are at rest.
Each session takes 20-45 minutes, depending on the area being treated and the amount of gel injected under the skin. Patients can resume most of their regular activities right away, and they don’t have to spend time relaxing after treatment. However, they can’t do strenuous physical activity, expose their skin to UV radiation, or participate in activities that heat the skin too much.
Expected Results
BOTOX and other neuromodulators are extremely popular. Millions of people take part in treatment every year because the results are excellent. These injectables work best on patients who mainly have dynamic wrinkles. Unlike many other treatments, the injections address the root cause of wrinkles, and they prevent them from becoming static. Neuromodulators are great for patients in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s.
Older people who have never been treated might need to combine the injections with dermal fillers or laser treatment. Botulinum toxin is absorbed and excreted by the body after a few months, so the treatment isn’t permanent. Most people come to the clinic three or four times a year to get top-up injections. Neuromodulators are safe for almost everyone, so people can usually keep getting them for many decades.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are a good fit for people who have static wrinkles that are present even when their muscles are relaxed. These injectables are also great for patients who would like to augment their lips and plump up their cheeks. There are several leading brands and dozens of individual formulas available, so almost everyone can find a gel that addresses their specific issue.
Dermal filler appointments are very similar to neuromodulator appointments. The skin is numbed, the injection sites are marked, and the filler is injected under the skin. Afterward, patients can get cleaned up and leave the clinic right away. There’s no need for a lengthy recovery period, and patients can return to work and their routine within a few hours.
Expected Results
The most common fillers are based on hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body and is therefore safe for almost everyone. Each gel is made up of a slightly different combination of ingredients, so the results vary. However, the most popular fillers last between six and eighteen months, so patients don’t have to come to the clinic very often.
You can do several things to enhance your results and prevent a premature breakdown of the hyaluronic acid. Always wear sunscreen when going outside, and avoid exposing your skin to UV radiation. Eat a healthy diet that includes all minerals and vitamins. Drink a lot of water every day. One of the main functions of hyaluronic acid is to hydrate the tissues. That’s why fillers don’t work very well when your body is dehydrated.
The HydraFacial
The HydraFacial is a highly effective wrinkle treatment that doesn’t involve incisions, injections, or the use of chemicals. It is a multistep method that removes damaged cells and encourages the production of healthy tissue. We use a device that exfoliates the skin and suctions away dead cells. Once the old tissue has been removed, a serum is applied to moisturize, rejuvenate, and smooth out the skin.
It’s easy to customize this treatment because several serums are available. Some are suitable for patients who would like to get rid of the signs of aging, while others are great for those who are worried about hyperpigmentation or blemishes. Each HydraFacial treatment only takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and there is no downtime after the session.
Expected Results
Almost everyone is happy with their HydraFacial results. The treatment helps patients achieve a healthy glow and get rid of small imperfections. It is particularly effective for people who are only just beginning to notice the signs of aging or those who are worried about large pores and pigmentation issues. To see the best results, patients have to come to the clinic every four to six weeks.
The results are almost instantaneous, and most people already feel refreshed and rejuvenated when walking out of the clinic. However, the serums need some time to sink into the skin, so the full effects of the treatment can’t be seen until a few days afterward. People who are getting a HydraFacial before an event like a wedding should come to the clinic approximately one week before the big day.
Laser Skin Treatment
Laser skin treatment is an excellent option for people who would like a noninvasive treatment that doesn’t cause damage to the skin. This method involves using laser energy to heat the skin and stimulate the body’s natural healing response. There are several types of laser therapies available. At the clinic, we offer Ultherapy, Opus Plasma Laser Skin Resurfacing, PicoWay, and more.
When the laser energy hits the skin, the tissues are warmed up, and the top layer is destroyed, so it peels away. At the same time, the underlying layer is heated up, so it starts producing more collagen. Over time, the damaged top layer is replaced by new, healthy cells that are tighter and less wrinkled than before. Most patients need several laser sessions, but each one takes less than an hour.
Expected Results
The initial course of treatment might consist of three to six appointments, each one month apart. Because the skin needs some time to produce collagen and replace the dead cells, the skin texture might continue to improve for two or three months after the final appointment. Although it takes a long time to see an improvement after laser treatment, patients can expect extremely long-lasting results.
Most people don’t have to come back for a maintenance session for at least a year, and some report that their results last for up to three years. The most successful patients are those who take great care of their skin by moisturizing regularly and applying sunscreen when going outside.
Which Wrinkle Treatment Is Right for Me?
As you can see, there are many options for people who would like to improve the complexion of their skin. Neuromodulators are best for those with dynamic wrinkles, while dermal fillers address static wrinkles. The HydraFacial is an excellent option for anyone who’s only recently noticed the first signs of aging. It’s also the perfect treatment for people preparing for a big event.
Laser therapy is great for anyone who would like long-lasting results. Patients who have allergies can take part because it doesn’t involve injecting or applying substances to the skin. The best way to find out whether you’re a good candidate for our minimally invasive treatments is to come to the clinic for an initial consultation. We’ll explain the above-named options in more detail and determine which one works best for your skin.
Maintain Your Youthful Complexion with Minimally Invasive Treatments
Patients who would like to get rid of the signs of aging can choose between neuromodulators, dermal fillers, the HydraFacial, and laser therapy. Sometimes, several methods are combined for the best results. Give us a call at Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD in Redlands, CA to find out more about our wrinkle treatment options and to book your assessment. We look forward to creating your customized treatment plan.
