Ageing gracefully is an art and a science. As we grow older, our skin naturally begins to show signs of the passing years through lines and wrinkles, which often appear first on our face. These visible markers of age can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, sun exposure, lifestyle choices, and skin type. While some embrace these changes, others seek out ways to minimise their appearance, striving for a more youthful look.
In this blog, Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna will explore solutions for lines and wrinkles, how these treatments work, the areas of the face they are most effective on and what you can realistically expect in terms of results. Safety, potential side effects, and how to choose the right option for your skin type will also be thoroughly discussed.
Ageing is an inevitable part of life, and as we age, our skin begins to show the first signs through lines and wrinkles. These changes in our complexion can be attributed to a variety of factors, each affecting the skin in different ways.
Over time, the natural collagen and elastin in your skin begin to degrade, and your skin loses its elasticity and moisture. This process is accelerated by factors such as excessive sun exposure, pollution, smoking, and repeated facial expressions. These external and internal influences contribute to the formation of fine lines and deep wrinkles, which are often more pronounced in areas subjected to frequent movements, such as around the eyes and mouth.
It’s useful to differentiate between the types of lines and wrinkles that can appear on the face:
Being aware of these distinctions can help you identify the most appropriate treatments, which will vary depending on the type and location of the lines and wrinkles you are experiencing.
Injectable treatments have revolutionised the approach to managing signs of ageing, offering solutions that can be both preventative and corrective. These minimally invasive options provide significant results without the downtime associated with surgery.
Injectables are substances used to improve the appearance of skin by filling wrinkles, augmenting facial features, or relaxing muscle activity. The results are typically temporary, lasting from a few months to a few years depending on the product used and your skin type and lifestyle.
There are mainly three types of injectables each suited to different cosmetic needs:
This category of injectables includes popular treatments that temporarily alter nerve impulses to muscles, reducing their activity. The primary use of neuromodulator injections is to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles such as crow’s feet, forehead lines, and glabellar lines (between the eyebrows). By relaxing these muscles, neuromodulator injections can smooth out the skin and decrease the appearance of wrinkles.
The procedure involves a series of small injections directly into the muscle with a fine needle. You might feel a slight sting during the injection, but the discomfort is minimal and temporary. The full effect of neuromodulator injections typically develops over the following week and can last anywhere from three to six months, depending on individual factors like your age, skin condition, and lifestyle.
Key Features:
Mechanism of Action
Neuromodulators are injected directly into the muscles responsible for creating facial expressions. By inhibiting the nerve signals that cause these muscles to contract, these injections help to relax the muscles, smoothing out the skin above them. This results in a more youthful, refreshed look.
Common Treatment Areas
Expected Outcomes and Duration of Effects
The effects of neuromodulator injections are temporary, typically lasting between 3 and 6 months. Results begin to show within a few days after treatment, with full effects visible within one to two weeks. Regular follow-up sessions are necessary to maintain the anti-ageing effects.
Safety and Side Effects
While generally safe, they can cause side effects such as bruising, swelling at the injection site, and occasionally, a mild headache post-treatment. In rare cases, there can be a slight drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow, which usually resolves as the effects of the toxin wear off.
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, soften creases, or enhance facial contours. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers are the most popular type of dermal filler because of their effectiveness and natural-looking results. HA is a natural substance found in your skin, which makes these fillers safe and less likely to cause reactions.
Fillers come in different viscosities which are used depending on the area and desired effect. For instance, thicker fillers are ideal for restoring volume to sunken cheeks or temples, while thinner fillers are used for fine lines around the eyes.
Unlike neuromodulator injections, dermal fillers provide immediate results. The treatment is quick, typically taking about 30 minutes, and while there may be some swelling or bruising initially, recovery time is generally short.
Key Features:
Types of Fillers and Their Uses
Treatment Areas
Benefits and Potential Results
Fillers provide immediate results; you will notice an enhancement right after the session. These effects can last from 6 months to over a year, depending on the type of filler used. As the filler gradually breaks down, follow-up treatments are needed to maintain the result.
Safety Profile and Possible Side Effects
Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site. Rare complications can include allergic reactions or filler migration, which can be managed by a qualified practitioner.
Bio-stimulators are a unique class of injectables that induce collagen production over time. These treatments are ideal for improving skin texture and firmness. The results are not immediate; instead, they develop gradually as your body responds to the bio-stimulatory agent by producing new collagen. Common bio-stimulators include Polylactic Acid (PLLA) and Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA), which are both naturally occurring substances in the body.
The advantage of bio-stimulators is their long-lasting effects, which can continue to improve your skin’s appearance for several years. However, because the results take time to appear, patience is necessary, and multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal outcomes.
Key Features:
How They Work
Bio-stimulators are injected into the skin to mimic the body’s natural response to produce collagen. This not only helps to increase skin thickness and elasticity but also reduces wrinkles and fine lines over time.
Areas of Use and Effectiveness
Duration of Benefits and What to Expect
The full effects of bio-stimulators develop gradually over several months as your body produces new collagen. The results are long-lasting, often persisting for 2-3 years with proper maintenance.
Risks and Safety Information
Bio-stimulators have a good safety profile, but there are some risks involved, such as nodules or irregularities in the skin, which can be managed by experienced professionals.
Each type of injectable treatment offers different benefits, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific cosmetic concerns and goals. As these treatments can involve risks, it is crucial to consult with Anca who can provide a detailed assessment and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
Selecting the best injectable treatment for addressing lines and wrinkles involves several factors and should be guided by professional advice. Here’s how you can make a decision about which treatment might be best for you:
Before considering any procedure, it’s essential to clarify what you hope to achieve. Are you looking to diminish fine lines, reduce deeper wrinkles, or restore facial volume? Maybe your goal is to achieve a more youthful complexion with smoother skin overall. Each type of injectable treatment targets different issues, so knowing your objectives will help you and Anca decide which treatment is most suitable.
The condition of your skin plays a critical role in determining which injectables will be most effective. Neuromodulator injections are typically recommended for expression lines such as crow’s feet or forehead wrinkles, which are caused by muscle movements. Dermal fillers are better suited for deeper, static wrinkles and for enhancing volume in areas like the cheeks and lips. Bio-stimulators are ideal for overall skin rejuvenation, improving texture and firmness by enhancing collagen production.
Consulting with Anca is crucial. She can provide a detailed skin assessment and help you understand which treatments can achieve your desired outcomes. She will consider factors like skin type, age, facial structure, and the degree and type of wrinkles you have.
Your lifestyle can also influence your choice of treatment. Some treatments require minimal downtime, while others might need a more significant recovery period. If you have a busy schedule, you might prefer a treatment with quick results and no downtime. Neuromodulator injections and most dermal fillers typically have very short recovery times, allowing you to return to your daily activities almost immediately.
The duration of the treatment’s results is another important consideration. Neuromodulator injections generally last about 3-6 months, while the effects of dermal fillers can last from 6 months to over a year depending on the type used. Bio-stimulators offer the longest-lasting results, sometimes maintaining effects for 2-3 years. Your preference for short-term or long-term results will guide your decision.
Cost is often a decisive factor in choosing a treatment. Generally, neuromodulator injections are less expensive than dermal fillers or bio-stimulators. However, they also require more frequent sessions to maintain the results. Dermal fillers and bio-stimulators might offer more value over time due to their longer-lasting effects, despite a higher initial cost.
Finally, assess the safety and potential risks associated with each type of injectable. While all injectables have a profile of potential side effects, your individual health conditions and allergies might make some options better than others. Ensure that you discuss all potential risks and side effects with Anca before proceeding.
In addition to injectable treatments, there are various other methods available that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Each of these alternatives comes with its own set of benefits and may be preferred if you are looking for non-injection-based options.
Creams and Serums: The use of topical retinoids is one of the most effective dermatologist-recommended methods to treat fine lines and wrinkles. Retinoids help to increase collagen production and speed up cell turnover. Over-the-counter moisturisers and serums containing hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and peptides also offer hydration and mild rejuvenation to the skin.
Chemical peels involve the application of a solution to the face, which exfoliates the skin and causes dead skin cells to peel off. When the skin grows back, it is usually smoother with less visible fine lines. Peels range from mild to deep penetration, depending on the concentration of the acids used.
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure used to renew overall skin tone and texture. It can improve the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and other skin-related concerns and conditions.