Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Fine lines and wrinkles can make you look older than you are and take a toll on your confidence.
Fortunately, there are several treatments that can rejuvenate your appearance such as dermal fillers, skin resurfacing, or a face lift.
So how do wrinkles form in the first place?
Three Stages of Wrinkle Development
Mild Signs of Aging Begin
In the earliest stage, lines and wrinkles typically only appear when you make normal expressions like smiling or raising your eyebrows. This usually begins in your late 20s.
Visible Wrinkles Start to Appear
In the mid-30s, creases begin to develop on the forehead and around the eyes. We also develop wrinkles known as smile lines. This stage is often accompanied by a slight loss of volume in the cheeks and chin.
Wrinkles & Lines Are Prominent
Typically, prominent wrinkles affect patients in their 50s and older. They may become progressively deeper and more noticeable as collagen, skin texture, and elasticity continue to decline.
Sun, Stress, & Other Factors Contribute to Signs of Aging
Leading skincare brand NIVEA states that some of the top causes of wrinkles aside from the natural aging process are:
- Sun exposure
- Smoking
- Poor nutrition
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Sleep deprivation
Let’s dive deeper into the factors that cause lines and wrinkles to develop…
Genetics & Lifestyle Determine the Severity of Wrinkles
Natural Aging Process
As you age, decreased collagen production causes the skin to thin while losing elasticity and volume. Known as intrinsic aging, this is the only cause of wrinkles that you cannot control. According to Dr. Doris J. Day, “about 30 percent of how you age is genetically determined.” That means the majority of wrinkle-causing factors are manageable.
Sun Exposure
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is responsible for about 80 percent of visible, or non-intrinsic aging, including wrinkles. Sunlight damages the collagen and elastic fibers (elastin) within the skin.
Smoking
Smoking directly impacts the quality of your skin. By reducing collagen production and curbing the supply of nutrients and oxygen, smoking prematurely ages the skin, causing wrinkles and fine lines to form.
Facial Expressions
Repetitive facial expressions such as smiling and frowning can lead to deep wrinkles. Every time you laugh, grimace, or raise your eyebrows, muscle contractions form small creases in the skin.
“Daily sunscreen use significantly slows skin aging, even in middle-aged men and women.” Skin Cancer Foundation
Prevent Wrinkles by Protecting Your Skin & Making Healthy Choices
Shield Skin against the Sun
Using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wearing clothing and hats to guard against harmful UV rays, and limiting time in the sun can help prevent the skin damage that leads to wrinkles.
Use Moisturizer
While moisturizers don’t specifically prevent wrinkles, they can keep skin well-hydrated. This helps to protect healthy skin cells and maintains a youthful appearance.
Practice Healthy Habits
Quitting smoking, staying hydrated, and eating plenty of whole grain, fruits, and vegetables can help ensure your skin receives the vital nutrients it needs to prevent lines and other signs of aging.
A Professional Evaluation Can Determine the Health of Your Skin
During a consultation, your doctor will perform a physical examination to look for signs of damage to your skin. You will also discuss your medical history and lifestyle to determine the best solution for your needs.
Treatments Range from OTC or Rx Creams to Surgery
Topical Treatments
There are a variety of over-the-counter and prescription creams and lotions that can help reduce wrinkles. Typically, the best results are achieved with retinoid-based treatments.
Skin Resurfacing
Non-surgical rejuvenation techniques such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser skin resurfacing remove the outermost layer of skin. This process reveals a smoother, healthier layer of skin and provides a younger, more refreshed appearance.
Injectable Treatments
Injectable treatments such as dermal fillers and BOTOX® Cosmetic can smooth and restore volume to the skin, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. Injectables do not require any downtime and can usually be administered in just a few minutes.
Face Lift
Face lift surgery smooths wrinkles by trimming and tightening excess skin. There are several variations of this procedure which can target specific areas of the face.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Doctor
Progressively worsening wrinkles can make you feel self-conscious and prevent you from living life to the fullest. Contact your doctor today to discuss your concerns. Together, you can find a treatment to address fine or prominent lines and achieve a younger, healthier-looking appearance.
Dr. Peter Brownrigg
Dr. Brownrigg has focused on facial plastic surgery since 1984. He is affiliated with a range of prestigious organizations, including:
- American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery
- Canadian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
- Board Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery
- Has acted as the Canadian Region Vice President of the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery
- Has acted as the treasurer and president of the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- Canadian Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- Ontario Medical Association
For more information about the services we offer, contact our office online or call (613) 724-1214 today.
Ottawa Office
Ottawa Derm Centre
460 West Hunt Club
Ottawa, Ontario, K2E 0B8
Contact Us Today
Dr. Brownrigg has been focusing exclusively on facial plastic surgery since 1984!
