Introduction

Wrinkles are one of the skin imperfections that most concern both men and women as it gives the face an aged and tired appearance. Contrary to what is thought, not all of them are due to age but can be formed from an early age as a result of the contraction of the facial muscles, or due to some risk factors such as stress, tobacco, an unbalanced diet, or continuous exposure to sunlight, the latter very common in our environment.

The good news? Aesthetic medicine always finds new techniques and solutions to combat aging in a minimally invasive way. You just have to find a good doctor who will recommend, for sure, the most appropriate technique for your needs and your skin type.

What are wrinkles?

They are the folds that form in our skin over time (chrono-aging) or due to the action of some external agents, such as exposure to sunlight (photoaging) and smoke. The epidermis loses elasticity and with it, the ability to regain its original state, giving rise to furrows on the face.

These furrows are accentuated due to changes in the different layers of our skin, since, over time, the epidermis (the most superficial layer) becomes increasingly thin and loses strength, elasticity, and resistance. The dermis, the second layer of the skin, reduces the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen, while the subcutaneous layer, the deepest part, reduces the ability to synthesize fat. These three actions combined cause marks and furrows to appear on the face, especially on the forehead and near the lips and eyes.

As we have already mentioned, the aging process of the skin can be accelerated by prolonged exposure to UV rays, both natural and artificial. The sun’s rays are the cause of the depletion of fibroblasts, the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm. Finally, unhealthy lifestyle habits and an incorrect diet increase the number of free radicals in the blood, substances that contribute to the aging of skin tissues.

According to Dr. Isabel Quintanilla, aging is due to various morphological and physiological changes that occur over time in the body. The functions are altering, and this deterioration becomes irreversible.

Why do they appear?

Wrinkles are mainly caused by the passage of time, but we must emphasize that this is not the only factor.

It is scientifically proven that stress and an unhealthy lifestyle, as well as the contraction of the facial muscles, affect the appearance of these blemishes. According to the two most common types are:

Expression wrinkles: they are the first to appear and the ones that are most easily identified, they are not related to age but the contraction of muscles, and for this reason, they can also appear at an early age. They usually appear in the frontal region, the nasolabial folds, the perioral area, and between the eyebrows and can improve with treatments.
Gravitational wrinkles: They occur when there is a loss of fat pad either due to flaccidity, bone atrophy, or the loss of a tooth. They appear mainly in the area of the eyelids, cheeks, and neck and, sometimes, require surgery. In this section, uncontrolled weight loss deserves special mention, which in many cases causes a loss of muscle mass that is very difficult to recover.

Who should I contact for anti-wrinkle treatment?

As with any other aesthetic treatment, it is always advisable to contact a specialized aesthetic doctor who can analyze each case and then recommend the best solution. A useful tip is to consult theor the Collegiate Sections of Aesthetic Medicine that exist in many Medical Associations, to verify the doctor’s specializations.

The Internet can be a good ally to guide you in choosing a doctor: look for opinions and experiences of other patients, read testimonials and look at photos before or after.

Remember that both the doctor and the clinic must build your trust. Do not be seduced by offers that are too aggressive as they can be offered by unskilled personnel.

How is the first visit?

As with all medical and cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures, the patient must be in good health. The doctor will first verify this by taking a complete medical history of the patient. Specific examinations or allergy tests may be required to rule out any incompatibilities with the substances that will be used during treatment.

If it is decided that cosmetic surgery must be performed, as it is a surgical procedure, the patient will be asked to complete a preoperative questionnaire and a visit with the anesthetist to carry out the operation in complete safety.

During the first visit, evaluate all the available options with your doctor to help you understand which is the best option for you. The doctor must assess your face, your gesticulations, and your expression lines well to agree on which wrinkles and lines can be attenuated.

How to remove wrinkles?

Initially, the trend of aesthetic medicine was to completely remove them from the face, achieving a very artificial and expressionless appearance. Today, the available techniques have been refined and perfected; the doctor tries, as far as possible, to rejuvenate the face by redistributing the volumes.

According to Dr. Isabel Quintanilla, by combining different techniques we will be able to enhance the results and achieve a general anti-aging. If treatments are carried out periodically with professionals, the elasticity of the skin will be renewed, smoothed, and improved and more lasting and effective results will be achieved without the need to go through a surgical operation.

Thanks to modern techniques, which take advantage of the skin’s filling capabilities, muscle relaxation, hydration, etc. With multiple therapies, it is possible to give the face a young and fresh appearance. Let’s see what are the main techniques for its treatment.

Botulinum toxin

Also known as Botox, it is a drug obtained from the BTX-A toxin that is injected into the muscles and produces a small temporary paralysis: the latter reduces the activity and contraction of the muscles, which reduces expression lines.

It is often used to eliminate or reduce:

Frontal wrinkles (expression lines on the forehead)
Periorbital wrinkles commonly called “crow’s feet”
Frown lines

Since it is not a surgical operation, it does not require complete rest, hospitalization, or anesthesia and is performed in the clinic in 15-20 minutes.

The results are not immediate, but they begin to be seen 2 to 5 days after the session, reaching the final result in around a month. The effect of Botox lasts for approximately 5 months and gradually disappears until its complete resorption. Injections can be repeated to ensure a longer-lasting result.

Laser photorejuvenation

Laser technology exploits the thermal properties of a high-frequency beam of light. The heat released allows to destroy the external state of the skin, heating the underlying part, the dermis. In this way, the production of collagen and elastin is stimulated, two agents capable of restoring the tone and elasticity of the skin, which appears immediately rejuvenated.

Laser technology is particularly suitable for treating the most superficial wrinkles, such as crow’s feet and fine lines. The first results can be seen already in the weeks after the treatment.

The non-ablative laser lasts between 20 and 40 minutes and does not require convalescence. The only visible effect that can occur is a reddening of the treated area. It is advisable not to expose yourself to the sun in the next 24 to 48 hours and to use a high sunscreen for a few days to avoid sun spots and hyperpigmentation of the face. For optimal results, more sessions are required at 15-day intervals.

Chemical peels

It is a chemical exfoliation that renews the skin through the application of an acid that burns the most superficial layer of the epidermis, favoring the elimination of wrinkles and spots and the regeneration of the skin, which, therefore, becomes brighter and more uniform.

It is a treatment that is carried out in the clinic without anesthesia or hospitalizations; the skin will be reddened and burns may appear on the face. To prevent the formation of scabs and scars, in the following weeks, no topical product should be applied, only the creams prescribed by the doctor. Direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided and UV lamps should not be taken for the next two months.

This treatment cannot be performed by pregnant women or by people with atopic dermatitis. It is recommended to undergo a chemical peel treatment in autumn or winter when sun exposure is reduced. It is necessary to do at least two peeling cycles per year to have satisfactory results.

Hyaluronic acid

” Hyaluronic acid is one of the most demanded options since it is fully compatible with our body”,

The aesthetic doctor injects this substance into wrinkles (of the nasolabial fold, etc.) to eliminate them and make the skin visibly younger and hydrated. It is a treatment that does not involve any type of anesthesia, although sometimes patients require the application of an anesthetic cream to avoid the pain of the injection.

Also, in this case, the session takes place in the clinic and after the treatment, the skin may appear red and bruised. The results can be seen immediately and have a duration that varies from 4 to 18 months, depending on the type of hyaluronic acid and the skin of each one.

Tensioning wires

The tensioning wires are a new and increasingly popular technique to remove wrinklesprofessionals consider that they help to improve the sagging of the face and body caused by the weakening of the tissues. With this treatment, you get the effect of a facelift but without the need for surgery.

The threads are inserted into the skin with a special procedure and, thanks to the innovative material from which they are made, our body fully reabsorbs them. Treatment is done in the clinic and involves local anesthesia. The duration of the session varies depending on the area treated and the number of threads to be inserted; It usually ranges between 20 and 60 minutes.

After the application, you already begin to see the first results, even if the final result is achieved in 2-3 weeks. Our body reabsorbs the threads in 360 days, but the results can last up to two years. According to specialists, there are 3 types of tensioning threads:

Non-resorbable tensioning threads: The human body cannot resorb them, so the results are long-lasting or permanent. They are biocompatible and antiallergic.
Resorbable tensioning threads: These are Silhouette Soft threads. They are also biocompatible, but unlike the previous ones, the human body can absorb them, so the results have a certain duration.
Mixed tensioning threads: They consist of filaments very similar to those of non-resorbable threads, but have polylactic acid cones to be able to fixate on the skin. It is a biocompatible and resorbable substance.

Facial fillers

This treatment aims to fill in wrinkles and restore lost volumes thanks to the subcutaneous injection of various substances. In this way, the surface of the face will appear level and it will look younger and fresher.

The filler injections are performed in the clinic and are not painful for the patient, but always may require the application of an anesthetic cream to minimize the discomfort of injections.

Several types of substances can be injected, but the most used are hyaluronic acid and lipofilling. The latter technique involves removing a portion of the patient’s fat cells, which are then filtered with powerful centrifuges and reused as fillers to level wrinkles, lift cheekbones and brows, or, more generally, shape the volume of the face. The results are visible immediately, but it is advisable to wait a few weeks to appreciate the final effect.

Facelift

Unlike the previous treatments, the facelift is a cosmetic surgery that, depending on the case, may require general anesthesia, therefore it is more invasive than the other treatments.

The duration of the intervention varies from one to five hours, depending on the area to be treated. The procedure involves lifting the skin and muscles, pulling them up, and creating a real “stretch” that smoothes out wrinkles. The scars are usually invisible because the incisions are made at strategic points so that they can be covered with hair.

There are several types of facelifts, in the “total lift” general anesthesia is required and an overnight stay is required. After surgery, bed rest is recommended for the first two days. Then, normal daily activities can be gradually started. The stitches are removed after about 8 days and for two weeks the area will be swollen and bruised. Starting in the third week after surgery, you can start exercising.

The results of the facelift offer relaxation of the tissues of the face, and the skin will have a more toned appearance. Unlike the treatments we have discussed so far, the facelift produces longer-lasting results that can be maintained for a period of 5 to 10 years.

Other anti-wrinkle treatments

Wrinkles are, without a doubt, one of the most discussed topics in aesthetic medicine and surgery. Over the years, treatments have been refined to achieve sophisticated techniques that provide patients with a rejuvenated and harmonious facial appearance. In addition to the above methods, we detail below a list of other less invasive techniques increasingly requested by men and women:

PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma: it is the latest fashion in the field of regenerative medicine, the patient’s plasma is injected into the area to be treated. This serum is particularly rich in agents that stimulate collagen and elastin production, giving it a natural rejuvenating effect. This treatment is also known as Vampire Lift, a name due to the practice of injecting one’s blood as an anti-aging serum.
Radiofrequency: it is a minimally invasive technique that allows for achieving excellent results in the treatment of superficial wrinkles. The heat released by radiofrequency heats the tissues and generates positive effects on the different layers of the skin. In this way, the production of collagen is stimulated, and the oxygenation of the tissues through the activation of microcirculation and lipolysis allows reducing the volume of fat deposits.
HIFU: is a new technology that exploits the capabilities of ultrasound to firm, lift, regenerate and rejuvenate the skin. Focused ultrasound induces the dissolution of adipose layers and thermal coagulation at different depths of the connective tissue and superficial muscle fascia, thus promoting the formation of new collagen fibers. All of this translates into a non-surgical facelift effect. Therefore, HIFU is a particularly precise technique and can be used on the whole body with excellent results.
Mesotherapy: it is an effective antiaging technique that consists of the subcutaneous injection of various substances such as vitamins, trace elements, amino acids, even hyaluronic acid (without filling effect), vasoactive agents, etc. capable of stimulating microcirculation, hydrating and regenerating the area. Thanks to this technique it is possible to improve the skin tone giving it a young and healthy appearance.
Needling or Derma Roller: these are two techniques that are similar to each other. These are sliding tools equipped with microneedles that produce small cuts in the skin of the face. In this way, it is stimulated to produce collagen and elastin.

Can wrinkles be prevented?

It is possible to prevent and slow down the aging process and its appearance thanks to various measures, such as a healthy lifestyle: avoiding toxic substances such as alcohol or tobacco, maintaining an adequate and stable weight with a varied and natural diet, not practicing sedentary lifestyle, get enough rest … In addition, we can also take care of ourselves with dermo-cosmetic products, says Dr. Isabel Quintanilla from the Santabarbara Clinic.

Results

Each treatment aims to achieve a different result that varies depending on the technique used. It should be noted that no intervention is capable of giving a final result that lasts forever, lifting is the most durable technique, but also the most invasive. Botox, fillers, or, in general, all injectable substances, are subject to metabolization or reabsorption by our body, which results in a limited duration.

However, it is necessary to reiterate that new technologies have made great strides in the field of aesthetic and regenerative medicine, allowing people who wish to achieve a rejuvenated appearance of their face without acting aggressively and with extremely natural results.

frequently asked questions

Is the duration of the effects of hyaluronic acid treatment the same for everyone? The duration of the load varies depending on the type of hyaluronic acid used and also depending on various individual factors such as age, skin type, skin type, and lifestyle (e.g. smoking, diet, physical activity, etc. )
How can I know if a product is safe if I am abroad? You must contact specialized medical centers to ensure that the products used are certified
What is the difference between bio-revitalization and filling? The filler is indicated to soften the most marked wrinkles. Bio-revitalization is a treatment that improves the tone and brightness of the skin, specially indicated for young subjects.
At what age is it advisable to start anti-aging treatments? A correct beauty routine in young people makes it possible to delay the use of more invasive and expensive treatments. Skincare begins with the use of specific products at home.
How do I correct the sagging of my face? For flaccidity, I work with tensioning threads and Ellansé®. The Ellansé® or lifting without surgery is an innovative minimally invasive facial rejuvenation treatment that is performed by infiltrating this bioresorbable dermal filler into the skin, comment from the
How can I improve cleavage wrinkles? Radiofrequency is an option that gives long-term results. Additionally, we can perform medical treatments with immediate results such as the application of hyaluronic that hydrates, tightens, and redeems the skin all in a single session and with lasting results, explains