For many individuals, aging causes wrinkles and fine lines that distract from one’s beauty. Collagen and elastin—which are two essential elements that keep our skin’s elasticity—diminish as we age, as well as because of other external factors. Therefore, as the skin loses these crucial proteins, it also loses the ability to keep itself taut and plump.
This is what causes wrinkles to appear on the surface. Other factors that can cause aging include excessive usage of facial muscles over time (like frowning or smiling), long-term exposure to the sun, and unhealthy habits such as smoking. Typically, one of the first places where wrinkles show up is the face. The face is the most noticeable part of the human body, and it is not a surprise why millions of people spend so much money and effort on finding the best ways to improve wrinkles on the face. Our hands are also up there with the face because hands are parts of the body that are constantly exposed to the environment. Additionally, unlike the face, our hands are used throughout the day in various ways to accomplish daily tasks. Of course, after such extensive usage, it is obvious why hands would show signs of aging faster than other places of the body.
In an effort to help patients improve the appearance of the skin in their face and/or hands, board-certified plastic surgeon Miguel Delgado, MD has designed several protocols for wrinkle reduction using a variety of rejuvenative techniques and laser treatments. Some of the most effective wrinkle reduction options available at our practice are highlighted below.
Another method for wrinkle reduction is the use of injectable fillers. Also known as dermal fillers, these treatments come in many different forms and offer benefits which are specific to a particular region of the face. As you may expect, they are typically the ideal non-surgical and minimally invasive choice when it comes to filling wrinkles, creases, hollows, and lines. Some of the popular fillers that our practice offers are JUVÉDERM®, RADIESSE®, and Sculptra® Aesthetic.
In addition to dermal fillers, we also offer BOTOX® Cosmetic. While JUVÉDERM®, RADIESSE®, and Sculptra® Aesthetic are substances which are injected into the face to fill wrinkles, BOTOX® Cosmetic blocks muscle contractions to internally prevent the skin from forming wrinkles.
There are various types of facelifts available today that can be used based on the extent of one’s needs and goals. Even though facelift is a surgical procedure, it offers the longest-lasting results of all facial rejuvenation treatments. On average, the effects of a facelift last for about ten years and, in some instances, even longer. The facelift procedure generally involves incisions along the hairline or behind the ears, the skin being stretched tight, excess skin being removed, and lastly, the incisions being sutured closed. This surgical option is best suited for those who have severely lax skin that will not respond to fillers or laser wrinkle removal treatments.
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A third technique for wrinkle reduction is the SmartSkin+ laser by Cynosure®—an innovative, advanced laser device that can provide a highly customizable skin resurfacing treatment. Because the SmartSkin+ device is extremely precise, our team can design personalized treatments to optimize results. Excellent for moderate-to-severe wrinkles, a SmartSkin+ procedure is efficient and typically has a shorter recovery period than some other laser resurfacing procedures.
During a SmartSkin+ session, the micro-ablative CO2 laser is placed over the treatment area, and energy is delivered in controllable pulses. The energy penetrates the skin in microscopic columns, prompting new collagen production and tissue repair. The strength of the pulse will depend on the overall condition of your skin and your individual goals. We perform SmartSkin+ treatments in our Novato office, and it typically takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Lastly, our specialized Palomar Icon Laser treatment can help significantly improve the appearance of skin. Considered one of the best laser devices available, the Palomar Icon 2940 Laser is a fractional ablative laser used specifically for the treatment of wrinkles. It utilizes Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), which stimulates the natural healing process of the body. This results in the formation of new tissue as well as tightening of the skin. In addition to excellent wrinkle reduction, key benefits of the Palomar Icon Laser include its high level of safety, very short downtime, and long-lasting results.
