How do we treat wrinkles?
As we age, the quality of our skin changes which can cause wrinkles to appear. This is due in part to less elastic skin and the continuous use of facial muscles. Wrinkles are often perceived as less beautiful. For example, because it makes one look older or because it gives a tired look. Fortunately, there are ways to help prevent wrinkles. You can also opt for wrinkle treatment to remove them. But what exactly are wrinkles? How do they occur? And how can they be treated? We tell you all about them in this blog.
What are wrinkles?
Wrinkles are a natural phenomenon and are described as a temporary or permanent crease in the skin. A distinction can be made between static wrinkles and dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are only visible during facial movement. Laughter lines and frown lines are a good example of this. They can become visible at a young age. Static wrinkles, on the other hand, are always visible, even when a person is not smiling, for example. Under-eye wrinkles and upper lip wrinkles are often static. The older the person, the more static wrinkles can appear.
The causes of wrinkles
Wrinkles can be caused by several factors. As we age, we face four phenomena that occur simultaneously:
- The volume decreases;
- Reduced elasticity;
- Gravity lowers weaker and emptier tissue;
- Continuous use of muscles in the face creates movement wrinkles.
How fast this aging process goes depends on the genes. In some families, the (fine) lines will appear more quickly than in others. Heredity can therefore play a role. There is also much talk of stress, sugar, smoking and excessive sun exposure as causes of wrinkles.
The effects of wrinkles
Although wrinkles do not necessarily cause medical complaints, they can change the appearance of the face. (Fine) lines can create a tired look, make people look older than they are, or a frown line can make someone look angry all the time. There are several ways that can help prevent wrinkles.
How can you prevent wrinkles?
Healthy skin is the basis for combating skin aging and thus preventing wrinkles as much as possible. Use a day cream with a protection factor every day and avoid exposure to bright sun. The use of tanning beds is also not recommended. In addition, diet has a major influence on the skin. Therefore, limit the use of alcohol, do not smoke, eat a varied diet, make sure you get enough vitamins/minerals/amino acids and drink enough water. Certain movement wrinkles, such as frowning, sometimes occur familially. In that case, it makes sense to unlearn that habit at a younger age with a muscle relaxing treatment to prevent these wrinkles. Finally, sleep is very important so that the skin can recover. If this does not have the desired effect, you can choose to undergo a wrinkle treatment.
What wrinkle treatments are available?
Wrinkles can be successfully treated by addressing the aforementioned phenomena. The volume deficit of the skin can be restored with fillers and lipofilling. Skin analysis can be used for reduced skin elasticity. This involves measuring skin quality and determining where it can be improved. The effects of gravity can be treated with lifting operations. For movement and frown lines, treatment with muscle relaxants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrinkles and Wrinkle Treatments
How can I get rid of frown lines?
Frown lines—the vertical lines between the eyebrows—are expression lines. They form because the same muscle contracts thousands of times. As long as they’re only visible when you frown, treatment with muscle relaxants is usually the most targeted approach: the muscle relaxes, and the skin above it follows.
If, over time, frown lines have become visible even at rest, the crease has already formed in the skin, and muscle relaxation alone is no longer sufficient. In that case, the treatment is often combined with a filler treatment. We’ll determine the best course of action for you during a facial analysis.
Can wrinkles be filled in?
Yes, when the wrinkle is caused by a loss of volume. As we age, fat and supportive tissue in the face diminish, causing the skin to sag and wrinkles to form—around the mouth, on the cheeks, or in the nasolabial fold.
That volume can be restored with hyaluronic acid fillers or with lipofilling, which uses your own fat tissue. Fillers provide immediate but temporary results; lipofilling requires a minor procedure but offers longer-lasting results. Which option is right for you depends on the area, the amount of volume lost, and your personal preferences.
What types of wrinkle treatments are available?
There are roughly four ways to treat wrinkles, and they are not mutually exclusive. Muscle relaxants reduce the movement that causes expression lines. Fillers and lipofilling restore lost volume. Skin-improving treatments work on the quality and elasticity of the skin itself. And lifting procedures—such as an eyelid lift, a brow lift, or a facelift —address the effects of gravity.
In practice, they are often combined. The optimal order and combination depend on your skin, your facial expressions, and your expectations. That is exactly what we assess during a consultation.
How long do the results of a wrinkle treatment last?
That varies greatly depending on the technique. Treatment with muscle relaxants is temporary: the effect builds up over the first few days and then gradually wears off, after which a repeat treatment is needed to maintain the results. Fillers generally remain visible longer, depending on the product and the treated area.
Lipofilling and surgical procedures provide the most long-lasting results, although the skin will continue to age naturally even after the procedure. During the consultation, we’ll discuss what you can expect from each option, including how often the treatment needs to be repeated.