Wrinkles come from years of smiling, talking, and even crying, which are tied to memories that we all like to revisit. But revisiting those memories isn’t always something we want etched on our faces. As one considers the different lines that are now present, we think of different ways to get rid of them or at least slow them down. Botox is most notable for being able to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. They last from 3 to 4 months but can come with side effects that we may not be willing to risk. Side effects such as muscle stiffness, muscle weakness are prone to happen near where the medicine was injected, and even trouble swallowing. And for as much as it can help, botox also has a rep for being a bit old school. Luckily there are alternatives that we can look at.
A straightforward solution to slow down the appearance of wrinkles is over the counter cream. It is important to note that creams do not reverse the appearance of wrinkles, but they do help. Common ingredients that help with wrinkles are retinoids that help with repairing sun damages. Vitamin C can protect the skin from future sun exposure and reduces fine lines. Hydroxy acids remove dead skin cells and help your skin absorb the other ingredients. It is important to note that face creams have no guarantees they are classified as cosmetics by the FDA, meaning that they have no medical value.
Creams tend to go hand in hand with exfoliation, which is also very good for wrinkles. Dermabrasion is an exfoliation technique that removes the outer layers of skin with a rotating instrument. It can treat fine lines, sun damage acne scars, and even the texture of the face, all giving you a more youthful glow. Depending on the area, you may have to go under specific anesthesia, and the size of the area treated will also affect how many sessions you will need. There are some side effects with this procedure, too: acne breakouts, changes to skin tone, loss of freckles, and possibly swelling. Follow up with your doctor as needed after dermabrasion to ensure that you follow the steps necessary to avoid any issues.
Just like with liposuction lasers have improved the way we treat areas with cosmetic procedures. With laser skin resurfacing, your doctor can remove the skin layer by layer with precision. The new skin cells that form during healing which will give your skin a tighter and younger look. Areas commonly treated for wrinkles with this procedure are eyes, mouth, and forehead. However, there are still risks that can include scarring, changes to pigmentation, and bacterial infection. But most people like this procedure because with just a two-hour procedure, you can be looking younger!
If lasers aren’t your thing but you aren’t opposed to incisions than a face lift may be the one for you. By making incisions, loosening the skin, and tightening the soft tissue under the surface, this procedure’s results can last about eight years! By lifting the face and neck together, you can improve your neck’s contour as well, which also can have wrinkles. You can also expect some risks such as scarring from the incisions, infection, and not prevalent but possibly nerve damage.
Lastly, there are chemical peels. A physician must also perform this procedure. The peel is applied to your skin and damages the outer layers in a controlled way that removes age spots, acne scars, and those pesky wrinkles. You may experience some mild redness, but it is essential to remember that you will need to wear sunscreen to shield your skin from the sun.
There is no need to experience those wrinkles when you aren’t ready to be called sir or ma’am. Find out which solution is right for you and talk to your doctor if you are a good candidate for a cosmetic procedure.