Wrinkle Cures

The first step in improving the look of aging skin is to stay out of the sun as much as possible. When you are in the sun, protect your skin with sunscreens and protective clothing. To reduce the signs of aging there are many choices including medicated creams, which in the early stages reduce fine wrinkles and smooth out color and texture changes. Later, more aggressive therapy like laser resurfacing is necessary to correct these changes.

Wrinkles and Texture Changes

Medicated Creams: A combination of tretinoin, glycolic acid, hydroquinone and/or Kojic acid in creams, when used over a long period of time, will help to clarify the skin, even out irregularities in pigmentation, decrease wrinkles, soften fine scars, and generally improve the complexion. The use of these creams is a foundation for skin care and is often recommended in combination with other resurfacing methods.

Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasions exfoliate the superficial dead cells of the skin, increasing the production of new cells, resulting in a fresher appearance of the skin.

Non-ablative Laser Resurfacing: Non-ablative laser resurfacing involves the gentle application of a long wavelength of laser light. This treatment helps to rejuvenate the skin by reducing fine wrinkles, evening out irregular pigmentation, and smoothing out texture changes. While a microdermabrasion is a form of aggressive exfoliation which addresses changes to the skin on a superficial level, non-ablative laser (Genesis) resurfacing works just below the surface of the skin. It does not go deep enough to ablate the skin. However, it helps to stimulate collagen realignment and tightens the elasticity of the skin resulting in a subtle reduction of fine wrinkles, improved texture, decreased pores and minimized superficial erythema.

Repeat sessions may be necessary to achieve maximum benefit, especially with the Genesis techniques.
The Genesis non-ablative laser is used in two modes and the selection of the mode for any individual is made based on the type of skin the patient has.

Semi-Ablative Resurfacing: The Pearl is a semi-ablative procedure which combines the impact of resurfacing lasers, which reach the deeper layers of the skin with the gentleness and safety of non-invasive procedures to treat superficial damage. It is a step up from the non-ablative procedures, and requires some social downtime. The Pearl evens out uneven texture and pigment changes in the skin.

Pearl Fractional Resurfacing: The Pearl Fractional represents a recent advancement in resurfacing treatments for wrinkles and texture changes of the skin. Laser pulses place tiny holes deep in the skin selectively removing columns of damaged tissue leaving the surrounding skin intact. Patients see an improvement in photo damage, tone and texture as well as a noticeably smoother, brighter complexion.

Ablative Laser Resurfacing: Ablative carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is the most advanced care for severely sun damaged skin (texture changes, irregular pigmentation, and deep wrinkles). The results can be very dramatic. The drawback is that the postoperative recovery time is considerable. Patients are usually confined to home for 10 days, and they are pink for three to six months afterwards.

Vascular Changes (Telangiectasia)

Blood vessels dilate due to excessive exposure to the sun over time and heredity, as well as repeat reactions to stimulants such as coffee, tea, cola, and alcohol. The options for treatment are:

Pigment Changes

Pigmented spots develop for many reasons; however, the most common reason is exposure to sunlight over time.

• Alexandrite Laser: Effective for isolated, well defined spots. One treatment is generally all that is required.
• LimeLight: Effective for multiple pigmented spots. More than one treatment may be necessary.
• Pearl: Beneficial for diffuse pigment changes of the face.

MUSCLE PULL CREASES (Dynamic wrinkles)

• Botox – Temporarily immobilizes the habitual movement of muscles, which cause deep creases between the eyebrows, over the forehead, around the eyes, and around the lips. Botox lasts on average of 3 to 6 months.
• Dermal Fillers – Dermal fillers replace and restore natural collagen, and are most frequently injected into the creases which form between the corners of the nose and mouth, and into the lips to enhance them. Dermal Fillers are frequently used in combination with Botox to combat dynamic or muscle pull wrinkles. Types of fillers include Juvéderm™ and Restylane®

GRAVITY CHANGES, FAT LOSS AND FAT REDISTRIBUTION

In the early stages of gravity and fat changes, the Titan Skin Tightening Technique may be effective in lifting and tightening the skin. The advantages are a very short recovery period and lower cost. With advanced changes in the skin, re-draping procedures such as blepharoplasties and facelifts need to be considered.

Combined Therapies

The above treatment options are often combined to achieve the best possible results. Some terms used for common combination therapies include:

• Soft Lift: combines Botox and Juvéderm to give the face an uplifted appearance.
• The 3D Rejuvenation Program: combines medicinal chemicals, mechanical stimulation, non-ablative laser resurfacing and photo rejuvenation to address uneven texture, pigment changes and fine wrinkles associated with photo aging.
• Pearl Fusion: combines the Pearl and Pearl Fractional treatments to address fine wrinkles, uneven texture and pigment changes.

More: Before & After – Maturing Face >>