Wrinkles are a common sign of aging that affect everyone at some point during their lifetime. Wrinkles occur with age as collagen, elastin and fat levels wear down beneath the skin, and the body's natural processes to replace them slow down as well. The lack of these products results in sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles. Although everyone eventually gets wrinkles, there are ways to lessen the appearance or eliminate the presence of wrinkles from the skin.
Cosmetic Treatments
One of the least expensive ways to lessen the effects of wrinkles is to invest in a cosmetic treatment, such as dermabrasion or a chemical peel. Dermabrasion uses an abrasive wheel to sand down the outer layer of wrinkle affected skin. Chemical peels use varying strengths of chemicals, such as phenol and hydroxy acids, to peel away the outer layer of skin. Both methods reveal new smoother skin cells beneath the wrinkled surface of the skin and increase collagen production. This combination results in a reduction of the appearance of the wrinkles.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are substances that are designed to fill in the space beneath wrinkles, plumping them up with the surrounding tissue. Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid and collagen, are injected directly below the wrinkles where they replace the collagen and elastin lost by the natural aging process. Some dermal fillers are animal-based, and may cause serious allergic reaction. This means you should get an allergy skin test before letting your dermatologist inject them under your skin.
Botox
Botox can also be used to get rid of wrinkles. Botox is made from a toxin called botulinum type A. Since Botox is a neurotoxin, it is capable of temporarily paralyzing muscles beneath the wrinkle, forcing them to lie flat. As the muscle lies flat, the skin above the muscle becomes less wrinkled. When injected into the muscle beneath the wrinkle, Botox blocks a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Without acetylcholine the muscle is unable to contract. According to the National Institutes of Health, the effects of Botox should last between three and four months.
Surgical Intervention
When other methods are unsuccessful in treating wrinkles, surgical intervention may be a last resort. The most common surgical procedure for wrinkles is a face lift. During a face lift excess skin is removed from the neck and lower face, and the remaining skin is pulled tight across the muscle tissue, pulling wrinkled skin straight and smooth. Muscles and connective tissue may be tightened during the procedure as well. Although the procedure can last for up to 10 years, the down time and pain associated with healing can be lengthy, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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