Let's talk about wrinkles. For one, they are as common as they are frustrating. Fine lines and wrinkles can detract from our appearance, making us look older or more tired than we are. No wonder we want to kick them to the curb so badly.
However, before rushing into any anti-wrinkle treatment, you need to understand one thing. Not every wrinkle is the same.
Wrinkles can be divided into two distinct categories: dynamic and static. Facial muscle contractions cause dynamic wrinkles, while static wrinkles are caused by volume and collagen loss in the skin. This fundamental difference means that dynamic wrinkles require different treatments from static wrinkles.
Dynamic Wrinkles
Even if you've never heard of dynamic wrinkles, you're probably familiar with them. Dynamic wrinkles are the lines that appear when you are making specific facial movements or expressions (only visible when the underlying facial muscles are contracted).
For example, you might notice frown lines between the eyebrows when stressed out or crow's feet when you squint in the sun. Any wrinkles that are caused by repetitive facial movements and expressions can be considered to be dynamic wrinkles.
Dynamic Wrinkles Include:
- Frown Lines (between the eyebrows)
- Forehead wrinkles
- "Crow's feet" at the corners of your eyes
- Smile lines in the mid-cheek
- Lip lines
If you're not happy with the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, then you're probably wondering if there's anything you can do about them.
The Most Convenient Way to Get Rid of Dynamic Wrinkles
Since dynamic wrinkles are caused by muscle action, the most appropriate way to deal with them would be to reduce the muscle action that causes them in the first place.
This is where Botox comes in; it is a neural modulator that can relax the facial muscle contractions that lead to the formation of dynamic wrinkles.
The Botox procedure only takes a few minutes. The provider uses a small needle to inject Botox into specific facial muscles with minor discomfort.
It's important to note that the results of Botox treatment are not immediate. It generally takes 7 to 14 days to take full effect. The end result is a significant reduction in facial wrinkling for the next three to four months.
Without question, Botox is the easiest and most convenient option for treating dynamic wrinkles.
But is it the only option?
Are There Alternatives?
While Botox is a safe and effective treatment that produces subtle, natural-looking results and can lift years off your face, it's also true that the treatment isn't suitable for everyone.
Some people don't feel comfortable with injectables or simply don't want to deal with getting touch-up treatments every few months. Others are worried about the 'frozen' Botox look (this shouldn't be a concern if you work with a medically qualified and experienced injector)
Unfortunately, there aren't many alternatives for effectively treating dynamic wrinkles. Neuromodulators like Botox® and Azzulure are the only cosmetic treatments to date that can affect the underlying facial musculature.
What About Static Wrinkles?
Static wrinkles are brought about by the natural loss of elasticity and collagen. Our skin's collagen levels start to break down as we age, causing folds, creases, and volume loss. Additional causes of static lines include extrinsic skin ageing factors such as extended exposure to UV and poor nutrition.
Static Wrinkles Include:
- Nasolabial folds - from the nose down beside the corner of your mouth
- Marionette lines - from the edge of your mouth down to your jawline
- Tear trough - between the lower eyelid and upper cheek
- Smoker's lines - on the skin between the upper lip and the nose.
With static wrinkles, your best bet is to add volume and fill in the creases with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that delivers nutrients, helps the skin retain moisture and adds volume. Don't worry; the HA used in our fillers is gotten from non-animal origins.
Once injected into the skin, the fillers help to plump the skin and replace the facial volume that was lost over time. Better still, the results from fillers are immediate and last 9-12 months.
Youthful-Looking Smooth Skin With or Without Botox
Many people combine Botox with dermal fillers to address both the dynamic and static to reach their aesthetic goals.
Even if you're not comfortable with Botox, it's a good idea to learn more about your options for facial rejuvenation. Although dynamic wrinkles are not caused by skin ageing, it can still make these wrinkles look worse.
So it might be worth considering a collagen remodelling treatment like stem cell microneedling or profhilo to help rejuvenate the skin for a more youthful look. Other therapies like radiofrequency skin tightening will tackle any signs of skin laxity.
