By Aesthetica Med Spa
Wrinkles are always unwanted signs of aging and things that many of us would prefer not to have to deal with – but did you know that not all wrinkles are exactly the same? There are two main types of wrinkles – static wrinkles and dynamic wrinkles. Although both are unwanted, it can be helpful to understand how these two types of wrinkles differ in order to know the best ways to treat them.
DYNAMIC WRINKLES
HOW ARE THEY FORMED?
Dynamic wrinkles occur as a result of repetitive facial motions which cause the skin to naturally wrinkle over many years. Smiling, frowning, squinting and pouting can all cause dynamic wrinkles, and although some, such as smile and laughter lines, are a positive reflection of many years of happiness, they still tend to show off our age and are features that we’d rather be without.WHERE DO THEY OCCUR?
Areas of the face which move frequently are most at risk of dynamic wrinkles. The mouth, forehead, corners of the eyes and area between the eyebrows are therefore where dynamic wrinkles tend to form.HOW CAN THEY BE TREATED?
Since dynamic wrinkles are caused by repetitive movement of the muscles beneath the skin, the most efficient way of treating them is to gently relax facial muscles in the affected area. Botox and Dysport are both popular injectable neurotoxins which temporarily and safely relax facial muscles in order to smooth out dynamic lines and wrinkles. Treatment takes 15 to 30 minutes, there is no downtime, and the smoothing effects last for three or so months before repeat treatments are needed.STATIC WRINKLES
HOW ARE THEY FORMED?
Static wrinkles occur when tissue loses volume, collagen and elasticity, all of which happens naturally as the face ages. Collagen is an important protein which supports the skin’s framework, but as we become older, our bodies tend to produce less collagen and existing levels of collagen break down. Gravity inevitably takes its toll on the skin, and with less collagen to support it, the skin becomes susceptible to furrows and folds.WHERE DO THEY OCCUR?
Any part of the face can be afflicted with static wrinkles, but they tend to be most common on the cheeks and the area between the mouth and nose. Nasolabial folds – lines which run from the sides of the nose to the outside of the mouth – are very common deep-set static wrinkles, and deep lines running down from the edge of the mouth are also types of static wrinkle.HOW CAN THEY BE TREATED?
Since they’re caused by lack of volume and collagen, static wrinkles are best treated with dermal fillers which replace lost volume. Like Botox and Dysport, fillers are administered via an injection and are a quick procedure with no downtime needed. They can make skin look plumper, smoother and more youthful, with effects lasting between eight months and two years, depending on the type of filler used and the location of the injection. Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse are all examples of popular dermal fillers suitable for treating static wrinkles.MORE WRINKLE TREATMENT OPTIONS
Aside from injectables like Botox and Juvederm, dynamic and static wrinkles can be effectively treated with other non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as:- Laser skin tightening – the use of lasers to heat collagen beneath the surface of the skin to tighten skin, promote collagen growth and reduce the severity of wrinkles.
- Laser skin resurfacing – the use of lasers to remove the very top layers of skin to reveal fresh, healthy and smoother skin underneath.
- Chemical peels – the application of carefully controlled chemical formulas which cause the top layers of skin to shed and expose fresh, smooth and healthy skin.