It’s common knowledge that, over time, our skin becomes wrinkly and cr e-like. This is largely because, as we age, our bodies produce far fewer proteins that keep the skin strong and tight. Factors such as sunlight and genetics can also negatively influence our appearance earlier than expected, which leads many to seek out cosmetic surgery.
For those who aren’t ready to opt for a more invasive procedure, though, there are a plethora of non-surgical options that work just as well.
What Causes Wrinkles?
Wrinkles have many causes: aging, sun exposure, genetics, and even pollution. The most common root of the problem, however, is the fact that we constantly use our facial muscles. Such frequent movement progressively causes the skin to fold and crease.
Collagen and elastin, two proteins that are important for keeping the skin fresh, become scarcer as we age. Collagen is one of the main building blocks of the skin (it is responsible for holding everything together), and elastin keeps the skin flexible.
Some of the most effective treatments for non-invasive skin rejuvenation include BOTOX, dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, and facial tightening.
BOTOX & Dermal Fillers
BOTOX
BOTOX is an injectable wrinkle treatment made from Botulinum Toxin Type A, a neurotoxin that is normally dangerous for human consumption but extraordinarily safe in small doses. Botulinum Toxin Type A prevents neurotransmitters from reaching the muscles, which smooths old lines and wrinkles and keeps new ones from forming. The results of one BOTOX injection last anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
Juvéderm
Juvéderm uses hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, to fill in lines and creases. Juvéderm offers many lines of fillers that excel at different tasks: Voluma XC, Ultra XC, Volbella XC, Vollure XC, and Ultra Plus XC. Results typically last from 6 to 18 months.
Restylane
Restylane is another brand of dermal fillers that also uses hyaluronic acid. Its most popular lines include Defyne, Refyne, Lyft, and Sylk. Results last between 6 and 18 months.
Belotero
Belotero is a fantastic option for getting rid of wrinkles and finer lines. Some patients may experience post-treatment redness and swelling, but these effects usually wear off within a week. Results last between 6 and 18 months.
Radiesse
Radiesse promotes collagen production, which helps to eliminate dramatic facial folds. Its primary ingredient is a mineral called calcium hydroxyapatite. Results last up to 2 years—an extraordinarily long time.
Sculptra
Sculptra’s main ingredient is poly-L-lactic acid (also known as PLLA), which stimulates collagen growth. Much like Radiesse, its results also last around 2 years.
Laser Resurfacing
CO2 Laser
The CO2 Laser is by far the most widely used cosmetic laser. It is ablative, which means that it emits light at a wavelength of 10.6 micrometers. The CO2 Laser is perfect for imperfections that are too small for corrective surgery but too large for more precise lasers. It is commonly used to treat acne, age spots, and wrinkles, and works by heating the skin to encourage the growth of collagen. Although the procedure itself takes up to 2 hours to perform, results last 6 months.
Erbium Laser
Unlike the CO2 Laser, the Erbium Laser is non-ablative. This means that it emits light at a wavelength between 0.5 and 1.5 micrometers. It is an extremely accurate laser that promotes collagen production and thus heals the skin. The procedure takes about an hour to complete, and its results last up to 5 years.
Facial Skin Tightening
Facial skin tightening eliminates wrinkles and other imperfections such as enlarged pores and hyperpigmentation. The most popular skin tightening device, PiXel8-RF, is a non-ablative laser that uses micro-needling to create “micro tears,” which tauten the skin and stimulate collagen growth. The PiXel8-RF is a very accurate device that can be used on the more delicate areas of the body, including the lips and eyelids. One session typically takes less than 30 minutes to perform, but because everyone’s needs are unique, the procedure can take up to 1 hour to perform. Results last between 1 and 2 years.
If you are interested in non-surgical wrinkle treatments that actually work, you must entrust your skin to professionals, such as the ones at J Spa Med Spa, Long Island’s top medical spa. The facility is run by Dr. Andrew Jacono, a top New York City facial plastic surgeon, who has helped countless patients find confidence in their appearance. Schedule a consultation today by calling (516) 773-2424 and let your skin glow once again.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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