Wrinkle Remedies

By Behnaz Fayazi, MD

Behnaz Fayazi, MD

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Wrinkle Remedies

Skin exposed to sun undergoes changes that are characteristically different than the areas that are protected from the sun. The skin changes secondary to sun exposure are known as photoaging. As a result, the skin becomes loose, heavily wrinkled, pale, rough and inelastic. There also tends to be significant irregularities of the skin surface and its pigmentation. Collagen degeneration as well as a decrease in its synthesis are known to be one of the causes of such changes.
Nonsurgical treatments of the aging facial skin have become incredibility popular in the past several years. Soft tissue augmentation for facial rejuvenation using injectable fillers has become one of the most commonly performed office procedures among plastic surgeons today. Many different injectable fillers have been used over the years, but by far the most popular are the hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, such as JuvdermTM and RestylaneTM.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are colorless gels that are injected beneath the skin to temporarily smooth out wrinkles and folds that occur with aging. They restore a smoother appearance to the face where moderate to severe facial wrinkles are present. They are also used for augmentation of the cheeks and the lips.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar found in the human body. It plays an important role in tissue hydration, lubrication and cellular function. The scientific studies have shown that hyaluronic acid not only improves skin hydration, but it also works as an antioxidant and free-radical scavenger, and stimulates the production of collagen in skin.
Almost half of the bodys hyaluronic acid is located in the collagen of the skin, acting as a moisture-retaining gel. It is produced in the body naturally, however, over time, as with all vitamins and nutrients in the body, the synthesis of hyaluronic acid diminishes.
RestylaneTM was initially approved by the FDA in November of 2003, for filling soft tissue defects. RestylaneTM is a non-animal-based product. It does not require skin testing and is easy to inject given its gel consistency. The results last up to 6 months. Longer-lasting results are possible with the application of a RestylaneTM Regimen. According to the manufacturer, a clinical study has shown that RestylaneTM continued to provide results up to 18 months after initial treatment, when patients returned for a follow up treatment at 4.5 or 9 months. At least 95% of patients in this study continued to see improvement at 18 months.
JuvdermTM is also a non-animal-sourced hyaluronic acid injectable filler. It is indicated for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. The wrinkle correction with this product is also temporary, therefore touch-up injections and repeat injections are usually needed to maintain optimal results. The results after an individual treatment, lasts about 9 months to 1 year. Less material is, however, needed for repeat injections.
As with any other cosmetic procedure, the best treatment needs to be tailored to the individual patients needs and conditions. Given the variety of options in cosmetic fillers, a consultation with an informed and skillful plastic surgeon is highly recommended.