How to Get Rid of Facial Wrinkles Without Major Surgery
Initial signs of facial aging can begin to settle in as early as your mid-to-late twenties, forming lines and wrinkles that develop from repetitive movements, such as smiling, frowning, or squinting (known as dynamic wrinkles). Over time, the natural aging process continues, developing deeper wrinkles and creases from the loss of skin elasticity and diminished collagen production (known as static wrinkles). Although many procedures that require major surgery are designed to reverse an aged appearance, there are also less invasive treatments that can help with wrinkle reduction, especially in your 30s and early 40s. Below, our board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, James F. Boynton, MD, FACS, discusses the best non-surgical options, as well as one that requires only minor surgery, to restore a more youthful-looking and revitalized face.
Neurotoxin Injectables
By relaxing the muscles that typically would contract during certain facial movements, neurotoxin injectables have proved to be an effective option for reducing and smoothing signs of facial lines and wrinkles. Composed of botulinum toxin type A, solutions such as BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® can help to diminish:
- Frown lines between the eyebrows
- Crow’s feet on the sides of the eyes
- Forehead lines and creases
- Chin dimpling
Nanofat Injections – Fat Transfer
Fat transfer procedures, also known as “fat injections,” “fat grafting,” and even “lipofilling,” involve minor surgery; however, they are less invasive than other surgical procedures for facial rejuvenation and they can provide exceptional, long-lasting results for ideal candidates. Dr. Boynton offers state-of-the-art fat transfer treatments using nanofat injections and can perform them right here in our office. Lipocontouring of another area of the body is performed first, with the extracted nanofat cells subsequently transferred to targeted areas of the face via injection. Nanofat is composed of very small particles that can help restore the skin’s support structures (such as collagen), which can ultimately minimize common signs of aging and result in very natural-looking, yet noticeable, aesthetic renewal.
Learn more about fat grafting with nanofat here.
Microneedling
Microneedling with SkinPen® is a revolutionary treatment designed to stimulate the skin’s natural ability to repair itself by prompting the inner layers of the skin to initiate new collagen and elastin production. Over time, the process of microneedling helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as promote healthier skin.
Light TCA Chemical Peels
TCA chemical peels can be particularly beneficial for signs of wrinkles and lines around the mouth. They can be performed in-office. Dr. Boynton offers a full range of TCA peels, many from the popular PCA® SKIN line of facial peels, which can address numerous common skin conditions.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can be beneficial for filling and smoothing out moderate to prominent facial wrinkles, folds, and creases while still allowing you to maintain movements and expressions. Many of the most popular formulas are composed of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance found in our skin. When HA bonds with the water in our skin, it creates a plumping effect that rapidly fills creases and fine lines. Some of these solutions include various formulations of JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, Revance® RHA®, and Belotero Balance®. Alternatively, RADIESSE® uses a mineral-based filler composed of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres that are suspended in a cellulose gel. Once absorbed, the mineral microspheres create new collagen production for additional structure and support.
Dermal fillers can be ideal for improving lines and creases in the following areas:
- Between the nose and the mouth (nasolabial folds)
- Corners of the mouth
- Around the chin (marionette lines)
- Between the eyes
- Corners of the eyes (crow’s feet)
- Above the lips (vertical smoker’s lines)
- Under the eyes (tear trough area)
A biostimulatory filler such as Sculptra® can also be advantageous for many patients who are looking for non-surgical options to renew facial aesthetics. Sculptra® can address many concerns, including signs of wrinkles; however, it is particularly well-known for its ability to improve signs of lipoatrophy and “hollowness” in the cheeks and other areas of the face. It can produce very long-lasting results for many patients.
To learn more about which treatments for reducing facial wrinkles can work best for you, please contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Boynton.