Concerns · Face
Wrinkles and expression lines: causes and treatments
Wrinkles and expression lines are folds in the skin caused by the repeated contraction of facial muscles and by the loss of collagen and elasticity with aging and sun exposure. Wrinkles that appear only with movement (dynamic) respond well to botulinum toxin; those that remain visible at rest (static) usually require a combination with treatments that stimulate collagen or restore volume. At Yamagata Dermatologia, in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, the treatment plan is defined by a dermatologist at the appointment.
Why it happens
Every facial expression is made by muscles contracting under the skin. With repetition over the years, the skin always folds in the same places. As long as there is enough collagen and elasticity, it returns to normal; with aging and sun exposure, collagen production decreases, and the folds start to remain visible.
The most common wrinkles are forehead lines, the lines between the eyebrows (glabella), crow's feet, lines around the mouth and neck lines.
How the evaluation is done
At the appointment, the dermatologist observes the face at rest and in motion and assesses the strength of each muscle group, the thickness and quality of the skin and the degree of sun damage. This determines whether the wrinkles are mainly dynamic or static and which treatments apply to each area.
Recommended treatments
Treatment depends on the type of wrinkle and the area. In general, dynamic wrinkles respond to botulinum toxin, while static wrinkles call for treatments that stimulate collagen or renew the skin.
- Botulinum toxinFirst choice for forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet.
- Mesobotox (botulinum toxin)Fine lines and texture, with microdoses on the skin surface.
- Collagen biostimulatorsWhen the skin has lost firmness and thickness.
- Erbium laserFine wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, with skin renewal.
- SubcisionVery deep wrinkles and folds, in selected cases.
- PDO threadsSmooth threads for fine lines of the glabella and above the lip.
Combined treatments
For static wrinkles, treatments are usually combined: botulinum toxin reduces muscle contraction, while laser, biostimulators or fillers act on the skin and on volume. The order of and interval between procedures are defined by the doctor.
All procedures are recommended and performed after an individual medical evaluation. Results vary from person to person.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between dynamic and static wrinkles?
A dynamic wrinkle appears only during an expression, such as when frowning, and disappears at rest. A static wrinkle remains visible even when the face is relaxed, because the skin has already lost collagen and elasticity.
At what age should I start treating wrinkles?
There is no set age. The evaluation considers muscle strength, skin quality and how much the lines bother each person. In people with very active muscles, early treatment helps prevent the lines from becoming etched.
Can creams get rid of wrinkles?
Creams with active ingredients such as retinoids and antioxidants, combined with sunscreen, improve skin quality and help prevent aging, but they have a limited effect on wrinkles that have already formed.
What causes wrinkles, besides age?
Unprotected sun exposure is the main cause of premature skin aging. Smoking, pollution, poor sleep and large weight fluctuations also contribute.
Team