Medical Treatments And Procedures To Treat Wrinkles

Alpha-hydroxy acids: These so-called "fruit acids" include glycolic and lactic acid. Preparations containing these fruit acids are quite safe and cause no more than mild and temporary irritation. They produce only subtle improvement, though. Antioxidants: These include preparations that contain the vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene. Such creams may provide a certain amount of sun protection as well as mild improvement of fine wrinkles. Anti-aging creams: Anti-aging creams must contain an active ingredient for them to be effective and one must look for these on the label when buying a product. Cosmetic Procedures Glycolic acid peels: These superficial peels can make a very slight difference in the intensity of fine wrinkles. Microdermabrasion: This refers to "sanding the skin" with a machine containing silica or aluminum crystals. Laser resurfacing: Using instruments such as the carbon dioxide and erbium lasers, dermatologists can achieve effective results to reduce wrinkling. The laser is passed several times over the area to be treated and this helps stimulate the body's natural collagen synthesis (production), which plumps up sagging skin and wrinkles.Procedures may need to be repeated to maximize improvement Fractional resurfacing: Newer lasers work through a modification of traditional laser resurfacing. Treatments affect not the whole skin but instead only evenly spaced spots surrounded by undamaged skin. Healing is much faster than traditional resurfacing, with less "downtime" afterward. Several treatments are needed to achieve full benefit. Non-ablative laser resurfacing: Newer lasers attempt to stimulate collagen synthesis under the skin without peeling or damaging the epidermis. Studies and clinical experience suggest that such procedures can improve fine wrinkles, though not as much as laser resurfacing. Several treatments may be necessary. These procedures are almost painless and there is little or no redness, peeling, or downtime afterward. Botulinum toxin and filler injections are effective. Anti-wrinkle treatments should be done by trained and experienced medical professionals. They are temporary injections and need to be repeated every 6 months approximately. Anyone considering any of the cosmetic procedures should be sure to consult doctors who have experience in one or several of these techniques. Patients should fully inform themselves about the risks and potential benefits of the procedure they are considering before going forward. Prevention of wrinkles is a combination of an effective skin care regimen including a sunscreen, a balanced and healthy diet and lifestyle and certain anti-aging skin procedures if advised and recommended by an experienced and trained dermatologist.