Intellectually, we understand aging but that doesn’t mean witnessing our first wrinkle agrees with us. Many of us think about the physical realities that come with growing older—many of us are open to slowing them down. So, while nothing can stop the clock, there are amazing treatments that can restore volume, plump fine lines, boost collagen, and so much more. Here’s to looking and feeling great at every age.
Understanding the Aging Process
To understand why wrinkles appear, is to understand the role of collagen. A supportive and structural protein, collagen provides strength and elasticity in your skin and is key to it looking healthy and youthful. Unfortunately, as we age, our collagen production declines. After the age of 20, a person produces about 1 percent less collagen in the skin each year. As a result, the skin becomes thinner and more fragile with age. There is also diminished functioning of the sweat and oil glands, less elastin production, and less glycosaminoglycans which keep skin hydrated. Eventually, wrinkles develop as the collagen and elastin become less firmly connected. Cell renewal also slows down, which means that dead cells do not shed as quickly, resulting in a duller complexion.¹
As Dr. Lisa Iannattone, dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at McGill University in Montreal, explains, “Smiling and frowning aren’t the reason we get wrinkles as we age. The culprits are age-related changes in our skin and sun exposure. As we age, we produce less collagen and elastin, which decreases our skin’s resiliency. We also lose subdermal fat, and that loss of structural support leads to wrinkling and sagging of the skin.” ²
Popular Medical Spa Anti-Aging Treatments
Botox and Dysport
Two popular skin tightening treatments, Botox and Dysport can be used to treat fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, between the eyebrows, and on the forehead. By restricting the muscles from contracting freely, these popular injectables smooth out the skin and prevent the progression of additional signs of aging.
The effects of both Botox and Dysport last for about three to four months, but the effects of Dysport tend to appear faster than Botox — about two days compared to Botox’s week timeline.
Dermal Fillers
A visible sign of aging can be traced back to volume loss. As collagen declines, facial tissues thin out, lines appear, and cheeks look a little hollow. Dermal fillers can replace lost volume to various areas of the face, such as the cheeks, lips, and under the eyes, creating In addition to restoring volume, there is evidence that they stimulate collagen regeneration.
There are four types of Dermal Fillers:
- Hyaluronic acid – Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is a naturally occurring substance that’s found in both humans and animals. This substance binds to water and gives skin its plumpness.
- Calcium hydroxyapatite – A mineral-like substance that’s naturally found in your bones. As a filler, calcium particles are practically microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. CaHA fillers are thicker than HA fillers and are used to treat deeper lines and wrinkles. These types of fillers also typically last longer as well.
- Poly-L-Lactic acid (PLLA) – PLLA is a synthetic biodegradable substance that’s also biocompatible (it’s completely safe to use in your body). This substance has actually been used in medical devices for years, such as dissolvable stitches. PLLA fillers are considered to be collagen stimulators, meaning they help your body to rebuild its own natural collagen.
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) – PMMA is another synthetic biodegradable substance. In fillers, PMMA takes the form of tiny spheres that remain underneath your skin to provide support. These fillers also contain collagen to add structure and a firmer appearance.
Microneedling
Microneedling takes advantage of the skin’s self-repairing process by creating micro “injuries” in the skin which triggers new collagen synthesis. By improving collagen and elastin production, it naturally plumps the skin for smoother, firmer, and younger-looking skin.
Laser Treatments
Laser Treatments can trigger the body’s natural healing response to create collagen, which can improve skin texture and clarity. Popular laser treatments include Fraxel and Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing.
Fraxel is a type of laser treatment that improves tone, texture, and radiance for aging, sun damaged, or scarred skin. ent targets aging and sun-damaged skin with microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep into your skin to expedite your body’s remodeling of collagen. And since the laser treats only a fraction of tissue at a time, it leaves the surrounding tissue intact, which promotes very rapid healing.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing is a skincare treatment that uses lasers to remove thin layers of skin while minimizing heat damage to the surrounding area. It can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including fine lines or wrinkles and treat areas of skin discoloration, like sunspots and age spots.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) & Exosome Therapy
Both exosomes and platelet-rich plasma are found naturally in the body and can boost collagen production and tissue repair when applied to the skin or injected into the scalp. Exosomes may contain a higher concentration of growth factors than PRP and have anti-inflammatory properties for tissue repair. Additionally, exosome solutions are prepared in a lab prior to treatment, whereas PRP treatments begin with a blood draw of the patient’s own blood.
Combining Treatments for Enhanced Results
Depending on your skincare concerns and goals, we will work with you to create a custom treatment plan. We may recommend combining different treatments to address multiple signs of aging. For example, Botox, injectable fillers, laser therapies, microdermabrasion, and custom facials can be combined and have amazing results. Book your consultation today to get started.
¹ Why does skin wrinkle with age? Scientific American. September 2005. Source
² Ada McVean. Why do we get wrinkles? McGill. Office for Science and Society. November 2023. Source
