What Causes Wrinkles?
Wrinkles come in various forms, and they can be caused by a variety of different factors. To effectively address them, it’s essential to understand what causes wrinkles and differentiate between the different types. Below, our Bethesda facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Albert Cytryn, discusses the different types and causes of wrinkles, as well as the different treatments available to address them.
Types of Wrinkles
There are two primary types of wrinkles:
Dynamic Wrinkles:
Dynamic wrinkles are the result of repetitive facial movements and expressions. They are most visible around the eyes (crow’s feet), on the forehead (worry lines), and between the eyebrows (frown lines). Over time, dynamic wrinkles can become static wrinkles as the skin begins to develop more permanent creases.
Static Wrinkles:
Unlike dynamic wrinkles, static wrinkles are visible even when your face is at rest. They are primarily caused by the natural aging process, resulting in fine lines, creases, and folds on various parts of the face and neck.
Causes of Wrinkles
While some wrinkles are an inevitable part of the aging process, there are different factors that contribute to their development. Some of the most common things that can cause wrinkles to develop include:
- Sun exposure
- Smoking
- Chronic dehydration
- Poor nutrition
- Stress
- Genetics
Ultimately, one of the best ways to limit wrinkle development is to commit to taking good care of your skin. Staying hydrated, practicing good stress management, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding things like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can all help you maintain a more youthful appearance for longer. Adding a professional skin care routine that is tailored to your age, lifestyle, and skin needs can also help ward off signs of aging.
Treating Wrinkles
When it comes to treating wrinkles, Dr. Cytryn notes that there are a lot of options. Non-surgical injectable treatments, such as BOTOX Cosmetic and dermal fillers, can help many patients achieve a smoother, more youthful appearance without the need for surgery. BOTOX® Cosmetic and other neuromodulators specifically address dynamic wrinkles by relaxing the overactive muscles around the injection site. Fillers, meanwhile, help restore volume and reduce the appearance of skin sagging by “filling in” more static lines and creases.
For patients seeking a more long-lasting and comprehensive solution to facial aging, Dr. Cytryn notes that there are several surgical interventions available as well. A brow lift is designed to elevate the brow line and smooth the forehead. A midface lift targets the areas around the cheeks and below the eyelids to restore volume and address skin laxity. A full facelift comprehensively addresses the middle and lower portions of the face and neck, including the areas around the nose and mouth.
During a consultation, Dr. Cytryn takes the time to understand each patient’s concerns. From there, he can tailor a custom treatment plan designed to help you achieve the facial rejuvenation you desire. In many cases, a combination of surgical and non-surgical approaches can be employed to help patients achieve the best possible results.
To learn more about wrinkles or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cytryn, contact us today.