Not all wrinkles are the same. While some are the result of repeated motions like smiling or laughing, others are caused by changes to collagen production and lost skin elastin. Knowing the difference between facial wrinkles and their causes can help you get the right care at the right time, helping put the aging process on pause.
What makes Different Wrinkle Types Different?
Different causes call for different solutions. While certain creases can be treated effectively be one cosmetic treatment, that isn’t to say that another type of facial wrinkle treated with the same dermal filler or injectable would be reduced as effectively. As a result, identifying the type of facial wrinkle you’ve developed as well as how to pick up on the early signs of aging can drastically change the effectiveness of any future treatments.
Static, Dynamic, and Wrinkle Folds
Based on the different possible causes, wrinkles have been traditionally categorized as static or dynamic.
Static Wrinkles: Environmental Impacts on the Skin
Do your wrinkles appear even when completely relaxed? Chances are you have static wrinkles. Static wrinkles can be thought of as the result of environmental effects, such as sun damage, poor diet, and smoking as well as genes. These factors impact the skin’s collagen production, causing areas to become deficient and lose their elasticity. Combined with the natural slowing of collagen production as patients age, increased exposure to damaging UV rays or smoking can ultimately cause patients to lose skin elasticity and experience sagging skin.
When it comes to treating static wrinkles, a dermal filler is your best bet for restoring supple, natural-looking volume to your face without surgery. Options like Juvederm Voluma and Restylane are each designed to help restore missing volume and treat sagging skin in different parts of the face. These non-surgical cosmetic solutions are developed using hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring compound that helps skin retain much-needed moisture as well as temporarily stimulate collagen production.
Dynamic Changes Call for Dynamic Solutions
In contrast, dynamic wrinkles develop in response to repeated muscle contractions. Crow’s feet, smile lines, forehead wrinkles and lines between the eyebrows are common types of wrinkles that fall within this category. One distinct difference between dynamic and static wrinkles is that dynamic wrinkles only appear following muscle contracture. For example, if you smile and small lines appear next to your eyes and remain in place for several moments after your smile, chances you have dynamic wrinkles.
If left untreated, dynamic wrinkles can become permanent facial features by deepening into deeper static wrinkles. As a result, treating the underlying muscle early is an important step in putting the aging process on hold. At Aesthetic Art of Palm Springs, Dr. Kato has found that patients showing signs of dynamic wrinkles enjoy the best results with Botox treatment. When strategically injected, Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscle, preventing it from future contractions and ultimately keeping existing wrinkles from further creasing. Preventive injections are especially helpful in helping soften the development of new lines without restricting facial movements.
Considering Wrinkle Treatment? Visit Dr. Kato Today
Whether you’ve just noticed your first rhytid or are looking to correct long-standing creases, Aesthetic Art offers the customized care you deserve. Starting with your first consultation, our experienced Palm Springs cosmetic specialist is dedicated to ensuring you understand your face’s unique needs and have access to the highest quality care available. Learn more about available wrinkle treatment options by calling (760) 610-5558 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kato today!