Types Of Wrinkles That Form With Age

What Wrinkles are Common When You Age?

As the skin ages, it loses its natural content of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and subcutaneous fat. This can lead to the formation of deep creases, fine lines, and facial hollows, which may appear in a variety of areas.

Types of Facial Folds

Hollow Temples

Treatment of hollow temples is not frequently requested, but when done correctly, it can impact the overall expression of the face. It can improve eyebrow positioning and further enhance the upper face.

Causes:

1. Medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, TMJ, and autoimmune diseases
2. Natural aging forces
3. Volume loss
4. Malnutrition

Deflated or Sagging Eyebrows

The eyebrows not only frame the eyes, but also are responsible for expressing emotions such as anger, frustration, worry, and surprise. The symmetry, fullness, and position of the eyebrows influence the overall aesthetic balance of the face. Sagging or ptosis of the eyebrows may lead to hooding of the eyelids, creating a tired and sad look.

Causes:

1. Repetitive muscular contractions
2. Loss of soft-tissue support
3. Gravity

Glabellar Lines

Glabellar lines are the result of the gathering of tissue between the eyebrows. These short vertical lines appear between the eyebrows and extend up the center of the forehead. They are often the first lines to appear — affecting patients as young as 25. These unwanted lines can make a person look angry, sad, and stressed out.

Causes:

1. Medical conditions such as thyroid eye disease, blepharospasm, and dry eyes
2. Facial expressions such as squinting and frowning

Lip Lines

The lips are essential for social interaction, conveying a wide spectrum of emotions, from sadness to happiness. The highly mobile nature of the vermillion border and the cutaneous skin make the lips prone to distortion. Smokers are also prone to lip lines because of the constant pursing of the lips.

Causes:

1. Lack of subcutaneous fat in the area
2. Excessive muscle movement
3. Cigarette smoking
4. Sun damage

Crow’s Feet

These fine lines and wrinkles appear at the corners of the eyes. Crow’s feet begin to show in the mid-to-late 20s. Prevention is key in keeping these wrinkles at bay.

Causes:

1. Facial expressions such as squinting and laughing
2. Side or stomach sleeping
3. Nutritional deficiency
4. Lack of moisture
5. Lack of sleep
6. Sun damage

Marionette Lines

These prominent lines run down from the corners of the mouth and make the face appear sad or angry. They are often associated with deep nasolabial folds. As the name suggests, they resemble the lines on the mouth of a marionette.

Causes:

1. Habitual pursing of the lips
2. Cigarette smoking
3. Lack of moisture
4. Sun damage

Nasolabial Folds

These folds are often referred to as “smile lines” or “laugh lines.” Nasolabial folds are the lines that appear between the corner of the mouth and the nose.

Causes:

1. Facial expressions such as smiling
2. Excessive weight loss
3. Sun damage

Tear Trough Deformity

Tear trough deformity is characterized by a hollowed area at the junction of the lower eyelid and the skin above the nose and cheeks. The skin in this area is of a noticeably different quality, texture, and color. Hyperpigmentation or full transparency may also be apparent. Tear trough deformity makes the eyes look tired and older than they are.

Causes:

1. Genetic predisposition
2. Orbital fat herniation
3. Volume loss
4. Skin laxity

Under-Eye Lines

The skin under the eyes is especially prone to wrinkles due to its delicate nature. This skin is thin and lacks oil glands, making it conducive to the formation of under-eye lines.

Causes:

1. Facial expressions such as frowning, squinting, and smiling
2. Lack of moisture

Neck Wrinkles

Neck wrinkles are composed of vertical or horizontal lines in the neck area. Neck wrinkles are fairly common among aging men and women. The platysma muscles under the skin may also become prominent, giving the appearance of a “turkey neck.”

Causes:

1. Natural aging process
2. Excessive weight loss
3. Cigarette smoking
4. Poor posture
5. Sun damage

How to Treat Facial Folds

Hyaluronic Acid–Based Dermal Fillers

Injectable soft-tissue fillers are the most popular method of treating many deformities of aging skin. Dermal fillers reduce the appearance of wrinkles and folds, volumize hollow areas, and fill skin depressions. Cross-linked hyaluronic acid is the main ingredient in the top brands of dermal fillers due to its biocompatibility, safety profile, and long-lasting results.

Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin isolated from an anaerobic gram-positive bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxin works by paralyzing the muscles that innervate the treated area, thus reducing or totally erasing wrinkles in that area by relaxing the dermis.

Combination Therapy

Combining botulinum toxin with dermal fillers is quickly becoming common in many practices. Dermal fillers and neurotoxins can work synergistically, as botulinum toxin can extend the longevity of the dermal filler. Combination therapy also provides better outcomes than either procedure alone. In addition, botulinum toxin can be combined with lasers and other resurfacing procedures. Chemical peels or lasers must be done at least 2 weeks after botulinum toxin injection to avoid unintentional diffusion of the toxin.

The appearance of wrinkles is part of the natural aging process. Inevitably, skin loses its ability to go back to its natural state as it ages. However, it is comforting to know that premature aging can be prevented and existing wrinkles can be treated or reduced. Revolutionary products are continually being developed and studied to create better, safer, and cheaper solutions to age-related skin problems.