How to Prevent or Eliminate Expression Lines and Sagging Skin
Even though time cannot be stopped, when it comes to youthful skin, it can certainly be slowed down. And when age and lifestyle have already left their mark on our face, there are solutions to restore the skin’s lost elasticity and firmness.
Why do wrinkles appear?
It is said that wrinkles are part of the aging process. While this is true, it does not mean that aging is the only cause of wrinkles and loss of skin firmness.
Expression lines, for example, appear due to frequently repeated facial expressions (smiling, frowning, squinting). These can appear even at a younger age and, as the person ages, they deepen and become more evident. They can often be observed in the area between the eyebrows, at the corners of the mouth and eyes, on the sides of the nose, and on the forehead.
In addition to aging, other factors that can affect the firmness and elasticity of the skin are:
- Sun exposure – days spent outdoors and visits to tanning salons accelerate the skin’s aging process, especially if products with a sun protection factor are not used.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption – smoking slows down the skin’s collagen production, and alcohol dehydrates it, which means there is a higher chance of wrinkles appearing.
- Facial expressions;
- Unhealthy lifestyle;
- Genetic and environmental factors.[2][3][5]
How can premature skin aging be prevented?
Perhaps it cannot be stopped, but the skin aging process can be slowed down, especially when age is not the only determining factor. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends[1]:
- Protecting the skin from the sun daily – whether it’s a day at the beach or a walk through the city, sun protection is essential.
- Using self-tanner – for those who want a beautiful tan, it is a healthier alternative than sun exposure or visits to tanning salons.
- Quitting smoking – it is an unhealthy habit that, among other things, leads to the appearance of wrinkles and gives the skin a dull appearance.
- Avoiding repetitive facial expressions;
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle – this involves a healthy, balanced diet, limiting the consumption of sugar, processed foods, and alcohol, as well as regular moderate exercise.
- Proper skin care – it is natural for skin that does not receive the attention it deserves to age faster; it is recommended to wash it twice a day or whenever needed (such as when you sweat a lot) and use properly chosen skin care products that do not irritate it.
What solutions exist for eliminating expression lines and sagging skin?
There are many products that promise to reduce wrinkles and lines and restore the skin’s lost firmness. However, they do not always have the desired effect, or it is subtle or temporary. So, although they are effective when it comes to preventing these problems, for those who want spectacular or long-lasting results, they may not be the right solution.[4]
Another solution for those who want to have younger-looking skin is surgical or nonsurgical cosmetic procedures such as those performed by Dr. Olimpiu Hârceagă. Here are a few of these:
Dermapen and PRP (vampire therapy)
Platelet-rich plasma injection (PRP) is a unique rejuvenation technique that uses the patient’s own blood plasma, enriched with platelets (a source of healing proteins and growth factors).
Of course, PRP results are even more impressive when included in a treatment plan with hyaluronic acid fillers, wrinkle relaxation treatments, and other skin treatments, such as Dermapen. Dermapen is a device used to stretch, lift, and rejuvenate the skin. It is effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, surgical scars, and acne, using microneedles.
There is almost no recovery period; this treatment, performed in the clinic, can be used for skin and hair rejuvenation, as well as for treating problematic melasma and acne scars.
Anti-wrinkle toxin
Many patients who want to look younger without resorting to surgery turn to injections with anti-wrinkle toxin. It is especially used for treating expression lines around the eyes, on the forehead, or between the eyebrows. This treatment does not involve filling wrinkles. The toxin is injected into the muscles whose contraction leads to the appearance of wrinkles; when they can no longer contract, the skin becomes smoother. The effect can last for several months.[2]
Hyaluronic acid fillers
Unlike anti-wrinkle toxin, fillers are injected into the folds of the skin, especially in the area around the mouth, to improve the appearance of wrinkles. They can also be used to add volume to sunken areas and stimulate collagen production.[3]
- Laser treatment
Laser treatments can also be used to renew the appearance and texture of the skin, such as CO2 laser facial rejuvenation. This type of treatment stimulates collagen production and is recommended for reducing lines around the eyes and mouth, as well as for improving the appearance of scars and spots.[4]
Facelift
It is a surgical procedure in which sagging skin is lifted and positioned to make it appear firmer. Only the skin above the neck (facelift) or the neck can be lifted; also, a complete facelift or a minilift can be performed. It can also be combined with a brow lift or other procedures designed to improve the appearance of the skin.[5]
Any of the procedures mentioned above can help you get rid of expression lines and sagging skin. There are other options as well, and a consultation will allow you to find out what they are and which one suits you best. However, make sure you choose a good clinic and an experienced surgeon who knows what to do to provide their patients with the best results.
Bibliography:
- “11 Ways to Reduce Premature Skin Aging.” Aad.org, 2022, . Accessed 7 Apr. 2022.
- Brazier, Yvette. “What to Know about Wrinkles.” Medicalnewstoday.com, Medical News Today, 9 July 2020. Accessed 7 Apr. 2022.
- “What Are Wrinkles?” WebMD, WebMD, 2007. Accessed 7 Apr. 2022.
- “Many Ways to Firm Sagging Skin.” Aad.org, 2014. Accessed 7 Apr. 2022.
- Whelan, Corey. “Why Do I Have Saggy Skin, and What Can I Do about It?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 6 Dec. 2019. Accessed 7 Apr. 2022.
