Facial Lines

Overexposure to the sun and the natural aging process can result in varying degrees of the formation of lines, folds, and wrinkles of the face. Unique conditions affect various portions of the face.

Upper face:

• Lines on the forehead
• Lines between the brows
• Crow’s feet

The term dynamic wrinkles refers to lines that appear on the upper face as a result of smiling, laughing, or squinting. They are also known by self explanatory phrases such as “smile lines”, “laugh lines”, or “crow’s feet”. The contraction of facial muscles over time causes these lines to be engraved on the skin.

Mid Face to Lower Face:

• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Lip Lines

With aging, other lines or folds may appear, due to loss of elasticity of the skin or from the natural result of gravity. Nasolabial folds extend from either side of the nose downward toward the mouth and can become more pronounced with time. Marionette lines are those that extend out from the corners of the mouth, and with age, begin to trend downward.

Lip lines, also called rhytides, range from superficial to deep and are found extending upward from the upper lip. Individuals may find this condition unpleasant in appearance as well as inconvenient, since lipstick seems to “bleed” into these lines. Lip lines are caused by one or more of the following factors:

• Genetics
• Over exposure to the sun
• Smoking
• Aging

Treatments for Facial Lines, Wrinkles, and Lip Lines

Facial expression lines on the upper third of the face such as crow’s feet, horizontal lines on the forehead and lines between the eyebrows are successfully treated with BOTOX® injections which cause a relaxation of tiny muscles creating the lines. The result is the reduction or elimination of the condition.

Hyaluronic Acid filler products such as Restylane® or Juvéderm® in small amounts can be used to fill and diminish lip lines. In some cases, a miniscule amount of BOTOX can be injected to relax the muscle band in the upper lip area, smoothing out pucker lines.

Fine lines, moderate wrinkles, and lip lines can also be diminished with ProFractional® laser skin resurfacing, Pellevé®, or MicroLaserPeel®. This choice of procedure has the added benefit of stimulating the growth of new collagen in the areas being treated.

To correct deeper facial folds, loss of facial volume such as sunken cheeks, or hollowness under the eyes, and deep lines, the proper use of Injectable Filler Products such as Radiesse®, Restylane®, Perlane™, and JUVEDÉRM is the treatment of choice. Each of these formulas has indications for use in specific areas.

In the past, the focus was on filling individual lines for correction, and that still may be the choice of treatment for some individuals. However, with advancing technologies and techniques, it is now possible to get a more comprehensive correction by replacing volume in the face. In one treatment session the correction of multiple conditions described above can be achieved with volume replacement formulas such as Sculptra® or Voluma™. This creates a soft lifting and contouring of the face by filling deep folds and restoring volume to sunken areas. At the same time, lines and folds are diminished resulting in a dramatic return of a more youthful look!

For additional information regarding the treatment of facial lines, wrinkles and lip lines, please see the Injectables area or the ProFractional Laser Skin Resurfacing, Pellevé, or MicroLaser Peel in the Med Spa section of this website.

For proper evaluation and recommendations for a treatment program that fits your needs, please schedule a personal Skincare Consultation.

For more information please call  (530) 342-8295 or request a consultation.