Treatment for Wrinkles

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are wrinkles and why do they form?
  Wrinkles are visible creases or folds that develop as part of the natural aging process. With age, skin cells divide more slowly, the dermis thins, and the network of collagen and elastin fibers loosens. Repeated facial expressions, gravity, and sun exposure also contribute to the permanent lines and folds that form in the skin.
• What are the earliest signs of wrinkles?
  The earliest signs typically include fine lines around the eyes, horizontal forehead lines, frown lines of the glabella, and subtle creases that appear with facial expressions. These changes may begin after age 25, but they become more prominent with age and sun exposure.
• What causes wrinkles to develop?
  Wrinkles develop through several factors. Natural aging reduces collagen and elastin production by about 1% per year, while sun exposure causes approximately 90% of visible skin aging. Smoking, repeated facial expressions, genetics, dehydration, and poor nutrition also contribute.
• When should I see a dermatologist about wrinkles?
  See a dermatologist if you want a professional evaluation of cosmetic treatment options, are interested in prescription-strength products such as retinoids, or notice unusual skin changes accompanying wrinkles. A clinical evaluation can match treatment options to your skin type, wrinkle severity, and cosmetic goals.
• What treatments are available for wrinkles?
  Treatment options range from topical products to in-office procedures. Over-the-counter choices include retinol, moisturizers, and peptides. Professional treatments include botulinum toxin injections for expression lines, dermal fillers for volume loss, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and microneedling. A clinical evaluation can determine which approach is most appropriate.
• Can wrinkles be prevented?
  Wrinkles cannot be completely prevented, but their development can be slowed. Dermatologists recommend daily sun protection with SPF 30 or higher, avoiding smoking, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and using products that contain retinoids. Beginning these protective measures early may help delay visible aging.
• What is the recovery time for wrinkle treatments?
  Recovery depends on the treatment. Botulinum toxin injections require no recovery time. Microneedling and dermal fillers typically require one to three days, while chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser resurfacing may require one to three weeks depending on treatment intensity.
• What is the difference between Botox and Daxxify?
  Botox and Daxxify are both botulinum toxin type A, and both relax the muscles that fold the skin into dynamic lines. Daxxify uses a peptide carrier instead of human serum albumin, and its published duration runs longer for many patients. That difference changes the treatment interval, annual cost, and number of appointments. Duration also varies by person, dose, and the muscle being treated. The practical way to choose is to try one and count the weeks until movement returns. We carry both, so switching is a conversation with us rather than a referral elsewhere.
• Can wrinkles be treated without injections?
  Yes, particularly static wrinkles, which are the kind injections address least well. Etched lines are a dermal problem. Fractional laser treatment, a deeper chemical peel, and microneedling reach the dermis by injuring the skin in a controlled way, prompting it to rebuild collagen as it heals. The trade is downtime, which scales with treatment depth. A light treatment costs a weekend and produces a modest change, while a croton oil peel involves a couple of weeks of visible healing and does considerably more. We offer Halo, ProFractional, microneedling, and a croton oil peel across our offices in Campbell, Menlo Park, Greenbrae, and Walnut Creek. The depth we choose is matched to the downtime you can realistically give it.