Some information on Ageing and Wrinkles for your information....

As ageing occurs, a person's skin cells divide more slowly, and the inner skin, or dermis, starts to thin. Wrinkles develop as we get older because natural substances such as collagen (the major structural protein in the skin), elastin (the protein that causes tissue to stretch) and hyaluronic acid (which gives skin volume), which provide the skin with structure and volume decrease with age. The skin's ability to retain moisture diminishes; the sweat and oil-secreting glands degenerate, depriving the skin of their protective water-lipid emulsions. As a consequence, the skin becomes dry and scaly. Skin loses its elasticity; when pressed, it no longer springs back to its initial position but instead sags and forms furrows or wrinkles. In addition, the ability of the skin to repair itself diminishes with ageing, so wounds are slower to heal. Frown lines (lines between the eyebrows) and crow's feet (lines that radiate from the corners of the eyes) appear because of persistent small muscle contractions. Habitual facial expressions also form characteristic lines and contribute to the formation of jowls and drooping eyelids. Anti-ageing skin care, as recommended by Skindeep medi-spas, is designed to combat some of these skin ageing processes, and to reduce wrinkles

The skin can also age prematurely as a result of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun (called extrinsic ageing or photoageing). Sun damage is one of the most important causes of skin ageing and skin disorders such as skin cancers. Overall, exposure to ultraviolet (referred to as UVA or UVB) radiation from sunlight accounts for about 90% of the symptoms of premature skin ageing, and most of these effects occur by age 20. Both UVA and UVB rays cause damage leading to wrinkles, lower immunity against infection, ageing skin disorders, and skin cancer. Even small amounts of UV radiation damage collagen fibres and cause accumulation of abnormal elastin. During sun damage, large amounts of enzymes are produced. These enzymes remodel the sun-injured tissue by synthesising and reforming collagen. As part of the process, however, some of the enzymes actually degrade collagen. The result is an uneven formation (matrix) of disorganised collagen fibres called solar scars, which eventually result in wrinkles. Effectively protecting the skin from sun damage is one of the most important ways to reduce wrinkles and prevent skin cancer.

What are Dynamic Wrinkles?

Dynamic wrinkles occur when we use our muscles to form facial expressions. During facial expressions such as smiling and frowning our muscles contract and cause our skin to wrinkle. For example, when we smile our eye wrinkles become prominent and when we frown the vertical lines between our eyebrows become noticeable. When we are young our skin springs back to its original position when we finish making the facial expression (at rest) but as we get older the dynamic wrinkles remain on the skin to form static wrinkles.

What are Static Wrinkles?

Static wrinkles are the wrinkles and folds that are present at rest or when we are not forming facial expressions. They develop as we get older because natural substances such as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid that provide the skin with structure and volume decrease with age. The loss of skin structure and volume means that the skin is less able to spring back to its initial position after facial expression, and as a result static wrinkles and folds form.

Who is most likely to have wrinkles?  

The vast majority of undesirable consequences of skin ageing occur in individuals who are repetitively exposed to the UV rays of the sun, notably farmers, fishermen, construction workers, lifeguards, outdoor enthusiasts, and sun-worshippers. People who live in areas where the earth's protective ozone layer is thinning, may be more likely to have sun-damaged skin. Ethnicity also influences a person's susceptibility to skin ageing. Individuals with fair complexions, and those who have blue, green, or grey eyes, and red or blond hair, are more susceptible to photoageing than those with darker skin. Nonetheless, premature ageing from sunlight can affect all ethnic groups and everybody needs to be aware of the importance of good sun protection, as a fundamental part of anti-ageing skin care. Cigarette smokers are more prone to skin wrinkles and skin cancers. According to one study, heavy smokers are almost five times as likely to have wrinkled facial skin than non-smokers. In fact, heavy smokers in their 40s often have facial wrinkles more like those of nonsmokers in their 60s. A study of 25 sets of twins found smokers to have thinner skin than non-smokers, in some cases by as much as 40%.
Individuals differ but generally facial wrinkles and folds are formed over the years in the areas shown.
The names given to the wrinkles and folds in each area are labelled.

What are the different wrinkle treatments?

If you are worried about the wrinkles you have, some immediate anti-wrinkle treatment strategies are to check your skin care products to make sure you are using only neutral pH-balanced soaps, body washes, moisturisers etc. Also make sure you avoid harsh irritants such as perfumed soaps, chlorinated swimming pools and hot showers, and moisturise regularly.

In addition to creams and other topical products, more and more people, men included, are turning to bib surgical procedures for facial rejuvenation to help their face reflect the way they feel inside. These procedures include the administration of injectable muscle relaxants, injectable dermal fillers and chemical peels.

Injectables

There are two major types of cosmetic injection used for wrinkle treatment to improve cosmetic appearance - injectable muscle relaxants and injectable dermal fillers. These can be used together or in isolation in the treatment of facial wrinkles. The best treatment for you will depend on the area being treated and the severity of the wrinkle, both of which vary from individual to individual.

Injectable muscle relaxants

Injectable muscle relaxants are used to treat dynamic wrinkles and work by relaxing the wrinkle-causing muscles that cause people to frown or squint, creating an improved appearance. Once the muscle is relaxed, you cannot contract it and continue to make the undesirable facial expression. Thus, the cosmetic injections gradually smooth wrinkles and prevent wrinkles from forming again. After facial injection it takes 2 to 3 days for the treatment to begin taking effect and around 7 days to see the full effect. Treatment effects can last up to 4 months.

The cost depends on the amount administered measured in units and this can vary according to gender, strength of facial muscles treated, the degree of wrinkling and the effect of previous treatments.

As a guide, females will require about 15 to 30 units for the treatment of crows feet, and 20 to 30 units for frown lines, and from 5 to 20 units for the treatment of forehead lines. Males generally require more.

Although Anti-wrinkle injections will last up to 4 months, it is recommended to rebook in 12 weeks after service. 

Our doctors will be able to advise you of the exact cost only at the time of the consultation, as each person requirements are different.

Injectable dermal fillers.

Injectable dermal fillers are used to treat static wrinkles. Injectable dermal fillers are placed beneath the wrinkle and/or fold to ‘fill in' or ‘plump up' the depression. The areas most commonly treated with dermal fillers include Nasolabial Folds, Marionette Lines and Vertical Lip Lines. In addition to the treatment of wrinkles injectable dermal fillers can also be used to create volume and definition of the lips. Dermal fillers are administered through a few injections by a trained medical professional. Our Cosmetic Physician may decide to administer a topical (cream) or local anaesthetic to help numb the area being treated. Treatments usually take aprox 15 to 30 minutes and is virtually painless.Results usually last for at least 6 months and normal activities can generally be resumed immediately following facial injections.

Usually the side effects of these wrinkle treatments are temporary and localised to the area of injection. The different types of cosmetic injection have different side effects, however in general possible side effects include swelling, pain, burning, bruising or redness at the injection site.

Both types of cosmetic injections are available only from a medical practitioner. It is best to consult our cosmetic physicians to discuss your individual case and the anti-ageing skin care appropriate for you. Our doctors will help you to make decisions based on your age, skin condition, expectation and overall health.