How can you rejuvenate without surgery ?
How can you look 10 years younger without surgery ? What is the most effective wrinkle treatment ? These questions are frequently asked during consultations.
Wrinkles are among the first signs of ageing. Some people find them charming, others want to eliminate them.
Medical techniques make it possible to :
- Remove wrinkles.
- Fill wrinkles.
- Prevent wrinkles from appearing.
- Improve wrinkles.
Marionette lines
Barcode lines
Frown line
Forehead wrinkles
Crow's feet
Nasolabial fold
Sleep lines
Smile lines
Fine linesWhat are wrinkles ?
Wrinkles are depressions of varying depth that develop with age. They initially affect the skin surface (epidermis and superficial dermis), gradually deepening to reach the middle and deep dermis. Depending on their depth, they are called fine lines or wrinkles. If a wrinkle is very deep and associated with loss of subcutaneous tissue, it is called a furrow.
What are the different types of wrinkles ?
Wrinkles are creases, hollows or fissures that appear in the skin because of natural ageing, repeated expressions, sun exposure and other environmental factors. They can be classified into three main categories.
- Expression lines or dynamic wrinkles : these develop through repeated movements and therefore facial muscle activity. They are often found around the eyes (crow's feet), mouth (smile lines) and forehead (horizontal lines).
- Static wrinkles or wrinkles at rest : these are caused by a break in the skin and remain visible at rest.
- Ageing wrinkles : collagen and elastin production decreases with age, the skin loses elasticity and firmness, leading to deep, pronounced wrinkles.
How to prevent wrinkles ?
To prevent wrinkles and prolong aesthetic treatment results, an appropriate skincare routine is essential.
- Hydration : use moisturising creams rich in ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to maintain skin hydration and suppleness.
- Sun protection : apply broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily to protect against UV damage.
- Healthy diet : eat a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids to nourish the skin.
- Healthy lifestyle : avoid smoking, limit alcohol and get enough sleep to allow the skin to regenerate.
What are the results of wrinkle filling ?
The results of wrinkle filling with injections are :
- Visible reduction of wrinkles and fine lines : expression line treatment results last around six months, and static wrinkle treatment results around one year.
- Restoration of facial volume.
- Improved facial contours.
- Improved skin density and hydration : hyaluronic acid improves skin hydration and quality. This gel attracts and retains water, increases elasticity and suppleness and provides overall rejuvenation.
What precautions should be taken before a wrinkle-filling session ?
Before a wrinkle filler session, taking certain precautions is important for effective, risk-free treatment.
- Choose the right doctor : choose an experienced doctor. An initial consultation assesses your skin, discusses expectations, determines the most appropriate treatment and rules out contraindications.
- Medical history : tell your doctor about your medical history, including allergies and any medicines you take.
- Avoid certain medicines and supplements : supplements and natural products such as vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng and fish oil must be stopped at least one week before treatment because they can increase bleeding risk. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medicines must only be stopped with the prescribing doctor's authorisation and according to their instructions.
- Prepare the skin : avoid aggressive skin treatments such as chemical peels, exfoliants or laser treatments in the days before the session, as the skin must not be irritated.
How do wrinkles form ? What causes wrinkles ?
Several factors cause wrinkles.
- Age : collagen and elastin fibre production decreases over time. The skin becomes thinner and more fragile. The speed of this process is genetically determined.
- Hormones : declining levels of hormones that support the skin accelerate ageing, this occurs during menopause and andropause.
- Smoking and alcohol.
- Insufficient hydration.
- The positions we adopt : pillow lines (wrinkles on one side of the face) and lines between the breasts are caused by sleeping on the side.
- Sun exposure : this is the main factor in extrinsic ageing. The sun dehydrates the skin, causes pigmentation and alters collagen and elastin fibre synthesis.
- Stress : stress causes free radical formation and affects skin circulation.
- Lack of sleep.
- Diet : a diet rich in fibre, fruit and vegetables, healthy fats (omega 3 and omega 6) and adequate protein slows ageing. A diet rich in simple sugars and unhealthy fats accelerates it.
- Insufficient physical activity.
How to remove wrinkles from the face ?
Several techniques can remove wrinkles.
Anti-ageing skincare and anti-wrinkle creams are ineffective.
A clinical examination identifies the wrinkle type and the most appropriate option. Wrinkles have different causes, so treatment is personalised.
Hyaluronic acid injections to fill facial wrinkles
Hyaluronic acid injections are now among the most popular treatments for correcting facial wrinkles, restoring lost volume and improving skin hydration. Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the body ; targeted injections fill hollows and restore support to tissues weakened over time. This treatment provides immediate results, with a naturally rejuvenated appearance, without altering facial expression.
Performed precisely by an experienced doctor, it provides a lasting and very natural result.
Two techniques are used.
- Filling the wrinkle : the product is injected along its full length. Injection depth and the product used depend on wrinkle type.
- The lifting technique : a fold often accompanies a wrinkle, in which case descended tissues must be lifted using the medical lift technique with hyaluronic acid injections.
Botulinum toxin
Botulinum toxin reduces expression lines by temporarily decreasing contraction of the muscles responsible. It is mainly indicated for frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet.
Skinboosters to reduce wrinkles
Skinboosters offer a subtle, gradual approach to improving skin quality and reducing fine lines. This very fluid, lightly crosslinked hyaluronic acid acts as an “intensive hydration course” by deeply nourishing the dermis. Unlike volumising injections, Skinboosters do not alter facial structure : they strengthen the skin from within, improving tone, elasticity and natural radiance. This treatment particularly suits dehydrated, thin, dull skin or skin affected by the sun and ageing.
Results develop gradually over the sessions : skin texture is smoother, fine lines fade and the complexion is brighter : a genuine boost of radiance. It is ideal for preventing skin ageing or complementing other aesthetic techniques.
Sculptra®
Sculptra® is an injectable treatment designed to gradually restore skin quality and firmness by stimulating natural collagen production. It is indicated to correct age-related volume loss and progressively improve facial structure. Results develop gradually over 3 to 6 months.
Peels for wrinkles
A medical peel is a rejuvenation technique that uses a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin in a controlled way. Depending on the peel chosen — superficial, medium or deep — it can improve complexion radiance, reduce fine lines, increase skin density and stimulate collagen production. By promoting cell renewal, it eliminates visible imperfections, pigmentation and early signs of ageing. Treatment is often given as a course (several sessions are needed, except for medium and deep peels), for more even, softer and visibly rejuvenated skin. A peel is an excellent option for restoring a luminous complexion and gently treating wrinkles, with a lasting radiance boost.
Removing facial wrinkles with laser resurfacing
Laser resurfacing treats deep wrinkles, scars, pigmentation and skin laxity. By delivering controlled energy at the skin surface and in depth, it intensively stimulates collagen production and promotes complete tissue regeneration. After treatment, the skin gradually renews itself : it becomes firmer, smoother and visibly rejuvenated. Wrinkles and fine lines diminish, skin quality improves and the complexion becomes more even. This treatment may require recovery time, but is ideal for patients seeking visible, lasting results. Performed by an experienced doctor, a laser resurfacing session provides genuine skin renewal with a lifting effect without surgery.
Wrinkle filling prices
In Geneva, hyaluronic acid wrinkle treatment costs 600 CHF per syringe. Botulinum toxin injections start from 350 CHF. A personalised quotation is provided for other treatments.
The cost of wrinkle treatment depends on the technique, the area treated, the product used and the amount required.
A Cochrane review brought together 65 randomised trials involving 14,919 participants to assess botulinum toxin type A for facial wrinkles. Results show greater wrinkle reduction, particularly for glabellar lines, than placebo at four weeks. This review supports the value of botulinum toxin for expression lines; response and duration depend on formulation and protocol.
A meta-analysis bringing together thirteen randomised trials compared several injectable products to correct nasolabial folds, the creases extending from the sides of the nose to the corners of the lips. At six months, hyaluronic acid reduced the folds. These results confirm its value for this indication. However, treatment selection must take account of fold depth, origin and facial proportions.
A systematic review of comparative studies assessed CO₂ and Erbium:YAG lasers for reducing facial wrinkles. The work supports the effectiveness of both technologies, with generally greater correction using CO₂ and often milder recovery with Erbium:YAG. This publication helps explain the value of personalised selection according to wrinkle depth, skin and the desired recovery time.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of wrinkles?
There are three main types of wrinkles: expression lines, caused by muscle contractions; static wrinkles, visible even at rest and associated in particular with skin ageing; and superficial fine lines, often linked to dehydration or changes in skin quality. Several types of wrinkles can coexist. Read more
What is the difference between botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid for treating wrinkles?
Botulinum toxin temporarily reduces the muscle contractions responsible for expression lines, particularly on the forehead, glabella and around the eyes. Hyaluronic acid can fill certain static wrinkles, restore lost volume and soften folds associated with a loss of tissue support. Other treatments may be necessary when wrinkles are linked to skin quality or significant sagging. Read more
Can all facial wrinkles be completely removed?
No. The results depend on the depth, cause and location of the wrinkles. Superficial wrinkles and some expression lines can be significantly reduced, whereas deep wrinkles are generally more difficult to correct. The aim is to reduce wrinkles while preserving natural facial expressions. Read more
Can creams replace medical treatments for wrinkles?
Moisturising creams improve skin suppleness and appearance. Some active ingredients, particularly retinoids, can also gradually reduce fine lines. However, creams cannot restore lost volume or act on muscle contractions like botulinum toxin. For mild signs of ageing, a suitable skincare routine may be sufficient. Read more
How can the appearance and worsening of wrinkles be prevented?
Daily sun protection and stopping smoking help limit some of the factors responsible for skin ageing. Appropriate moisturising helps preserve skin suppleness and reduce dehydration lines. Preventive injections are not routinely necessary when no wrinkles are present. Read more
What should be checked before wrinkle filler treatment?
Before an injection, it is essential to report current medications, previously injected products and any previous reactions. The doctor must check for contraindications and explain the possible complications. Although hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the body and the gels are resorbable, injections are not without risks. Read more
Further reading
What are the different treatments for wrinkles?
Compare treatment categories according to the mechanism and area.
At what age do the first wrinkles appear?
An analysis of wrinkles according to age.
Skincare myths and realities
Understand the limits of creams and avoid irritating skincare routines.