What is the best anti-ageing treatment after 40 or 50?
Age alone cannot determine the most suitable treatment.
Ageing does not appear in the same way in every patient. For some, the first expression lines are the main concern. For others, lost facial volume gradually changes contours. For others still, skin sagging predominates.
This is why there is no universal anti-ageing treatment. The choice rests above all on facial assessment and the mechanisms responsible for ageing. Treatment is effective only when it addresses the problem it is intended to correct.
Does botulinum toxin remain the reference treatment for expression lines?
Yes. When associated with repeated facial muscle movements, wrinkles respond particularly well to botulinum toxin.
It is indicated for dynamic forehead lines, glabellar lines and crow's feet. By temporarily reducing muscle contraction, it softens already visible wrinkles while limiting worsening.
Botulinum toxin does not act on wrinkles associated with skin sagging, volume loss or skin quality. When these mechanisms are present, other treatments are more suitable.
Are hyaluronic acid injections indicated when the face becomes hollow?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid injections may be indicated when ageing causes loss of volume and support in certain facial areas.
Over time, ageing is not limited to wrinkles. Facial fat compartments gradually diminish, tissues descend under gravity and certain areas become hollow or lose support.
Hyaluronic acid restores volume when it has genuinely decreased. Used correctly, it does not transform the face: it restores support where it has gradually disappeared.
The temples, cheekbones, nasolabial folds, marionette lines and tear troughs are among the most frequently treated areas.
However, not every wrinkle should be filled. When mainly associated with muscle contraction or altered skin quality, hyaluronic acid is not always the most suitable solution.
The aim is therefore to identify the origin of a hollow or wrinkle and select suitable treatment, rather than routinely injecting hyaluronic acid.
Why does Sculptra® differ from hyaluronic acid injections?
Sculptra® does not directly fill a wrinkle or immediately restore volume: it gradually stimulates collagen production.
This production naturally decreases with age. Skin becomes thinner, less firm and gradually loses supporting capacity. Sculptra® stimulates fibroblasts to produce new collagen, gradually improving tissue quality and density.
Results appear gradually over several weeks or months. This slow progression explains the very natural appearance achieved in appropriately selected patients.
Sculptra® cannot instantly correct a volume deficit. When an immediate result is desired, hyaluronic acid is more suitable.
Can Skinboosters slow skin ageing?
Skin ageing does not manifest through wrinkles alone. Over time, skin gradually loses hydration, suppleness and radiance. It then looks more tired, even when facial volume remains well preserved.
Skinboosters specifically aim to improve skin quality. They involve dermal injection of lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid that retains water and provides lasting hydration. Over the weeks, skin gains suppleness, texture becomes finer and the complexion regains radiance.
This treatment particularly suits patients wishing to improve skin appearance without changing facial volume or features.
However, Skinboosters cannot correct marked skin sagging or substantial volume loss. In these situations, other treatments are more suitable.
Is fractional ablative laser the most effective treatment for improving skin quality?
With pronounced photoageing, fine lines, acne scars or substantially altered skin texture, fractional ablative laser is one of the most effective treatments.
Its principle relies on creating small columns of ablation within the skin. This stimulation triggers substantial collagen remodelling and gradual skin renewal.
The result mainly concerns skin texture: pores look less visible, fine lines soften and the complexion becomes more even.
However, this treatment requires more recovery than injections. Redness and peeling are expected for several days. It is also preferable to perform it outside periods of significant sun exposure.
Can several anti-ageing treatments be combined?
In most cases, several anti-ageing treatments can be combined.
Facial ageing is complex and involves several mechanisms. Correcting expression lines alone without treating volume loss or altered skin quality often produces an incomplete result.
Which treatment should you choose for your main sign of ageing?
Treatment should be chosen according to the main ageing sign and its underlying mechanism.
An expression line responds more to botulinum toxin. Facial volume or support loss can be corrected with hyaluronic acid. A gradual decline in collagen is an indication for Sculptra®, while dehydrated skin benefits more from Skinboosters.
When the aim is to improve uneven texture, diffuse fine lines or certain scars, fractional ablative laser generally offers the most convincing results.
There is therefore no universal treatment for facial ageing. In aesthetic medicine, the aim is to identify the mechanism involved and choose the corresponding treatment, rather than use a technique outside its indications.
Best anti-ageing treatments: key points
There is no single best anti-ageing treatment. Botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid, Sculptra®, Skinboosters and fractional ablative laser each serve a specific indication. Understanding the mechanism responsible for ageing is the first step towards effective care. This personalised approach provides a natural, consistent and lasting result without treating more than necessary.
Article written by Dr Valeria Romano
Dr Valeria Romano supports each patient through a comprehensive approach to facial, body and intimate aesthetics, as well as skin and hair quality. Every treatment is based on a personalised medical assessment.
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