Wrinkles are among the first visible signs of facial ageing. They appear gradually, changing skin texture and sometimes how we see ourselves and how others see us. However, not all wrinkles are alike. Their treatment in aesthetic medicine depends above all on their origin and the mechanisms involved in their formation. Understanding these is essential to guide treatment choices and achieve a natural, harmonious result.
A personalised approach to treating facial wrinkles
Each face has its own shape and ageing process. Wrinkle treatment therefore requires a personalised approach. During the consultation, Dr Romano carefully examines skin quality and thickness, the type of wrinkles, facial structure, changes in volume and the patient's expectations. In many cases, combining several techniques optimises the results.
Why do wrinkles appear over time?
The appearance of wrinkles is linked to several gradual changes in the skin and deeper facial structures:
- Reduction in essential skin components: with age, natural production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid decreases. The skin becomes thinner, less resilient and more vulnerable to wrinkle formation.
- Gradual tissue laxity: ageing does not affect only the skin's surface. Over time, tissues tend to descend under gravity and loss of volume support. The facial structure then gradually sags, causing loss of definition of the facial oval, jowls and neck laxity
- Changes in fat volume: the distribution of facial fat changes. Certain areas may develop localised fullness, particularly in the lower third of the face or the nasolabial folds.
- Repeated muscle action: repeated facial muscle contractions contribute to expression lines. Initially visible during movement, they may gradually also appear at rest.
- Extrinsic factors: these natural processes are compounded by external factors. Ultraviolet exposure is the main cause of premature skin ageing. Smoking, pollution, oxidative stress and certain lifestyle habits can also accelerate wrinkle development. These different physiological processes explain why wrinkles require a specific approach according to their cause.
How are different types of wrinkles treated?
Botulinum toxin injections to improve expression lines
Botulinum toxin is now one of the most widely used treatments in aesthetic medicine to reduce expression lines. It works by temporarily relaxing certain muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles. As muscle activity decreases, the skin above these muscles gradually relaxes and wrinkles fade. This treatment is particularly indicated for forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet.
Very small quantities are injected directly into the targeted muscles. The procedure is quick and generally well tolerated. The first effects appear after a few days, with an optimal result visible after an average of one week. Treatment effectiveness most often lasts between four and six months.
When performed precisely, this treatment smooths wrinkles while retaining a natural expression.
Hyaluronic acid injections to correct static wrinkles
Wrinkles related to volume loss and skin thinning can be corrected with hyaluronic acid injections. This molecule, naturally present in the body, has a strong capacity to retain water and hydrate tissues. Used as injectable gels, it restores volume, fills certain wrinkles and improves overall skin quality.
This treatment is particularly indicated for nasolabial folds, marionette lines, perioral wrinkles (lip wrinkles) and restoration of facial volume.
Results are visible immediately after the injections.
Can a non-surgical facelift with injections reduce wrinkles?
In certain situations, simply filling a wrinkle is not enough to achieve a satisfactory result. The strategy then involves acting on facial support areas to reposition tissues naturally. Hyaluronic acid injections can be used for this indication to perform a true non-surgical facelift. The product is injected at support points precisely selected according to the patient's anatomy. Restoring these anchor points can improve tissue tension and reduce certain wrinkles related to overall laxity, particularly nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Unlike a surgical facelift, this approach is non-invasive and provides a comprehensive, natural rejuvenating effect.
Which treatments improve skin quality and prevent wrinkles?
Alongside wrinkle treatment, certain procedures help improve skin texture, radiance and overall quality.
- Medical peels: peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to stimulate cell renewal. They improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and restore complexion radiance. Depending on their depth, peels can address different types of wrinkles: fine lines, superficial wrinkles and deep wrinkles.
- Collagen stimulators: certain medical techniques stimulate collagen production in the dermis. Fractional lasers, radiofrequency and laser photorejuvenation induce gradual skin remodelling. These treatments are particularly effective for improving skin firmness and reducing fine wrinkles.
- Skinboosters: Skinboosters, made of lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid injected directly into the dermis, improve deep skin hydration and overall quality. They help smooth superficial wrinkles and improve complexion radiance.
At what age should wrinkle treatment begin?
There is no specific age to start anti-wrinkle treatment in aesthetic medicine. Care depends particularly on genetics, facial shape, muscle activity and skin quality. In some people, expression lines may appear in their late twenties. In others, treatments are considered later, when wrinkles become more pronounced. The aim is not to transform features, but to support skin ageing gradually.
Aesthetic medicine in the age of natural results and personalisation
Each face has its own shape and ageing process. Wrinkle treatment therefore requires a personalised approach. During the consultation, Dr Romano carefully examines skin quality and thickness, the type of wrinkles, facial structure, changes in volume and the patient's expectations. In many cases, combining several techniques optimises the results.
