Best Wrinkle Treatments in Chicago

For many types of skin issues that can cause aging, there are many wrinkle treatments that have been developed to address them. Each treatment has its own strengths; as such, treatments may be combined to achieve a patient’s desired results. These treatments include:

• BOTOX
• Injectable fillers such as Restylane; and Radiesse
• Injectable implants

Facial expressions that repeatedly crease the skin eventually lead to the development of prominent forehead creases, brow furrows, or eye lines, a.k.a. crow’s feet. One extremely effective treatment for these issues is Botulinum toxin, a.k.a. BOTOX, which works by reducing the function of the facial muscles specifically responsible for skin creasing. BOTOX weakens or paralyzes the muscle in the injection site for a typical period of several months. The resultant weakening or paralyzing effect on said facial muscle temporarily reduces dynamic wrinkles while also preventing new skin creasing.

BOTOX is a sterile, purified protein produced in the laboratory from the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. When injected in small amounts into subdermal facial muscles, BOTOX binds to the nerve endings supplying the muscle and prevents nerve impulses from traveling to said muscle.

BOTOX may take several days to produce its effect. The effect typically lasts 3 to 6 months in most individuals before full muscle movement returns. At that point, further treatment may be elected.

BOTOX is among the most popular crow’s feet and forehead wrinkle treatments. It is also one of the most effective under-eye wrinkle treatments.

Injectable fillers are also effective wrinkle-reduction treatments. Injectable collagen is an animal protein filler material formulated for safe use in nearly all areas of the face, including the lips and crow’s feet. Fine wrinkles are filled to reduce their visibility. Other prominent facial creases and folds around the forehead, cheeks, and chin can be treated with this material as well.

Initial collagen allergy testing must be performed, and repeated treatments every 2 to 3 months are typically needed to sustain the desired result. These skin wrinkle treatments are easily performed in the office and usually have minimal side effects.

Restylane is considered a premier wrinkle filler because it is a safe, temporary, non-animal form of hyaluronic acid gel—hyaluronic acid being a naturally occurring substance that binds water to cells. Restylane is injected to fill out creases and lines. It is not to be confused with BOTOX, which essentially relaxes muscles. The most common areas to have done are the lips, nasolabial folds, smile lines, and drooping corners of the mouth, making it one of the most sought-after mouth wrinkle treatments. The results typically last between 6 to 12 months.

Restylane has minimal side effects. The most common is slight bruising, which is seen in about 20% of patients. Some patients may experience an infection or a cold sore due to the injection of the needle, but this is rare. Allergic reactions are possible but extremely rare. Additionally, there may be a little swelling after the needle is injected, though this resolves within a day or two.

Another injectable tissue filler is Radiesse a.k.a. Radiance. This is a gel solution composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in an aqueous polysaccharide gel. CaHA is a well-known biocompatible substance found in teeth and bones that is absorbed by the body over a period of about 2 years.

Radiesse is now widely used for the cosmetic treatment of deep facial lines and folds, acne scarring, deep furrows between the brows, other areas of facial depressions, and issues affecting the size and shape of the lips. When injected beneath the skin, the CaHA microspheres are encapsulated or trapped by the body’s collagen fiber, gently lifting and supporting the skin. Radiesse does not require allergy or sensitization testing.

To any respectable dermatologist, wrinkle treatments Restylane and BOTOX work brilliantly together as a team. In fact, skin wrinkle treatments are often combined to produce a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. For example, a doctor may choose BOTOX to smoothen the forehead, then use injectable filler wrinkle treatments around the mouth.

The goal is to improve or reduce the appearance of the wrinkle or crease. This may be accomplished by reducing movement of the underlying facial muscle action, such as with botulinum toxin therapy. Alternatively, the skin beneath the wrinkle can be augmented using injected or inserted filler material. The choice of a type of therapy depends on the location and extent of the wrinkles, the desired duration of the effects, and the tolerance for potential side effects.

The best way to determine which skin wrinkle treatments are most appropriate for you is to have a consultation with an experienced board-certified doctor such as Dr. Moynihan.

Expectations for facial wrinkle therapy must be realistic. While the idea of a complete and permanent removal of facial wrinkles may be attractive to a person considering treatment, it is unrealistic due to the ongoing nature of wrinkle formation and the currently available treatment methods.

All skin wrinkle treatments provide additional and complementary aesthetic benefits when combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as a facelift, a brow lift, blepharoplasty, or skin resurfacing.

The patterns and severity of facial wrinkle formation are highly individual. Therefore, after consultation with your surgeon, the appropriate therapy for your specific problems must be tailored to meet your needs. Management of many facial wrinkles may require repeated skin wrinkle treatments or the use of combinations of such treatments to achieve optimal results.

Insurance does not generally cover procedures that are purely for cosmetic reasons. Treatments aimed at correcting or improving facial scars or contour deformities resulting from injury may be covered. It is the patient’s responsibility to check with the insurance carrier for information on the degree of coverage.

If you are currently in Chicago or the surrounding areas, you may benefit from seeing double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Moynihan, who provides the best skin wrinkle treatments in Chicago. Please refer to our contact information for the exact locations of the facility and outpatient surgical center he performs the treatments at.