The gradual development of facial wrinkles, whether fine surface lines or deeper creases and folds, is the classic early sign of aging. Premature aging and wrinkling of the skin may also be accelerated by accumulated skin damage due to excessive exposure to the sun and other elements, overactive facial expression muscles, the frequent use of tobacco products, poor nutrition, or skin disorders.

Gold Coast Plastic Surgery wrinkle treatments

Fine surface wrinkles that progress to deeper creases, deepening dynamic lines due to repeated facial expressions, and deep folds that develop with one’s maturity are obvious changes that may combine to portray a less desirable appearance. Persistent facial lines, especially those involved in negative emotional expressions, may mistakenly portray to others the look of worry, anger, anxiety, disgust, or sadness despite one’s own positive internal feelings.

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How can I smooth my wrinkles?

Regardless of the cause of facial creases or folds, safe and successful skin wrinkle treatments that work to reduce these issues are now available with the help of an experienced facial plastic surgeon. Injecting or implanting substances that either temporarily weaken the muscles or act as skin volume fillers serve to soften or minimize the appearance of wrinkles and produce a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.

How are wrinkle treatments carried out?

Treatments for facial wrinkles are usually performed in the office setting, which is convenient, private, and safe for persons who desire therapy. Your health, in conjunction with the appropriate therapy to achieve your goals, is given full consideration by your Facial Plastic Surgeon.

Are there any health issues that can bar me from wrinkle treatment?

Thankfully, due to our minimally invasive methods, very few individual health problems would limit the use of such therapies. At any rate, your concerns and any medical requirements for various facial wrinkle treatments will be part of the consultation with your surgeon.

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Why choose Gold Coast Plastic Surgery for your wrinkle treatments?

When considering dermal fillers or BOTOX, choose Gold Coast Plastic Surgery. Established in 2004 in Chicago and highly specialized in both surgical and non-surgical facial cosmetic procedures, as well as clinical skincare treatments, Gold Coast Plastic Surgery strives to bring out your natural beauty by utilizing world-class techniques. Dr. Moynihan is double-board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Loyola University Medical Center and Rush University Medical Center. He was educated at prestigious training institutions, including Villanova, Loyola, and the renowned Rousso Facial Plastic Surgery Center. Thousands of satisfied clients have undergone successful procedures with us and have experienced exceptional care and natural-looking outcomes.

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What should I expect after my wrinkle treatment?

In comparison to typical cosmetic surgical procedures, the office time for skin wrinkle treatments and the subsequent recovery period is minimal.

Botulinum toxin therapy typically takes a few minutes to perform, and most patients may return immediately to their regular activities.

Minor local irritation, redness, bruising, or swelling at the injection sites are the most observed side effects, all of which typically abate within a few hours. Likewise, collagen or human dermal injection therapy can be accomplished with a procedure lasting 5 to 15 minutes and which produces similar minor and temporary side effects. Some mild irritation at the injection sites is unavoidable but can easily be camouflaged with standard makeup if necessary.

Wrinkle Treatment FAQs

What types of treatments are available for facial wrinkles?

How does BOTOX treat facial wrinkles?

What is BOTOX?

How long before I can see results with BOTOX?

What is the main reason BOTOX is used?

About injectable fillers

What should I know before my filler treatment?

What is Restylane?

What are the side effects of Restylane?

What is Radiesse?

What can Radiesse treat?

When are fillers and BOTOX used together?

How do I decide which wrinkle treatment is right for me?

Wrinkle therapy and expectations

How many wrinkle therapy treatments will I need?

Will Insurance cover my wrinkle treatments?

Where can I get wrinkle treatment near me?

What types of treatments are available for facial wrinkles?

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

How does BOTOX treat facial wrinkles?

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.

What is BOTOX?

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.

How long before I can see results with BOTOX?

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.

What is the main reason BOTOX is used?

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.

About injectable fillers

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.

What should I know before my filler treatment?

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.

What is Restylane?

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.

What are the side effects of Restylane?

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.

What is Radiesse?

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.

What can Radiesse treat?

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.

When are fillers and BOTOX used together?

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.

How do I decide which wrinkle treatment is right for me?

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.

Wrinkle therapy and expectations

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.

How many wrinkle therapy treatments will I need?

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.

Will Insurance cover my wrinkle treatments?

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.

Where can I get wrinkle treatment near me?

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.

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