You may feel self-conscious and unhappy with your appearance if wrinkles have begun to creep across your skin. Lines are an inevitable effect of aging, but today's cosmetic dermatology treatments allow you to restore youthful, refreshed skin. As a cosmetic dermatologist with decades of experience, Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald can determine the best treatment for your wrinkles. She assesses the entire face and its underlying structures in order to come to a conclusion about what will work best for you. To schedule a consultation, please call 323-464-8046.
What Can I Do About Wrinkles?
As a recognized leader and authority in the field of cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Fitzgerald offers the most advanced wrinkle treatments:
Genius RF. This resurfacing treatment softens wrinkles with radio frequency technology. The radio frequency is emitted from pins on a handheld wand, pressed gently into the skin. The resulting heat energy reaches deep beneath the skin. This type of laser treatment boosts collagen production, resulting in firmer, smoother skin.
Microneedling. Collagen is the supportive structure that keeps youthful skin firm and smooth. As we age, collagen production slows and skin gets thinner. Microneedling creates new collagen. By creating tiny wound-like penetrations in the skin's surface, Microneedling prompts your skin to heal. The healing process produces collagen. It is a great option for all skin types and skin colors.
Dermal fillers. Dermal fillers seemingly erase the effects of aging by filling in areas of volume loss on your face. Wrinkles form a concavity on your skin, casting shadows across your face and generally making you appear aged. Fillers are Dr. Fitzgerald's chosen area of specialization, and she has the skills and experience to utilize fillers in a way that naturally enlivens your skin. Dr. Fitzgerald has a reputation for cosmetic dermatology that makes you look younger without making you look like you've "had work done."
Wrinkle relaxers. BOTOX®, Dysport and Xeomin smooth wrinkles formed by facial expressions. Years of smiling, frowning, squinting and otherwise contracting the muscles in your face leads to fine lines around your eyes, between your brows, across your forehead and around your mouth. These wrinkle relaxers stop the contractions that are leading to those lines.
Fraxel Dual. This laser treatment boosts collagen while also reducing discoloration caused by sun exposure. The fractional beams of laser energy means that not all of the skin is treated at once. The result is minimal downtime and recovery.
Laser Genesis. Gently treat diffuse redness, fade acne scarring, reduce the appearance of fine lines by improving collagen stores, & naturally promote a healthy look.
What Causes Wrinkles?
We all link wrinkles to aging, but there's more to it than just getting older.
As your body ages, collagen and elastin production lessen constantly and the effect is cumulative. These two of many proteins and chemicals that diminish with age are involved in tissue repair and regeneration. Without the same amounts of collagen and elastin you had when younger, your skin will lose firmness and "stretchiness".
As a result, you'll see an increasing number of lines and creases as the years pass. Collagen and elastin production begins its slow-down during your twenties, so there are many, many years in which your skin will rely primarily on the collagen and elastin you already have. The most effective way to boost new collagen is through periodic aesthetic treatments.
In addition to aging, wrinkle formation is also influenced by sun exposure and facial movement. You have a fair amount of control over sun exposure but not so on facial movement. You can see, and experience, the results of too much sun, lack of hydration (well hydrated and moisturized skin is better are slowing wrinkling than dry and dehydrated skin...think of plums vs prunes.)
Is There Any Way to Prevent Wrinkles?
Wrinkles are going to happen at some point, but when and how quickly they show up is in great part up to you.
One of the best ways to slow the process of wrinkle-formation is to apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day. This is a holy grail practice that is in everyone's best interest. Very simply, less unprotected sun exposure equals less wrinkling and the pigmentation that often comes with it.
Eating a nutrient-dense diet that includes fresh vegetables and fruits can also support a more graceful aging process. The nutrition angle works by preventing an over-abundance of free radicals that cause oxidative stress. A knowledgeable dermatologist can also help you navigate cosmetic aging by recommending medical-grade skincare products formulated to achieve clinical results with continued use.
You can't really "set it and forget it". Your skin is in a state of continual change, so your skincare will need to evolve over time, as well.
How Do I Know Which Treatment is Right for Me?
There are several benefits to working with a board-certified dermatologist who stays up to date with the latest treatments and products. Dr. Fitzgerald has been serving patients for over two decades. She understands what causes cosmetic concerns and how to address each using safe, effective technologies.
When you're ready to address the issue of wrinkled skin, all you need to do is schedule an appointment. Here in our Larchmont office, you can expect a thorough consultation and evaluation of your skin. Together, you and Dr. Fitzgerald or another of our dermatologists can create the ideal treatment plan to prolong a more youthful appearance.
How Long Will My Results Last?
Part of your comprehensive consultation with Dr. Fitzgerald will be to discuss your expectations based on the recommended treatments. This includes how long your results can last.
In general, the various services that are performed to reduce wrinkles, from injectables to microneedling to laser resurfacing, achieve improvements that can last one to two years. Your results may last longer if you are seeing us for the early intervention of the signs of aging.
Treatment results may also last longer if you take excellent care of your skin on a daily basis and avoid unnecessary sun exposure. Conversely, your results may degrade more quickly based on your lifestyle habits. We're here to help you maintain the fresh, youthful appearance you wish to have.
Are there any Side Effects of Wrinkle Treatments?
Some procedures geared to minimizing wrinkles may have more significant side effects than others. In general, the services that we provide for wrinkle-reduction tend to be on the more conservative side. You might experience barely-there redness after Clear and Brilliant or mild swelling after getting injectables.
After laser treatment, you may encounter noticeable swelling and redness that lasts a few days. When you schedule treatment for wrinkles, we'll let you know what could develop during your brief recovery period, how to manage side effects, and how to care for your skin to support its regeneration. We'll also tell you if you need to plan a few days off work or away from socializing.
Individualized Treatments for Wrinkles
Wrinkle treatments at Dr. Fitzgerald's practice serve as a remedy for all types lines, including:
- "11s" between the eyebrows
- Forehead lines
- Crow's feet
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Lip lines
- "Parentheses" around the mouth
- Neck bands
By assessing your skin as part of an individual, personalized approach to your care, Dr. Fitzgerald can determine which wrinkle treatments will be the best match for you.
To schedule a consultation, please call 323-464-8046. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald and our entire staff are proud to serve women and men from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Larchmont and all of the surrounding areas.
