Wrinkles are visible
creases in the skin.
Most wrinkles are associated with aging changes in skin.
Besides wrinkles, other skin changes may include liver spots
(pigmented areas). The hair and nails also change with aging,
including graying of the hair, hair loss, and brittleness of the
nails.
What causes wrinkles ?
-Sun exposure
-Normal aging changes in the skin
-Smoking
To minimize skin wrinkling
Stay out of the sun as much as possible.
Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when you are outside
If you smoke, stop smoking.
Call your doctor if
-A spot on the skin has more than one color, has an irregular
shape, or is raised
-You notice any new or changing pigmented lesions
Wrinkles are not usually a concern unless they occur at an early
age. Consult your doctor if you think that your skin is becoming
excessively wrinkled at an early age. A referral to a
dermatologist or plastic surgeon is sometimes appropriate.
Treatment options
A dermatologist or plastic surgeon may provide choices from
wrinkle creams to plastic surgery:
Tretinoin (Retin-A) or other creams may be recommended,
but these aren't guaranteed to help.
Laser resurfacing or chemical peels are very effective
options for early wrinkles.
Botulinum toxin (Botox) may be used to correct some of the
wrinkles associated with overactive facial muscles.
Plastic surgery
What is Laser?
Laser stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission
of Radiation(LASER).
A laser is a light beam that can be precisely focused. It is used
to treat tissues by heating the targeted cells until they
"burst". It may also be used for cosmetic purposes, including
removal of wrinkles, tattoos, or birthmarks.
There are several types of lasers, including the carbon
dioxide (CO2) laser, the YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet)
laser, and the pulsed dye laser. Each laser has specific
uses. The color of the light beam used is directly related to the
type of procedure being performed and the color of the tissue
being treated.
Laser may be used to:
Remove tumors
Seal small blood vessels to reduce blood loss
Seal lymph vessels to reduce swelling and decrease the spread of
tumor cells
Seal nerve endings to reduce postoperative pain
Remove warts, moles, and tattoos
Reduce the appearance of skin wrinkles
Remove hair
Possible side effects of
laser therapy:
Bleeding
Infection
Pain
Scaring
Skin color changes
incomplete treatment of the problem
