When we make certain facial expressions, wrinkles form around the eyes, between the eyebrows and around the perimeter of the mouth. These are called dynamic wrinkles because they form through the dynamic action of muscle contraction. As we age, these wrinkles become much more prominent because the skin now holds less moisture, is less elastic and contains less collagen.
BOTOX® is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments for reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles and skin folds. It is an injectable fluid that allows the facial muscles to stay relaxed. We encourage all who are concerned about non-set wrinkles detracting from their appearance to learn more about how BOTOX® injections can help to keep their facial skin smooth.
How Dynamic Wrinkles Form
The muscles in our face receive information from the brain via the central nervous system. When we chew our food, our brain sends signals that cause muscles around the jaw to contract. The same thing happens when we want to smile or frown.
The skin on the upper part of the face is rather thin, and as we age and mature, this skin becomes less supported by the underlying tissues. The skin may become more brittle because it cannot hold as much moisture as before. Collagen production decreases, so the skin is less firm and even less elastic. Dynamic wrinkling occurs when the facial muscles contract, pushing two regions of the skin surface closer together.
How BOTOX® Can Help
BOTOX® is an effective muscle-relaxing agent. The product is injected beneath the skin. Over the next few days, it relaxes the facial muscles. The muscles no longer receive energy pulses from the nerves and cannot contract. This keeps the facial skin smooth, even when the person smiles, frowns or opens their eyes wide.
More Information About BOTOX®
Before administering BOTOX® injections, we examine the face closely and ask the client to make several different expressions. This allows us to see the severity of the dynamic wrinkling and also indicates to us where the injections should be made. During treatment, the BOTOX® is simply injected into the selected areas.
Over the next two days, the full muscle-relaxing effect becomes apparent. The effect lasts for up to six months. Subsequent injection sessions require less BOTOX® because the facial muscles are becoming trained to stay relaxed.
For further information about how BOTOX® can minimize the appearance of dynamic wrinkles on the face, schedule a consultation at Torrey Pines Dermatology, located in La Jolla and also serving the San Diego area. BOTOX® is popular because it involves no facial skin resurfacing, nor does it require surgery. Contact our office today to book your appointment to find out how BOTOX® can make you look younger.
