wrinkles

wrinkles have no particular significance from a clinical perspective. They do not belong to the diseases, as they merely reflect the natural process of old age. In aesthetic medicine, however, wrinkles are one of the most frequently described complaints.

What are wrinkles?

From a medical point of view, wrinkles are deformations of the skin that are not caused by injuries. They usually appear with increasing age, but under certain conditions they can also appear at a younger age.

The skin is also made up of different layers. In the lower layers of the skin there are fat cells, proteins as water reservoirs and connective tissue. Together they allow the skin to appear taut and elastic. Under certain accompanying circumstances, there is a reduction in the number of fat cells and proteins. Furthermore, the connective tissue is increasingly broken down.

As a result, the skin layers lose their elasticity and the ability to fully recover after facial deformations. If this process is repeated frequently, the layers of the skin can no longer recede. Wrinkles appear.

causes

There are several reasons why wrinkles appear. The most common cause is a weakness of the connective tissue of the skin, which can have different triggers.

The most important trigger is the advancing age. Due to natural processes in the body, stability and elasticity decrease over the years. If a weakened connective tissue gives way to gravity, orthostatic folds arise. They are found on the cheeks, neck, and chin. Frequent movements of the facial muscles also leave traces in the skin when there is weak connective tissue.

The typical symptoms show laugh and anger lines as well as crow's feet. Frequent sun exposure and UV radiation is also a trigger for wrinkling. The skin becomes increasingly dehydrated and damaged, so that actinic wrinkles develop.

Diseases with this symptom

• Connective tissue weakness

• Metabolic disorder

• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Diagnosis & course

Age-related wrinkles have no pathological accompanying symptoms. In the case of wrinkles that have formed as a result of excessive sunbathing or sunbathing, however, pathological side effects can occur in the further course.

These include severely dried out skin, pain in the affected parts of the body and even skin cancer. The detection of wrinkles takes place via a simple eye diagnosis. For an additional assessment, the triggers, the location of the wrinkles on the body and the depth of the skin deformations can also be included in the medical assessment.

Since this symptom is primarily a challenge for aesthetic medicine, the depth of wrinkles in particular is analyzed. Based on an examination of the nature of the skin deformations and taking into account their localization, the treating doctor can suggest a form of therapy for the wrinkles.

When should you go to the doctor?

Horizontal forehead wrinkles and the so-called frown lines appear around the age of around 30 and are soon permanently visible even in states of relaxation. These phenomena are primarily a cosmetic problem that does not require medical therapy.

However, a treatment, for example with Botox, can also improve general well-being and increase self-confidence. In the case of frown lines in particular, the cause - besides the natural aging process - can also be another. Possible poor eyesight, especially nearsightedness, could be the reason why the responsible muscles in the region were so tense for a long time that they cause frown lines early on. If nearsightedness is suspected, an ophthalmologist should be consulted and, if necessary, the cause should be eliminated.

A wrinkle treatment primarily helps to regulate facial expressions and bring about a youthful appearance. Those who suffer psychologically from the effects of aging can undergo botox treatment or a surgical lift. The attending physician will determine what options there are and what the effect might be. Incidentally, wrinkle treatment is not an exclusive women's domain: men also have the signs of skin aging removed medically. But their share is still much lower. Around 85 percent of those treated are women and 15 percent are men.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

Various forms of therapy are available for treating wrinkles. On the one hand, it can be used externally with a cosmetic care preparation against the formation of wrinkles. So far, it has not been possible to clearly prove whether there is sufficient effectiveness. Drug therapies are also offered. This includes treatments with botox as well as collagen and hyaluronic acid.

Botox is a neurotoxin that inhibits the transmission of impulses from nerves to muscles. It is injected under the skin in low doses and works for about 8 months. A therapy with collagen helps the supporting structure of the skin, while the hyaluronic acid takes over the water-storing function of the proteins. Thus, these treatment options serve to cushion the skin. Both drugs, like botox, are injected under the skin. They show an immediately visible result.

Furthermore, wrinkles can be smoothed through a surgical procedure. Here, small cuts are made on hidden parts of the body, including the hairline. The skin is then tightened and sewn onto the incisions. Both surgery and drug therapies to fight wrinkles can lead to significant complications.

Outlook & forecast

Skin folds increase continuously without but also with treatment, because their appearance is a natural body process. Existing wrinkles can also no longer be removed using non-invasive methods. At most, dry wrinkles around the eyes can be improved by regularly applying moisturizing cream.

The use of moisturizing and nourishing cosmetic products can also delay the formation of new wrinkles. A change in lifestyle also has a positive effect. Regular consumption of alcohol and cigarettes as well as strong sunlight promote wrinkles. A diet that contains a lot of fat, sugar and animal protein also has a negative effect.

On the other hand, premature skin aging can be prevented with a diet rich in vitamins and fiber, mainly vegetarian or vegan. It is also helpful to use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor and to avoid extensive sunbathing.

Some people choose to have surgery to get rid of the wrinkles. Nasolabial folds, i.e. the folds between the wings of the nose and the corners of the mouth, can be temporarily removed or at least greatly reduced by injecting fillers. These treatments provide immediate, but not permanent, improvement. The effect is usually visible for three to six months. The treatment must then be repeated.

The same applies to wrinkle therapy with the neurotoxin botulinum toxin (Botox). Surgical interventions (facelifts) can remove even strong wrinkles and at the same time achieve permanent smoothing of the skin surface. However, this also gives the face a different appearance, especially in old age.

prevention

Home remedies ↵ for wrinkles Wrinkles are part of the natural aging process. They cannot be completely avoided, but their development can be restricted or delayed. This consists of a preventive lifestyle, which consists of a balanced diet, limited consumption of nicotine and alcohol, and adequate sleep. Adequate protection against UV light also helps prevent the premature formation of wrinkles.

You can do that yourself

As a rule, skin folds are not the result of a medical disorder, but rather the natural aging process. But everyone can do a lot to improve the skin's appearance. A low-fat, vitamin and fiber-rich diet forms the basis for a healthy lifestyle. It is also important to keep the body hydrated.

Cell toxins such as alcohol and nicotine are bad for the skin and should therefore be avoided. A lot of exercise in the fresh air has a positive effect on the complexion. Those who like to be outdoors should avoid the blazing sun at least in the summer months and ensure adequate UV protection. Cosmetic methods can prevent wrinkles from developing.

The skin should be cleaned regularly, mildly but thoroughly, and then nourished with a moisturizing cream. The skin around the eyes is particularly thin, which is why wrinkles caused by dryness develop particularly quickly here. A good eye cream can help here too. In summer, the eyes should always be protected by sunglasses to prevent expression lines that can arise from constant blinking. Constant stress also promotes the formation of wrinkles. Those affected should learn relaxation techniques such as yoga or autogenic training.