How to Look for Procedures for Wrinkles

When you need more than an eye cream to work against wrinkles, search for procedures in your area.

There has been a 754% increase in non-surgical wrinkle procedures since 2007, according to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Non-surgical procedures include injections, chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing. All of these procedures work to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. With advancements in technology, the anti-aging industry is constantly improving and creating new procedures to work against wrinkles and aging skin. The skin is the largest organ in the body and a vital component that reflects the overall health of a person. Searching for procedures to diminish wrinkles is the first step in getting rid of them and revealing younger, more beautiful skin.

Things You'll Need

• Phone book

Instructions

1. Find a medical spa and dermatology office in your area using the search words "medical spa," "medical skin care," or simply search for a dermatologist in your area. Ask both offices what procedures they offer to work against diminishing wrinkles. Medical spas employ estheticians and registered nurses. They are usually overseen by a medical doctor. Medical spas create a nurturing spa environment while providing medical grade skin care including botox, restyline, restylane, and laser procedures. Medical grade skin care refers to skin care that contains higher or more potent levels of ingredients such as glycolic and lactic acid, for example. Please note that health insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures.

2. Ask to schedule a skin care consultation. Many medical spas offer free skin care consultations. A dermatologist's office might charge a small fee for a consultation. It is important to allow a skin care professional to identify the proper procedure that would compliment your skin. There are many different options to choose from and it is easy to become overwhelmed with the wide selection of skin care treatments to diminish wrinkles. A reputable medical spa will display professional licenses in the waiting area of the spa as this is a state board law in many states. Professional licenses or degrees may also be displayed in individual rooms of the medical spa or doctor's office. The facility should be clean with a welcoming atmosphere. A medical spa may also offer facials, microdermabrasion, eyelash extensions, waxing, massages, and nail services.

3. Research the suggested procedure to get rid of wrinkles before going through with the procedure. This is important so you will know what to expect before, during, and after your procedure. For example, some laser procedures can leave very obvious marks on the skin for up to a two weeks at a time before revealing the final results. Fraxel laser is a type of laser procedure that is increasing in popularity. This procedure can help minimize the appearance of wrinkles, boost collagen, and fade hyperpigmentation. The laser works by sending tiny columns of laser deep into the dermis (the deepest layer of the skin). This triggers the body's reaction of working to heal these areas and remodel the skin's collagen and elastin. Chemical peels can be used to minimize the appearance of wrinkles. There are less aggressive peels and peels that may require downtime. Injections such as botox and restylane give instant results and work as "fillers" to literally fill up the wrinkle. Please note that only a doctor, nurse practioner or a registered nurse is able to perform cosmetic injections. Ask your skin care professional how many years of experience she has performing these procedures before going forward with the procedure. Laser procedures require specific training and can cause severe damage to the skin if not done correctly or if the frequency is set too high.

Tips & Warnings

• Word of mouth can be the best form of referrals. Ask trusted friends to recommend a good medical spa or dermatologist.

• If attempting a laser procedure, ask your skin care professional to test an area of your skin with the laser before going through with the entire treatment. This will show how your skin will react to the laser.

References

• AAFPRS: Understanding Various Treatments of Facial Wrinkles
• Medical and Cosmetic Wrinkle Treatments - What Is The Right Treatment For You?

Resources

• Fraxel: Fraxel Skin Science