Lines and Wrinkles

Lines and wrinkles are a natural part of the ageing process. When we are young our skin is flexible and full of collagen, allowing it to maintain a tight and smooth appearance. As the skin gets older it loses elasticity and becomes lax, resulting in permanent creases and furrows. The result of this process is different for each individual and is affected by genetic tendencies, skin phototype and other environmental factors.

Types of lines and wrinkles

The lines and wrinkles on our face can be defined as either static or dynamic. Dynamic lines are caused by movement of the facial muscles, whilst static lines are caused by a combination of ageing, sun damage or weight loss.

Common dynamic lines include the “worry” or “frown” lines on the forehead and between the eyebrows, “crow’s feet” at the side of the eyes, “bunny” lines on the bridge of the nose, “laugh” or “smile lines” on the nasolabial folds and “marionette lines” that form from the corners of the mouth down to the jowl.

Over time, dynamic lines can turn into static wrinkles. These wrinkles aren’t always symmetrical, due to asymmetrical facial movements and other habits (such as sleeping on a certain side).

Causes of lines and wrinkles

While ageing is the main contributing factor, there are a number of causes that can result in the appearance of fine lines (also known as rhytides) and wrinkles. These lines and wrinkles can appear anywhere on the body but most commonly occur on the face, neck and décolletage.

Ageing – As we age, the production of collagen and natural oils decrease and natural facial fat stores are diminished. These changes cause the skin to sag and become drier, creating deeper and more pronounced grooves.

Sun exposure – One of the main causes of premature skin ageing, sun exposure to UV light breaks down connective tissue and fibres that support your skin’s youthful structure and appearance.

Muscle movement – Facial expressions ( smiling, squinting and frowing) and other muscle movements repeated over time (such as pursing your lips to smoke) eventually lead to the development of permanent lines and wrinkles.

Smoking – Smoking is well documented as a cause of premature ageing and skin wrinkling due to the direct effects of over 3800 different chemical components on healthy tissue, including the skin.

Skin damage – Skin damage such as disease, injury, surgery, acne, weight loss can lead to premature skin wrinkling.

Gravity – It’s something none of us can avoid, but there is no denying gravity’s role in causing our skin to droop and sag!

Related Treatments

There are several ways fine lines and wrinkles can be treated. Based on prevention being better than cure, we use muscle relaxants, which can be injected into a facial muscle so that it relaxes the muscle and stops the movement. However, other advanced skin treatments can also be used as an effective way to reduce the appearance of fine lines. We offer complimentary skin and injectable consultations with our experienced doctors and registered nurses, who can tailor a treatment plan to suit you.

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