Facial Wrinkles and Lines
Patient Education

Doctors Who Treat Facial Wrinkles and Lines

Medical spa treatments have sprung up in a wide variety of locations by a great many types of technicians ranging from "cosmetic parties" and salons to various types of physicians, medical assistants, and nurses. Even some dentists have added these treatments to their services.

However, when considering wrinkle or skin treatments, it is crucial to consult with a highly trained professional who has the most experience and, not only has knowledge of all the most current therapies available, but also the ones most appropriate for you. Read more in our patient education guide.

Suggested physicians:

• Dermatologists - Doctors who specialize in diagnosis and treatment of skin and its related conditions, including facial wrinkles and lines. Treatment has both medical and surgical components.
• Plastic Surgeons - Doctors who deal with the restoration or correction of the form and function of various body parts
• ENT (ears, nose, throat) - Doctor also known as otolaryngologist, focuses on treatment and health of the ears, nose and throat conditions.

How to Prepare for Your Facial Wrinkles and Lines Doctor Visit

Prior to laser therapy to address facial wrinkles and lines, your skin can be prepared by using a Retin-A product or alpha-hydroxy acid topically. These two products work to enhance the efficacy of the light therapy by:

• Diminishing the skin's dead surface area
• Decreasing hyper-pigmented areas
• Stimulating collagen production
• Increasing cell turnover

You may be advised to discontinue aspirin or anticoagulation therapy for 10-14 days prior to treatment.

Participate in a smoking cessation program 6-8 weeks prior to treatment. It will enhance the efficacy of the light therapy.

Understand that there will be a full gamut of emotions - worry, anxiety, fear, excitement, hope, elation and anticipation.

Plan to put off vacation plans for the immediate post-treatment period.

Arrange for a ride home from the physician's facility.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Facial Wrinkles and Lines

From your initial decision throughout your therapies, you will have questions about treating facial wrinkles and lines. Our patient education guide lists helpful questions for you and your doctor to discuss.

Questions About My Diagnosis

• What caused my wrinkles?
• Are there medical conditions that hastened wrinkle formation?
• What is the difference between furrows and wrinkles?
• Can these wrinkles or skin depressions be symptoms of more serious medical conditions?

Questions About My Treatment

• Will wrinkle treatments work for me?
• Which wrinkle treatment works the best?
• Will this therapy require only one treatment or will it need to be repeated?
• How often will I need the therapy?
• How long does the therapy last?
• Are there contraindications or risks of the treatment?
• Will insurance pay for treatment?
• How long will recovery be?

Questions About My Lifestyle and Family

• Does smoking cause wrinkles?
• Can I avoid signs of aging?
• Do wrinkles and furrows run in families?
• Are there exercises that I can do to get rid of wrinkles?
• Are there exercises that can slow the return of wrinkles?
• Are there foods that I should avoid?
• Are there vitamins or supplements that will help my skin?
• Do I need to stay out of the sun after facial treatments?
• When can I resume normal activity?

Common Tests for Facial Wrinkles and Lines

Typically, facial wrinkles are diagnosed by physical examination. However, when there is a sudden skin change accompanying the wrinkles, further evaluation is warranted. Read more in our patient education guide.

Common Treatments for Facial Wrinkles and Lines

Treatment for facial wrinkles and rejuvenation of the skin ranges between nonprescription topical lotion applications to more intensive treatments performed by an experienced, licensed physician.