How to Remove and Prevent Wrinkles

Aging is beautiful, and wrinkles indicate a life full of memorable moments and emotions. Of course, everyone’s preference is different — while some women embrace their wrinkles, others may prefer to minimize them for a smoother and more youthful appearance.

At Southern Plastic & Reconstructive, we believe that every woman in Franklin and Nashville should feel comfortable in her own skin. Dr. Nathan Brought provides prevention strategies and nonsurgical treatments to help his patients achieve younger- and healthier-looking skin, help them feel more confident, and increase their self-esteem.

Understanding Wrinkles and Aging

When you reach 30, your body’s ability to produce collagen and skin cells decreases. Collagen is a protein that gives your skin structure and elasticity, allowing you to move freely. When you constantly perform a movement, your skin gradually loses the ability to return to its original form, creating lines on the top of the skin. Deeper lines will become wrinkles.

Genetics, lifestyle choices, environmental factors, skincare routines, and everyday stress impact your skin’s health and how fast it shows signs of aging. You might start noticing some lines in your 30s, and as you hit your 40s, those lines will likely become wrinkles. You may also notice thinner and dryer skin. This is the normal process of aging.

Environmental Factors

Your skin is your largest organ. It serves as a barrier between you and the outside world. Here are the main environmental factors that could cause wrinkles:

• Sun exposure: Constant exposure to the sun without sunblock is one of the main reasons for early signs of aging. This is called photoaging, and 90% of visible signs of aging are due to sun exposure. 
• Pollutants: Nitrogen dioxide and soot (carbon-based microscopic solid matter) from your car’s exhaust or industrial facilities can enter your skin through pores, breaking collagen and causing wrinkles. 
• Particular matter: Your skin is exposed to dust, dirt, and smoke, especially if you live in big cities or urban areas. These microscopic particles affect how your skin ages. 

If you notice early signs of aging, wrinkles, or visible line expressions before your 30s, consider quitting smoking, getting more rest, and avoiding sun exposure.

Tips for Wrinkle Prevention

Although aging is unavoidable, you can take some measures to stop wrinkles. The best way to avoid wrinkles is by caring for your skin. These tips will help you minimize wrinkles and keep your skin looking young and smooth.

Skincare Regimen

Take the time to pamper yourself every morning and night with the right daily skin routine. A good skincare routine starts with the proper assessment. There are three main steps to a healthy skincare regimen:

• Cleansing and moisturizing: Use a cleansing product that helps moisturize your skin to avoid dryness and wrinkles. You can prevent wrinkles with a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
• Anti-aging products: Use an anti-aging cream that promotes collagen production. These creams usually contain retinoids and improve hydration. 
• Sun protection: UV rays are the most common cause of aging. Protect your skin with a product with an SPF of 30 to 50, and wear a hat and sunglasses when spending time under the sun.

Spend time caring for your skin every day to prevent and decrease wrinkles.

Lifestyle Choices

A youthful look starts with healthy lifestyle choices. What you put inside your body is as important as what you put on your skin for wrinkle prevention. Some lifestyle choices you can add to your daily routine are:

• Hydration: Your skin is 30% water. High water intake can help promote healthy skin by removing toxins from your body and repairing the moisture barrier. Avoid alcoholic beverages and coffee, or try to drink one cup of water for each cup of coffee or alcoholic beverage. 
  
• Nutrition: Include a source of high-quality protein and healthy fats in every meal. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants and avoiding ultra-processed food is great for wrinkle prevention.
• Supplements: Including supplements in your daily diet can help with skincare. Vitamin C is the most common antioxidant found in the skin, and vitamin E helps slow down aging.

Stress is another significant factor affecting skin aging. Overexposure to sunlight is a major source of stress for your skin, which produces cortisol (a stress hormone) in response to sun exposure. A good way to manage stress is through exercise, meditation, a well-balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle.

Proper nutrition should be supervised by a certified dietitian. Your doctor should advise and supervise supplements. At SPRSI, we provide a holistic approach to a healthy and youthful skin regimen.

Treatments for Wrinkle Reduction

Correcting existing wrinkles requires the intervention of a professional who can assess your case. You can choose from different skin wrinkle treatments for reduction and rejuvenation. SPRSI offers nonsurgical treatments that are an excellent option for wrinkle prevention in Franklin and Nashville. 

These procedures are a great option before considering a more invasive treatment. Dr. Nathan Brought will discuss the different options to help you decide.

Botox Benefits

Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a neurotoxin approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cosmetic use. A diluted dose of Botox is injected into different areas of your face to smooth out lines or wrinkles. Botox relaxes the muscle that creates the wrinkle. It reduces the lines and decreases wrinkles around the eyes caused by facial expressions in the forehead, mouth, nasolabial areas, neck, and chest.

Preventive Botox, when applied at the first signs of line expressions, can help prevent wrinkle formation. It blocks the nerve signal to the muscle, preventing the line from deepening and avoiding repetitive movement.

Botox is a safe treatment for most people. It is not recommended for pregnant women or people with active infections. You might experience some mild side effects after Botox application. If you notice decreased muscle use, eyelid dropping, or a “frozen” face, call Dr. Brought immediately. His line is open 24/7, and he’ll personally take your call.  

Since Botox is not permanent, it is up to you and your physician how often and where you should apply it. If Botox is not an option for you at SPRSI, we have other facial treatments.

JUVEDÉRM® Uses

Another essential substance that decreases with age is hyaluronic acid (HA). Some creams can aid with the loss of HA. As the wrinkles start to form, an effective way to treat them is through JUVEDÉRM®, an FDA-approved gel-base smoother that creates volume near unwanted lines and wrinkles and alleviates the puffiness under the eyes.

JUVEDÉRM® VOLUMA™ is the first and only FDA-approved HA filler to treat the mid-face that will help you achieve a more youthful appearance in one visit. JUVEDÉRM® VOLUMA™ is an excellent choice for surgery and provides little discomfort.

JUVEDÉRM® formula contains lidocaine, helping with pain, and leaves little evidence of treatment. With proper preparation, you can walk out of SPRSI and go back to your office after lunch or your daily activities without anyone noticing.

Botox relaxes your muscles, and JUVEDÉRM® gives you extra volume. In combination, the two can give you a much younger look without the need, discomfort, and cost of surgery.

Rejuvenate Your Skin With Botox and JUVEDÉRM®

At Southern Plastic & Reconstructive, we provide all our patients with an honest approach to their skin goals. Dr. Brought and his team will assess your skin with a holistic approach, including skincare routines, lifestyle choices, and treatment for wrinkle reduction, with a caring and honest view.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Brought today to discuss Botox or JUVEDÉRM® treatment options for a younger and more confident you.