How Can I Safely Get Rid Of My Wrinkles?

There are several ways to safely prevent, treat, and reverse signs of aging on your skin. If your wrinkles bother you—whether they’re fine surface lines or deep furrows—head to Sheperd Integrative Dermatology in Mount Pleasant for assessment and treatment. Our skincare professionals will safely and artfully create natural-looking results you’ll love.

Retinoids, like retinol, are by far the best noninvasive treatment for treating signs of aging such as fine lines (ask us about our favorite retinol formulation that we carry in our office). However, if deep wrinkles are your concern, this may require the big guns. No need to panic—these “big guns” I am referring to are minimally invasive, require almost no downtime, and provide almost immediate results. Botox and dermal filler treatments are the most popular, accounting for more than 9 million procedures in 2015, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). And most importantly, they have a good track record of safety.

Botox treatment is used to improve the appearance of frown lines or the “11” between the brows, horizontal lines on the forehead, and smile lines around the eyes. You can enjoy the results for up to four months; therefore, regular upkeep is required to sustain improvement. But how about the fine lines and wrinkles not caused by facial expressions but rather by sagging or loss of plumpness in the face? That’s where filler comes in. Dermal fillers are designed to add volume and fullness to the face. They can enhance hollow cheeks as well as fill in wrinkles in the lower face as a result of a loss of collagen or elasticity in the skin. Plus, results can last up to two years!

A study in JAMA Dermatology found that Botox and filler procedures are very safe when performed by a qualified and experienced medical provider. Side effects occurred in less than 1 percent of recipients, and most of these were minor. So, to answer your question: there is surely a safe way to get rid of your wrinkles.

However, for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, Botox and fillers are not recommended. Furthermore, people who have certain health conditions or who take any medications should discuss whether these procedures are safe for them.

In brief, millions of Botox and filler procedures are performed each year with a good track record of safety. Sheperd Integrative Dermatology skincare professionals can work with you to tailor a treatment plan that you’re comfortable with to create a natural, more youthful look.

Dr. Eliot Battle

CEO & Founder at Cultura Dermatology & Plastic Surgery

Dr. Eliot Battle, CEO of Cultura Dermatology, is a global leader in cosmetic dermatology and laser innovation. His Harvard research pioneered “color-blind” lasers, making treatments safe for all skin tones. A sought-after expert featured in TIME, Oprah, and The New York Times, he continues to advance inclusive, cutting-edge dermatological care.