10 Best Treatments and Procedures to Smooth Deep Facial Wrinkles

Aging is a natural and meaningful part of life—it brings wisdom, confidence, and opportunities to inspire others. But let’s face it, the physical changes that come with aging, like fine lines and wrinkles, aren’t always something we look forward to. These changes often begin in your mid-20s as collagen levels decrease, leading to early signs of aging. By your mid-30s, dynamic wrinkles from facial expressions start to appear, and by your 40s and 50s, deeper static wrinkles become more noticeable.

The good news is that you can look as vibrant as you feel with a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatments designed to smooth away wrinkles and restore a refreshed youthful appearance. If you’re looking to target surface lines or deeper creases, there’s a solution to help you feel confident in your skin.

How Do Deep Wrinkles Actually Form?

Frown lines, wrinkles, and fine lines typically form during the aging process and from lifestyle factors.

Signs of Aging

As we age, our bodies start declining in the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that are essential for skin’s structure and elasticity, giving it that firm, youthful look. This leads to more skin sagginess and less resiliency in the skin, causing wrinkles to form.

Another key substance that decreases in production with age is hyaluronic acid, a key component in keeping your skin’s hydration and plumpness in check. Without this, your skin will become drier, which can contribute to the appearance of wrinkles.

Lifestyle factors

It’s true that you can often see the life someone has lived by looking at their face. Some common external factors that accelerate the aging process include:

Sun exposure: Protecting yourself from the sun is an important skincare regimen. Excessive sun exposure can damage the skin’s natural collagen and elastin levels, accelerating the aging process, which creates wrinkles, age spots, and potentially other more serious issues down the road, like skin cancer.
Smoking: Along with all the other health issues smoking causes, it’s also true that it significantly ages you. Smoking long-term contributes to dry skin, uneven skin pigmentation, baggy eyes, a saggy jawline, and deep facial wrinkles and furrows.
Repetitive facial movements: Frequent facial expressions and muscle activity can lead to the development of dynamic wrinkles, which may gradually evolve into more permanent lines over time.
Poor diet and dehydration: Not drinking enough water, drinking too much alcohol, or eating excessive salt can all contribute to dull skin. Over time, the skin becomes dehydrated or puffy, which can contribute to wrinkles.

Can Deep Wrinkles Be Reversed?

For deep-seated wrinkles and lines that have been forming for years, completely reversing them 100% is usually not possible. However, various treatments can help soften them so they’re not as noticeable and can stop them from developing further.

The Best Non-Surgical & Minimally Invasive Treatments for Deep Wrinkles

If you’re ready to go beyond skincare products and looking for non-surgical treatment options for your wrinkles, consider these highly effective options.

Botox/Dysport

Botox and Dysport are FDA-approved neuromodulators made from botulinum toxin that treat moderate to severe wrinkles. Botox is versatile, addressing multiple facial areas and medical concerns, while Dysport focuses on forehead lines (glabellar lines). Both relax facial muscles to reduce movement, temporarily softening fine lines and wrinkles.

Pros of Dysport and Botox

Dysport and Botox are quick treatments you can even do during a lunch break, getting you in and out of the office in no time with minimal downtime afterward. Patients usually see improvements pretty quickly, with results lasting for a few months — making these accessible for those with busy schedules.

Cons of Dysport and Botox

Because Dysport and Botox last 4-6 months, they need regular maintenance, which can be costly. They can also cause redness and irritation at injection sites, but that typically subsides a few hours or a couple of days after treatment.

Derma Fillers

Also known as Juvederm, Restylane, lip fillers, or chin fillers, derma fillers are another great procedure for softening wrinkles and unwanted facial lines. These FDA-approved gel fillers help restore natural contours and soften unwanted wrinkles. Like Botox and Dysport, this quick procedure involves injecting fillers into the face that are relatively painless and target smile lines, frown lines, cheek contouring, chin enhancement, tear troughs, jawline, temple contouring, and plumping volume in the lips.

Pros of Derma Fillers

Derma fillers are quick in-and-out treatments with little downtime. They also promote the production of collagen, which helps keep the skin looking youthful.

Cons of Derma Fillers

Although derma fillers are a routine treatment, they could cause temporary side effects such as bruising, swelling, or rashes that can last 24 hours up to several days but clear quickly. Derma fillers can also be more expensive than Botox, which is something to consider for those on a budget.

SKINVIVE

SKINVIVE by Juvedérm is the first and only hyaluronic acid microdroplet injectable treatment that improves skin smoothness on the cheeks and hydrates from within — resulting in a powerful anti-aging treatment. This procedure stimulates collagen to improve the skin’s elasticity and firmness.

Pros of SKINVIVE

SKINVIVE creates a natural look without “overfilling.” It’s a quick and minimally invasive procedure that gets you in and out of the office quickly and helps hydrate your skin for up to six months.

Cons of SKINVIVE

Similar to other injectables, SKINVIVE uses a microdroplet injection technique that can make the procedure take longer than others and may cause more bruising as a side effect. It is also not for those who are allergic to some of its ingredients, as it may cause bumps at the injection site. However, these usually go away within 24 hours.

Microneedling with PRP

Microneedling is a non-surgical procedure that involves using thin, sterilized needles that create micro-injuries or microdermabrasion, introducing the skin’s natural healing process that leads to increased collagen and elastin production.

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a regenerative facial rejuvenation treatment that uses your own blood. The blood is processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets, which are packed with growth factors and tissue repair properties. After the microneedling takes place, the PRP is injected into the targeted area on the face. This process helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, stimulates collagen and elastin production, helps reduce acne scars, accelerates healing from scars or skin damage, reduces inflammation, and improves skin texture or tone.

Pros of Microneedling with PRP

By combining these two treatments, you’ll experience more powerful results in a quicker amount of time. Because of the healing properties of PRP, many individuals see a quicker recovery than some other treatments in just 24 hours.

Cons of Microneedling with PRP

Because of the power of this bundled approach, microneedling with PRP can be expensive. Microneedling may also not be suitable for everyone, so it’s important to talk to your dermatologist. Temporary side effects include swelling, redness, and bruising, but they usually clear within a few days.

**BCSG currently does not offer PRP treatments.

Laser Resurfacing (CO2, Fractional Laser)

Laser resurfacing offers a non-injection solution using laser therapy to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. A CO2 skin resurfacing removes the top layer of skin to stimulate collagen and elastin, helping in the healing process for a more youthful complexion.

During this procedure, short pulses of light energy are directed into the skin and absorbed by the damaged tissue and skin cells. Local anesthetics and sedatives are typically used so you remain comfortable.

Pros of Laser Resurfacing

This laser resurfacing technique offers powerful solutions without going under the knife. It also requires no injectables, which many find to be refreshing.

Cons of Laser Resurfacing

Because laser skin resurfacing removes the epidermis, it can cause treated skin to become lighter or darker than before, especially for those with brown or black skin. Temporary inflammation, swelling, itching, and uncomfortable skin can result after treatment but should go away quickly.

Chemical Peels

This popular cosmetic treatment resurfaces the skin by applying a chemical solution to remove the top layer of damaged and dead skin cells. This controlled injury has an exfoliating effect, encouraging new skin cells and collagen production. The results are a smoother, more even skin tone that reduces fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars.

Pros of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a powerful non-surgical solution that helps rejuvenate the entire face by improving skin texture, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, diminishing hyperpigmentation, reducing acne and sun damage, and much more.

Cons of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can create temporary side effects like redness, swelling, and peeling, making it more difficult to resume life as usual immediately. Professionals advise patients to avoid the sun due to heightened sensitivity. It’s also costly since different chemical peels require a few sessions each.

Radiofrequency Skin Tightening

This “non-surgical facelift” uses radio waves to heat the skin and stimulate collagen production. This helps reduce the appearance of sagging skin and wrinkles and helps boost the skin’s overall tone and texture anywhere on the body.

Pros of Radiofrequency Skin Tightening

This method is a great non-surgical option to achieve a more youthful, tighter look. It stimulates collagen production, creates natural-looking results, is a relatively painless procedure, and has little to no downtime after treatment. It also minimizes pores and helps reduce cellulite, stretch marks, acne scars, and overall skin tone.

Cons of Radiofrequency Skin Tightening

Like most other treatments, radiofrequency skin tightening can create side effects such as discomfort, redness, swelling, or skin darkening after treatment. It’s also costly since several sessions are required.

triLift Treatment

A triLift facial is a non-invasive, in-office treatment that uses muscle stimulation through a device to tighten and tone facial muscles, creating a more youthful appearance. You’ll see fewer fine lines and crow’s feet, seeing long-lasting results.

Pros of triLift treatment

These facials are a great alternative to plastic surgery and can create dramatic effects for several sessions, with results seen immediately after the first session. It doesn’t require injections or surgery and costs a fraction of the price of a facelift. The results are also long-lasting (4-6 months).

Cons of triLift treatment

Those with pacemakers, defibrillators, or any implanted electronic device should avoid this treatment. It can also cause side effects like skin redness, swelling, bruising, or itching and can be costly.

Surgical Options for Deep Wrinkles

If you’re looking for more permanent, long-lasting effects from just one procedure, a surgical option may be your best choice.

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Going under anesthesia, a plastic surgeon will make incisions around the ears and hairline to remove skin from the underlying tissue. The muscles underneath are tightened and repositioned to create a more youthful appearance, with any excess fat being removed. The skin is then redraped over the newly positioned muscles and tissues, and then the incisions are closed.

Those with sagging skin and muscles from the cheeks to the jawline or who have loose neck skin are great candidates for a facelift. The results last for at least 10 years, if not more. Recovery takes 2-4 weeks, and plenty of rest and downtime is needed. Your surgeon will complete a comprehensive medical analysis to make sure you’re a good fit.

Pros of Facelifts

Facelifts provide a more permanent solution than non-invasive options and can be completely customized to your face’s needs to help you look more youthful. It can also be combined with other surgeries.

Cons of Facelifts

A rhytidectomy takes several weeks to recover from, meaning it also comes with the risks associated with going under the knife. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of your current situation.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

A blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that improves the appearance of your eye area by treating drooping or sagging skin on the upper and lower lids, bags and dark circles under the eyes, wrinkles, and excess fat deposits. While under anesthesia, your surgeon will make a small incision on the upper or lower eyelid and carefully remove any excess fat and skin.

This solution is great for those who want to target the areas around the eyes, specifically due to aging, or who experience drooping eyes that obscure your vision.

Pros of Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery is quicker and less invasive than a facelift if you specifically want to target the eye area. It also has a slightly quicker recovery time than facelifts (10-14 days). It reduces crow’s feet and under-eye bags, smooths out your forehead, provides a youthful appearance, makes you look less tired, and gives you a boost of self-confidence.

Cons of Eyelid Surgery

Although a quick procedure, eyelid surgery can still carry similar risks when going under the knife. A longer downtime is required than non-invasive options, where you need to rest and treat the eyes as they will be bruised and red and healing for the coming week or two. Temporary vision issues may occur. It’s important to follow your doctor’s post-care guidelines to avoid any complications and to look forward to a speedier recovery.

How to Choose the Right Treatment for Your Skin

Choosing which option is right for you is a very personal decision. Make sure you take into account the severity of your wrinkles; if they are mild to moderate, Botox, Dysport, or fillers may be a great option. If you have more deep-set, severe wrinkles, a facelift or facelift alternative may be better.

You also need to take into account your desired downtime. Facelifts and eyelid surgeries will have the most downtime required, laser and chemical treatments will have medium downtime, and Botox, Dysport, and fillers will have the least amount of downtime needed.

Botox and fillers last anywhere from 3-12 months, whereas surgery can last 10 years or up to a lifetime. Non-invasive options can still be costly but are much less expensive than going under the knife.

Additionally, the younger you are, the smarter it is to stick to less invasive treatments. If you’re older and have more severe signs of aging, more aggressive measures may needed. Talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon to assess your needs and choose the best choice for you.

The Benefits of Combined Treatments

Many patients enhance their results by combining treatments. This will help improve your skin’s appearance even more and give you longer-lasting results. Popular combination treatments include:

Botox and Derma Fillers
Botox and Laser Treatments
Laser Resurfacing and Chemical Peels
Facelift and Eyelid Surgery

Best Practices for Post-Treatment Maintenance

Enhance your recovery and the look of your skin with disciplined post-treatment maintenance. Aside from following your dermatologist’s or plastic surgeon’s recovery protocols, you can also consider the following:

Skin care products: Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers and avoid exfoliating to let the skin heal. Drink plenty of water and use hydrating moisturizers to smooth and replenish your skin. Avoid harsh irritants, including fragrances, chemicals, and alcohol-based products.
SPF: Apply sunscreen daily, even when it’s cloudy. Use a minimum of SPF 30 to protect your skin while it heals.
Consider complementary therapies: A Glo2Facial or IV hydration therapy can help boost your skin’s recovery after your treatment.
Elevate your head: Sleep and rest with your head elevated and propped up with pillows. This helps reduce swelling and discomfort.
Hydrate and eat healthy: Drink plenty of water to aid healing and eat a diet rich in whole proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid salt, as that may contribute to swelling, and limit alcohol.
Be gentle with your skin: Your board-certified plastic surgeon will give you specific skin care instructions. In general, avoid too much time in the sun and wear sunscreen. Use gentle soaps and skin products without harsh ingredients as your face heals.
Rest, rest, rest: Avoid strenuous activity, too much stress, or too much on your schedule. It’s better to err on the side of caution so you can feel better faster. Say “no” to plans more often during this time.
Be patient: Enlist the support of family and friends during this downtime process. It’s important to be gentle with yourself and your healing, not getting discouraged.

Schedule Your Treatment with BCSG

Brevard Cosmetic Surgery Group is a team of expert staff who are knowledgeable in all aspects of treating deep wrinkles. We make sure each patient is comfortable throughout the entire process and work with you one-on-one on your desired needs, budget, and availability to find the best solution for you. We also provide personalized post-operative follow-up care so you can get back to feeling like yourself again.

Schedule a consultation with one of our experts to learn more.

One Month and Beyond

As you continue to heal, your facial plastic surgery side effects will start to subside — incisions will continue to heal, and swelling and bruising will continue to fade away. Depending on your incision sites and overall recovery, your doctor will let you know once you can return to strenuous activity or contact sports.

It’s important to stay diligent post-surgery around your healing instructions to get your final results more quickly. Stay patient, rest, and get excited for a more youthful-looking you!

How Brevard Cosmetic Surgery Group Can Help

Our team here at Brevard Cosmetic Surgery Group is experienced and knowledgeable in all aspects of cosmetic procedures to make sure each patient we see is comfortable throughout their entire process. We also provide personalized post-operative follow-up care so you can get back to feeling like yourself again.
Schedule a consultation with one of our experts to see what we can do for you and learn more.