Fine lines and wrinkles are among the most common concerns patients raise in an aesthetic consultation. They develop gradually as a result of several processes that occur naturally over time, and they are influenced by a combination of genetics, sun exposure, lifestyle, and the progressive loss of structural support within the skin.
What Causes Fine Lines and Wrinkles
The primary driver of fine lines and wrinkles is the gradual decline in collagen and elastin production that occurs with age. Collagen provides the structural scaffolding of the skin, and elastin allows it to spring back after movement. As production slows, the skin becomes thinner, less resilient, and more prone to folding into lines that eventually become permanent.
Sun exposure is the most significant external accelerant of this process. Ultraviolet radiation breaks down collagen and elastin through photoageing, and the cumulative effects of a lifetime of Australian sun exposure are visible in the skin of most adults from their thirties onwards. Daily broad-spectrum SPF use is the single most impactful preventative measure available.
Repeated facial muscle movement contributes to the formation of expression lines over time. Frown lines, forehead lines, and the lines around the eyes develop from years of repeated muscle contraction. In some patients, these lines become etched into the skin and remain visible even at rest.
Lifestyle factors including smoking, disrupted sleep, and poor nutrition can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Smoking in particular is associated with premature and pronounced skin ageing.
Treatment Options
A range of treatment approaches is available at Aecera, and for most patients the best outcomes come from combining more than one modality.
Wrinkle relaxing treatments
Wrinkle relaxing treatments use a prescription-only medicine to temporarily reduce the activity of targeted facial muscles responsible for dynamic expression lines. This softens existing lines and, when used consistently over time, can reduce the depth to which lines become etched into the skin, as part of a considered long-term skin health plan. Changes develop over 10 to 14 days and typically persist for three to four months. All treatments are performed following a personalised consultation under dermatologist supervision.
Enlighten SR pico laser
The Enlighten SR pico laser addresses both surface quality and deeper skin concerns through a combination of wavelength and photoacoustic energy. The PicoGenesis protocol is used for overall skin tone and quality improvement, while the MLA handpiece addresses texture, pore size, and early scarring at a structural level.
Laser Genesis
Laser Genesis is a non-invasive laser treatment that stimulates collagen production and improves overall skin quality. It is well suited to fine surface lines, skin texture, and general skin rejuvenation.
Your Consultation
At consultation, the practitioner will assess the type, location, and drivers of your lines and wrinkles, and develop a treatment plan appropriate for your skin and your goals. Realistic expectations will be discussed clearly before any commitment is made. There is no obligation to proceed.
