Are wrinkles caused more by texture issues in the skin or excess skin? Do facelifts improve wrinkles at all?
Answer:
Wrinkles and folds become more prominent as we age. Fine lines and wrinkles throughout the skin are caused mostly by changes in the skin texture. The skin thins as we age, loosing collagen and elasticity causing it to sag and appear loose. Wrinkles in the skin are worsened by sun damage, smoking and medical conditions. There is also significant volume loss in the face, which also contributes to a more wrinkled appearance and the development of deeper, more prominent folds. Replacing volume and tightening the facial tissues with a facelift can improve the appearance of sagging skin and deep folds. A facelift repositions facial tissues that have descended over time and removes excess skin, which also tightens the skin. Fine lines and skin wrinkles are better improved with a resurfacing procedure, such as ablative laser resurfacing or a deep chemical peel.
-Dr. Jessica Kulak