Wrinkles

Wrinkles are visible lines or creases on the surface of the skin associated with aging. They commonly occur on sun-exposed areas of the body (i.e., face, neck, decolletage, dorsum of hands).

Their development is mainly determined by genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and skin type. Environmental factors that promote wrinkling over the course of many years include ultraviolet light exposure (photoaging) and smoking. Prevention with lifestyle modifications and sun avoidance is critical in mitigating wrinkle formation.

Wrinkles can be divided into 2 categories, fine and deep lines, and classified as atrophic, elastotic, expressional, and gravitational. Each type develops in specific areas and is characterized by distinct cutaneous alterations.

Treatments include topical treatments (antioxidants, tretinoin), cosmetic procedures (fillers, botulinum toxin injections, chemical peels), and surgical procedures (laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, rhytidectomy).

Treatments are generally more effective for fine wrinkles, which can respond to topical or minimally invasive procedures. Deep wrinkles tend to require more aggressive techniques, such as ablative laser resurfacing or surgical procedures.

Wrinkles (rhytids) are lines or creases of the skin that appear as a natural part of aging. The aging process produces loss of skin thickness and elasticity, resulting in progressive skin atrophy, laxity, and wrinkling. These cutaneous alterations are exacerbated by the actinic damage of chronic sun exposure. Wrinkles most frequently appear on sun-exposed areas (i.e., face, neck, dorsum of hands). Hyperdynamic muscular activity may also result in folding and creasing of the overlying skin.