Dr Gregory Branham treats patients at
West County Office
605 Old Ballas Road, Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63141
Phone: 314-432-7760 Fax: 314-432-5410
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Question: I am using Botox and have had some fillers but I am beginning to notice fine lines and wrinkles that persist even with my Botox and skin care regimen. What’s next?
Answer: What you're experiencing is the next step in the aging process. As we age fine lines and wrinkles become etched into the skin and we begin to see lines that persist even with maintenance regimens and Botox. These texture changes also begin to show up around the eyes and mouth and then migrate out to the cheeks and chin.
Dyschromias or splotchy discolorations that are also called sun spots or lentigines begin as well. The skin tone becomes uneven and the texture becomes roughened. These changes are more prominent in light skinned individuals and are related to sun exposure over a lifetime.
To reverse these discolorations and textural changes, the skin must be resurfaced with either a peel or a laser treatment as it has gone beyond what topical creams and Botox can accomplish. To adequately treat the persistent lines, the treatment must go deep enough to alter the underlying collagen and remodel the skin. Both treatments require down time of approximately one week.
Fine lines and sun spots can be improved with a chemical peel. You should notice much smoother skin with an even skin tone and marked improvement in the fine lines and wrinkles.
For deeper lines and additional tightening, a fractional laser treatment is more effective. The newer fractional lasers preserve microscopic islands of dermis that allow for a much faster healing process, while increasing firmness and tightening of the skin.
With the newer fractional lasers, you will continue to notice improvements for up to three months after the procedure. The results are long lasting, but not permanent. Of course you will want to continue your maintenance skin care regimen including the Botox and fillers, to keep the new fresh look for as long as possible.
The texture changes that occur on the face can contribute significantly to the aging process and your overall appearance. It is amazing how much difference a skin resurfacing procedure can make in your appearance. Discuss your options with a board certified physician specializing in cosmetic plastic and reconstructive surgery.