Wrinkles
Alternate Names : Rhytids
What are the treatments for the symptom?
Wrinkles do not need to be treated unless the person wishes to
eliminate them for cosmetic reasons. For fine wrinkles, retinoic acid may be
applied to the skin to fill in the crevices.
Wrinkles may also be treated by a number of procedures, such as the following:
topical creams and ointments, such as tretinoin or alphahydroxyl acids
(AHAs), which
peel off top layers of skin
chemical peels to remove wrinkled layers, such as the application of
lactic, glycolic, or salicylic acids
dermabrasion, a procedure that sands away the top layers of skin
injection of substances such as fat or collagen, which is a gelatin-like
substance, under the skin
laser surgery, which removes layers of skin. This procedure is used
especially for wrinkles around the eyes.
botulinum toxin, which is used for wrinkles between the eyebrows and around
the eyes. The toxin is injected into the muscle that caused the wrinkle. It
paralyzes the muscle, so that the wrinkles gradually disappear when the muscle
isn't used.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
The more likely the treatment is to help wrinkling, the more likely it is to
have side effects. Side effects can include:
color changes in the skin
redness
skin scarring
Topical products can cause irritation that looks and feels like chapping.
Injectable substances can cause
allergic
reactions.
What happens after treatment for the symptom?
Sometimes the treatment for wrinkles results in skin that looks
markedly smoother and younger. Other times, improvement of the wrinkles can be
minimal and temporary.
How is the symptom monitored?
Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare
provider.
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