Wrinkle and fine lines treatment

Wrinkles and fine lines are a normal part of ageing. They usually begin as creases that appear only during facial expression, and gradually become visible when the face is at rest.

Me Clinic offers consultations to discuss non-surgical options for softening the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This page explains what causes them, what treatment can and cannot do, and what the risks are.

What causes fine lines and wrinkles

Repeated facial movement. Frowning, squinting and smiling crease the skin in the same places over decades. These are dynamic lines - visible on movement first, then at rest.
Collagen and elastin loss. Collagen production slows from the twenties onward, reducing firmness and elasticity.
Sun exposure. Ultraviolet light breaks down collagen fibres and is one of the largest modifiable contributors to skin ageing. Daily sun protection does more for long-term skin appearance than most treatments.
Ageing and genetics, which influence where and how quickly lines develop.
Lifestyle factors including smoking, dehydration and poor sleep.

Dynamic and static lines are different problems

This distinction matters because it determines what treatment is appropriate:

Dynamic lines appear when a muscle contracts and disappear at rest. They respond to treatments that reduce muscle movement.
Static lines are visible with the face relaxed - the crease has become established in the skin itself. Reducing muscle movement softens them over time but does not erase them; treatments addressing skin texture and volume are often more relevant.

Most faces have both. A realistic plan usually addresses them differently rather than with one treatment.

Areas commonly treated

Forehead lines - horizontal lines from raising the brows
Frown lines - vertical lines between the eyebrows
Crow's feet - creases at the outer corners of the eyes
Lip lines - fine vertical lines around the upper lip
Chin dimpling - caused by muscle tension or skin thinning
Smile lines and folds around the mouth

What treatment can realistically achieve

Non-surgical wrinkle treatment can soften the appearance of lines and improve skin texture. It does not stop ageing, and it does not produce the change that a surgical procedure such as a facelift produces - a facelift addresses loose skin and descended tissue, which injectable treatments do not.

Outcomes vary between individuals depending on skin type, age, the depth of the lines, and lifestyle. Anyone promising a guaranteed or unnatural-looking-free result is overstating what can be known in advance.

Results, downtime and how often

How soon: depending on the treatment, improvement in the treated area may be noticed within several days to weeks, with the full effect visible over a few weeks.

Downtime: most people resume normal activities immediately. Mild redness, swelling or tenderness at the treated site is common and usually settles within a day or two. No general anaesthetic is required.

Duration: these treatments are not permanent. Effects wear off gradually and repeat treatments are needed to maintain the result. How long an individual result lasts varies.

How many sessions: depends on the treatment and your response. Some people notice a difference after one session; others need a series.

Risks and side effects

All treatments carry risks. For injectable wrinkle treatments these include:

Pain, redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness at injection sites
Headache
Infection at the injection site
Asymmetry, or an uneven result
Spread of effect to nearby muscles, which can cause temporary drooping of an eyelid or eyebrow, or altered expression
Allergic reaction
Lack of response, or a weaker response than expected
Rare but serious effects associated with the spread of the injected substance beyond the treatment area, including difficulty swallowing or breathing - seek medical attention urgently if these occur

Treatment is generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in the presence of infection at the treatment site, and in people with certain neuromuscular conditions or known allergy to the substance used.

Injectable treatments in Australia involve prescription medicines and must be prescribed by a doctor after a consultation. Australian law restricts what can be published about prescription medicines, which is why specific product names are not used on this page - your practitioner will discuss the actual product with you at consultation.

Consultation and costs

At consultation, your practitioner assesses your facial anatomy, skin quality and the areas of concern, and discusses what is achievable. Cost depends on the treatment and the areas involved. As at September 2024 and including GST, a consultation with a Cosmetic Doctor is $150 and a skin assessment with a nurse or aesthetician is $50, redeemable on products or services.

Me Clinic is at 4 Burke Road, Malvern East VIC 3145, five minutes' walk from Caulfield station.

Frequently asked questions

What causes fine lines and wrinkles to appear?

Repeated facial expression, sun exposure, ageing and the gradual loss of collagen and elastin. Smoking and dehydration accelerate the process.

Which areas are commonly affected?

High-movement areas: the forehead, between the eyebrows, around the eyes, around the mouth, and the chin.

Will my face look unnatural?

The aim is a subtle change that preserves expression, and the way to achieve that is conservative dosing by a qualified practitioner who knows the anatomy. But no practitioner can guarantee how an individual will respond, and altered or asymmetric expression is a recognised risk - which is why it appears in the risk list above.

Is there downtime?

Usually minimal. Temporary redness, swelling or tenderness may occur and generally resolves quickly.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your goals, the depth of the lines and how you respond. Because the effect wears off, ongoing treatment is needed to maintain a result.

See anti-wrinkle before and after, volume enhancing treatments, anti-ageing procedures, or all face procedures.

Individual results may vary. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.