Lines And Wrinkles

Noticing more lines, creases or wrinkles than you used to? 

Perhaps your forehead lines are becoming more noticeable, you have deeper lines around your eyes and mouth, or you feel your skin doesn't look quite as smooth, firm or fresh as it once did. Lines and wrinkles are a natural part of ageing, but they don't all develop for the same reason. Facial movement changes in collagen and elastin, reduced skin hydration, changes in facial volume and cumulative sun exposure can all contribute to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

At Woodford Medical, we look at why your lines and wrinkles have developed before recommending how they might be treated. The aim is not simply to make lines disappear, but to create a fresher, more rested appearance while preserving your natural expressions.

Why do we develop lines and wrinkles?

Ageing affects every layer of the skin and the structures beneath it. Overtime, the skin produces less collagen and elastin and becomes less able to retain moisture. Skin can become thinner and less resilient, while changes in the underlying tissues can alter the shape and support of the face.

At the same time, years of facial movement can cause certain lines to become increasingly visible. Expressions such as smiling, frowning and squinting repeatedly fold the skin. Initially these lines may only be visible when you make an expression, but over time they can become noticeable even when your face is relaxed.

Sun exposure can accelerate this process. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation contributes to the breakdown of collagen and can cause changes in skin texture, tone and elasticity.

What types of lines and wrinkles might you notice?

Lines and wrinkles can appear in many different areas of the face and can have different causes, including:

• Forehead lines - Horizontal lines across the forehead are often associated with repeated movement of the forehead muscles and can become more noticeable over time.
• Frown lines - Vertical lines between the eyebrows can develop as a result of repeated frowning and other facial expressions. These are sometimes referred to as '11 lines'.
• Crow's feet - Fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes can become more prominent with smiling and squinting, as well as through changes in skin quality and sun exposure.
• Lines around the mouth - Fine lines around the lips and deeper folds around the mouth can develop through a combination of facial movement, changes in skin elasticity and changes in facial volume.
• Fine lines and crepey skin - Fine lines may become more widespread as collagen, elastin and hydration decline. Skin can appear thinner, drier or more crepey, particularly on areas such as the cheeks, neck and décolletage.

Why do some people develop wrinkles earlier than others?

There is no single cause of facial ageing. Genetics influence how your skin ages, while external factors such as cumulative sun exposure, smoking and environmental damage can contribute to premature skin ageing. Lifestyle, skincare and hormonal changes may also influence skin quality.

This is why two people of the same age can have very different patterns of lines, wrinkles and skin ageing.

Can lines and wrinkles be treated?

Yes, but the most appropriate wrinkle treatment depends on what is causing the lines and what you would like to improve. For example, lines caused predominantly by repeated muscle movement may be approached differently from wrinkles caused by changes in skin quality, sun damage or loss of facial volume.

Which treatment is right for me?

This is where an individual assessment is important.

A line on your forehead, a crease around your mouth and finely wrinkled skin on your cheeks may look like the same problem, but they can have very different underlying causes.

During a consultation, our experienced medical team can assess your facial movement, skin quality, volume and overall facial structure before discussing the options that may be appropriate for you. Sometimes the best approach is to treat the cause of a particular line. In other cases, improving overall skin quality or restoring selected areas of volume may make a greater difference. For some clients, a combination of treatments may be appropriate.

We will explain what can realistically be improved, what treatment may be unnecessary and what approach is most likely to give you a natural result.

Our approach

At Woodford Medical, we believe aesthetic treatment should enhance your appearance rather than change who you are. Our experienced medical team takes a personalised approach to wrinkle treatment and skin rejuvenation, with an emphasis on subtle, natural-looking results. We don't believe that every line needs to be treated, and we will always discuss the benefits, limitations and alternatives with you before you decide whether to proceed. Our aim is for you to look refreshed, rested and naturally like yourself.

Can lines and wrinkles be treated?

Yes, but the most appropriate wrinkle treatment depends on what is causing the lines and what you would like to improve.

Depending on your individual concerns, treatment options may include:

Anti-wrinkle injections for Lines & Wrinkles
For expression lines including forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet.

Juvéderm® Dermal Fillers
For restoring volume, improving facial contours and addressing selected lines and folds.

HArmonyCa™ Dermal Filler
A combination treatment designed to provide both an immediate and longer-term approach to facial ageing.

Skin Boosters & Biostimulators
For improving skin quality, hydration, elasticity and collagen production. Woodford Medical offers a range of injectable skin rejuvenation treatments, including Sunekos®, Profhilo®, polynucleotides and SKINVIVE™ by Juvéderm®. These treatments have different properties and indications, so the most appropriate option depends on your skin, your concerns and the result you are hoping to achieve.

UltraClear™ Laser
For fine lines, wrinkles, texture, sun damage and other signs of skin ageing.

Medical Skincare
A personalised skincare programme can help protect and improve the quality of ageing skin. At Woodford Medical, we offer personalised medical skincare programmes using Marini SkinSolutions®, Neova® and Vital Assist®.

Not sure which treatment you need?

If you simply know that your skin looks more lined, tired dry or aged than you'd like, that's enough to start the conversation.

Arrange a consultation with the Woodford Medical team and we can assess your individual concerns and talk you through the options that may be suitable for you