Yes, it is possible to “iron” facial wrinkles. But definitely not literally. How you must want your face to be like any wrinkled cloth that you can run an iron over to smooth out the wrinkles. Well, it’s not, and getting the wrinkles out is a lot more complicated than smoothing the wrinkles out of your best Sunday dress.
If you are looking to ‘iron out’ the wrinkles on your face, the closest thing to doing it is through the use of laser technology.
laser therapy for wrinkles
Laser therapy is one of the most popular methods to get rid of wrinkles without undergoing a surgical procedure. It is minimally invasive and has the ability to stimulate collagen production without causing tissue damage.
laser skin tightening
Laser skin tightening uses laser light and cold air to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The heat produced by the light promotes collagen production without burning the outer layer of the skin. promoting through controlled heat.
The procedure, while effective, comes with several precautions:
- Limited sun exposure is recommended for 3-4 weeks prior to your scheduled laser skin tightening procedure.
- It is necessary to use sunscreen with SPF 30 if exposure to sunlight is unavoidable.
- One day before treatment, do not use lotions or creams, especially those with vitamin A.
Laser skin tightening is performed by a cosmetic surgeon after the necessary evaluations have been performed. The surgeon prepares the patient’s skin, removing oils and makeup residue. He or she then covers the patient’s eyes to protect them from the heat. Local anesthesia may or may not be administered.
The skin may turn red after the procedure and there may also be bruising. In many cases, these are only temporary. There may also be some degree of pain which can be relieved by applying ice packs to the affected area and/or taking an analgesic.
Laser skin tightening is an expensive procedure, costing between $500 and $3,500 per session.
Less expensive ways to remove facial wrinkles
botox injections
Botox injections are gaining in popularity as they are less expensive (approximately $350 per injection), less invasive, and less painful. The procedure involves injecting an FDA-approved toxin into the skin around the eyes to control nerve impulses that cause the muscles to contract. This results in less visible wrinkles and younger looking skin.
Botox comes with minimal side effects, if at all. The effects are also immediate, although temporary. The effects usually don’t last more than two months, so by then you’ll need another injection to maintain your appearance.
collagen injections
Not to be confused with Botox, collagen injections aim to plump and lift the skin, giving it a smoother, more youthful appearance with less visible lines and wrinkles. Collagen injections are especially helpful for fine lines around the eyes, as well as those around the mouth.
Like Botox, collagen injections are affordably priced at $350 to $450 per injection. And just like Botox, the effects of collagen injections are only temporary.
microdermabrasion
Cheaper than any of the aforementioned therapies is microdermabrasion which costs only $200 per treatment. Microdermabrasion acts as a kind of exfoliation of the upper layer of the skin, effectively removing superficial wrinkles after several sessions.
Creams with Antioxidants
If you don’t want to undergo any of these procedures, you should focus your interest on creams that contain high levels of antioxidants. They may not completely eliminate wrinkles, but they can go a long way in making them less visible and improving the overall appearance of the skin.
