How to Get Rid of Wrinkles
Dr. Max Lehfeldt provides a look at what actually causes wrinkles, which treatments address which type, and how to build a realistic plan for smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Wrinkles are one of the most universal signs of aging, but not all wrinkles are created equal, and that matters more than most people realize. The fine lines that appear when you smile are different from the deep creases that show up even when your face is at rest, and the two respond to very different treatments. Understanding what’s actually happening beneath the skin is the first step toward choosing a solution that works. Our board-certified plastic surgeon in Pasadena, Dr. Max Lehfeldt, offers a guideline in today’s blog post.
Why Wrinkles Form in the First Place
Skin aging is driven by a combination of forces working together. Collagen and elastin — the proteins that keep skin firm and springy — naturally decline starting in a person’s mid-20s, and that decline accelerates with age. At the same time, repeated muscle movement (think squinting, frowning, or smiling) creates creases in the skin that gradually become permanent, since skin loses some of its ability to “bounce back” as it thins. Sun exposure speeds up the breakdown of collagen, while habits like smoking and chronic dehydration reduce skin’s ability to repair itself. Volume loss in the deeper fat pads of the face also plays a role, since less underlying support means skin has less to rest on and begins to fold and sag.
Dr. Max Lehfeldt often points out that because these causes differ, the most effective wrinkle treatments aren’t one-size-fits-all. Someone dealing mostly with fine lines from sun damage needs a different approach than someone dealing with deep folds caused by volume loss or skin laxity.
Everyday Habits That Make a Real Difference
Before considering any treatment, it’s worth acknowledging that daily habits set the foundation for how skin ages. Consistent daily sunscreen use is one of the single most effective ways to slow the formation of new wrinkles, since UV exposure is responsible for a significant share of visible skin aging. Staying hydrated, avoiding smoking, getting adequate sleep, and using a retinoid or antioxidant serum can all support skin’s natural repair processes over time. Dr. Lehfeldt regularly reminds his patients that these habits won’t reverse existing deep wrinkles, but they can meaningfully affect how quickly new ones form and how skin responds to other treatments.
Non-Surgical Options for Fine Lines and Early Aging
For lines caused primarily by repeated muscle movement — like crow’s feet or forehead lines — neuromodulator injections (such as BOTOX® Cosmetic) work by temporarily relaxing the muscle responsible for the movement, softening the crease it creates. These treatments are quick, usually require no downtime, and typically last three to four months.
For lines caused by volume loss, such as nasolabial folds or hollowing under the eyes, dermal fillers add support back into the skin, smoothing the area from underneath rather than relaxing muscle activity. Results are often immediate and can last from several months to over a year, depending on the product used.
For overall skin texture, tone, and fine surface lines, treatments like laser skin resurfacing, microneedling, or chemical peels work by stimulating the skin’s own collagen production. Dr. Lehfeldt often recommends these as part of a broader plan, since they typically require a series of sessions and some recovery time but can meaningfully improve skin quality without major surgery.
When Skin Laxity Calls for a Surgical Approach
Non-surgical treatments can be highly effective for early signs of aging, but they have limits. Once skin has lost significant elasticity — resulting in jowling, looser skin along the jawline, or noticeable folds in the neck — injectables and resurfacing treatments can only do so much, because the underlying structural support of the face has shifted, not just the surface.
In these cases, a surgical facelift addresses the deeper cause rather than the surface symptom. Dr. Lehfeldt’s approach centers on repositioning the deeper supporting tissues of the face rather than simply tightening skin, allowing the skin to be redraped naturally instead of “pulled.” He believes that results which look “overdone” or unnaturally tight are almost always the product of an approach that relies too heavily on surface tension rather than restoring what’s underneath. A facelift performed with this philosophy can address wrinkles, folds, and jowling in a way that no injectable or topical treatment can match, with results that often last a decade or longer.
Building the Right Plan for Your Skin
Because wrinkles come from several different underlying causes, the most effective approach is often a layered one: protecting skin daily; using targeted non-surgical treatments for early signs of aging; and considering surgical options once skin laxity becomes more significant. A consultation with Dr. Lehfeldt can help determine which treatment or combination of treatments fits your skin, your goals, and the degree of change you’re hoping to see.
Key Takeaways
- Wrinkles form through several distinct processes — collagen loss, repeated muscle movement, sun damage, and volume loss — and each can respond best to a different type of treatment.
- Daily habits like sunscreen use, hydration, and avoiding smoking help slow new wrinkle formation, even though they can’t reverse existing deep lines.
- Neuromodulators and dermal fillers are often effective for early, movement-related, or volume-related lines.
- Resurfacing and rejuvenating treatments like lasers, peels, and microneedling can improve overall skin texture by encouraging the skin’s own collagen production.
- Once skin laxity and jowling become significant, a surgical facelift can address the deeper structural changes that non-surgical treatments cannot.
If you’re ready to explore which wrinkle-reduction options are right for you, please contact Teleos Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Max Lehfeldt.