Dr. Gerald Bock is a Board certified dermatologist. He has devoted his professional career to helping patients in Stockton, Lodi, and surrounding areas enjoy gorgeous, healthy complexions. Every day, Dr. Bock and his team at California Skin & Laser Center answer questions like these about a common concern of patients – wrinkles (and what reduction treatments are available).
What causes wrinkles and folds?
Babies, children, and teens have taut skin plumped with internal moisture, and smooth facial contours. A combination of factors occurs over time, resulting in wrinkles and folds. We gradually lose facial volume in the form of hydration, fat, muscle, and bone. The loss of volume causes skin to drape into lines and folds.
Over the course of a lifetime, we repeat the same expressions, such as frowning and squinting, many times. As facial muscles contract repeatedly, they create permanent creases .
At the same time, the body’s production of collagen and elastin slows down. Those proteins provide the meshwork that supports skin, they hold hydration, and they keep the dermis (outer layer) thick. Skin becomes thinner, dryer, and lax.
Can wrinkles be prevented?
Sleep habits, poor nutrition, sun exposure, and smoking accelerate signs of aging on skin. Fortunately, they can be controlled to a large degree to keep wrinkles at bay. Repeated facial expressions, however, are more difficult to restrain since most happen involuntarily.
How do neuromodulators help?
Neuromodulators are FDA approved purified proteins that go by trade names such as Botox and Dysport. Dr. Bock has a wealth of training and clinical experience in administering neuromodulators for wrinkle reduction. He also has a naturally artistic eye, which aids in determining optimal placement for each patient. He injects the neuromodulator into facial muscles at precise points in a brief, in-office procedure.
In Dr. Bock’s capable hands, “elevens” between the eyebrows, horizontal brow lines, and crow’s feet are effectively softened for a natural, refreshed look. The product interrupts signals from nerves that tell muscles to contract. As the muscles relax, they provide a smooth foundation for skin, reducing wrinkles. When combined with the judicious use of fillers the lines can be virtually eliminated.
Neuromodulators are just one of the options in wrinkle reduction treatment available to patients of California Skin & Laser Center. Call 209-751-4292 to learn more.
Fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse and Sculptra can correct wrinkles, folds and hollows and, when used along with neuromodulators, can result in a noticeably more youthful and attractive appearance.
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