In compliance with TGA guidelines, we do not advertise the names of prescription-only cosmetic treatments, including those used for smoothing expression wrinkles, lines or enhancing facial contours.
Wrinkle treatments are considered one of the safest and most effective options available for the reduction or softening of facial wrinkles.
Wrinkle treatments are commonly used to target areas such as frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines, and fine lines around the eyes (commonly known as Crow’s Feet). They may also be applied to areas around the mouth and along the neck.
Wrinkle treatments are targeted to specific areas of the face, this results in a smoother, more refreshed appearance. Effects typically begin to appear within three to five days and can last approximately 3–4 months.
It’s important to note that deeper lines present at rest—known as ‘hyperdynamic’ lines—may not fully soften after the initial wrinkle treatment. However, with ongoing treatments, these creases often improve over time as muscle activity is reduced, and the skin has a chance to repair.
Wrinkle Treatment Areas
Wrinkle treatments may also be used as a preventative approach to delay the formation of deeper lines before they become more prominent.
Types of Wrinkles
Facial wrinkles can form for a number of reasons, mainly due to the natural effects of getting older, everyday habits, and exposure to environmental elements. Understanding the different types of wrinkles is important for finding the most effective treatment options.
Dynamic Wrinkles
Cause: These wrinkles are formed by repeated facial muscle movements such as smiling, frowning, or squinting.
Appearance: They are visible only during facial expressions.
Common Examples:
- Crow’s feet (at the outer corners of the eyes)
- Frown lines (between the eyebrows)
- Forehead lines (when raising the eyebrows)
Static Wrinkles
Cause: Typically caused by age-related skin changes, including reduced collagen and elasticity, as well as prolonged sun exposure and the effects of gravity.
Appearance: Remain visible even when the face is relaxed.
Common Examples:
- Nasolabial folds (extending from the nose to the mouth corners)
- Marionette lines (running from the mouth corners to the chin)
- Wrinkles across the cheeks
Wrinkle Folds (Gravitational Wrinkles)
Cause: Result from sagging skin due to gravity and a loss of volume in the face.
Appearance: Present as deep folds that follow the natural structure of the face.
Common Examples:
- Jowls
- Deep nasolabial folds
Atrophic Crinkling Rhytids
- Cause: Develop as the skin thins and loses its elasticity, often from chronic sun exposure.
- Appearance: Appear as fine, crinkled lines that run parallel, resembling crepe paper.
- Typical Locations: Cheeks and the area beneath the eyes
Compression Wrinkles (Sleep Wrinkles)
- Cause: Form when the skin is compressed during sleep, usually from contact with pillows or bedding.
- Appearance: Usually vertical lines.
- Typical Locations: Face—particularly the cheeks—and the chest (décolletage)
Elastotic Wrinkles
- Cause: Caused by prolonged sun exposure, which damages the skin’s elastic fibers.
- Appearance: Deep, rough-textured lines and creases.
- Typical Locations: Face, neck, and other frequently sun-exposed areas
Common wrinkle treatment areas
Wrinkle treatments are commonly sought in areas where lines naturally form due to facial expressions and ageing. These areas often include the forehead, around the eyes, and between the eyebrows. Some individuals also target areas around the mouth or neck. Treatment approaches vary based on individual concerns and desired outcomes. Whether you’re looking to smooth, refine, or rejuvenate your look, a personalised consultation can help you explore the right treatment options for your needs.
What are the most common facial areas treated with wrinkle treatments?
Forehead wrinkle lines
Forehead wrinkles and lines are a common concern for both men and women at various stages of life. As we age, the skin gradually loses elasticity and no longer bounces back as it once did. Factors such as sun exposure, smoking, environmental toxins, and genetics can all contribute to the development of these visible forehead lines.
Forehead wrinkles, also referred to as forehead lines, are horizontal creases that develop across the forehead. These wrinkles become especially noticeable when we make certain facial expressions, like raising our eyebrows. Actions such as smiling, laughing, or frowning engage the glabella muscles, which pull on the overlying skin and cause these wrinkles to deepen and become more prominent.
Frown Lines wrinkles
Frown wrinkles, also known as glabellar lines, tend to deepen and become more noticeable with age. These wrinkles between the eyebrows can create the appearance of worry or stress, even when you feel calm. Our non-surgical wrinkle treatments are designed to soften these wrinkles, helping to diminish their visibility and restore a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Frown lines, also referred to as glabellar lines, are deep vertical wrinkles that form between the eyebrows and above the nose when you frown. These creases develop as a result of the contraction of two facial muscles—the procerus and the corrugators—during a frown.
Crow’s Feet Treatment (around eyes lines wrinkles)
Reduce the visibility of crow’s feet, also known as ‘laughter lines,’ with our selection of non-surgical cosmetic wrinkle treatments. Our wrinkle solutions effectively address this prominent sign of aging without the need for surgery or downtime.
Crow’s feet are wrinkles that develop around the outer corners of the eyes. Because the skin in this area is thinner than the rest of the face, it is especially delicate and highly susceptible to the signs of aging. Whether called character lines or laughter lines, these wrinkles at the eye’s edge are unavoidable.
Bunny Lines or Wrinkles
Bunny lines, sometimes referred to as scrunch lines or nasal wrinkles, are the delicate wrinkles that appear on both sides of the nose when you scrunch your face. While they can give your face character, these wrinkles can also make some people feel self-conscious.
Bunny lines are subtle wrinkles that naturally appear with age, typically forming on either side of the nose. They are caused by repetitive facial movements like smiling, frowning, or squinting. As the muscles around the nose contract over time, the skin gradually loses elasticity, leading to the development of fine wrinkles. Additional factors such as sun damage, genetics, smoking, and environmental exposure can further contribute to the formation of these wrinkles.
Upper lip smokers lines or Wrinkles
Smokers’ lines, also known as lip wrinkles, are fine vertical wrinkles that develop along the upper and lower lips, most commonly with age. These wrinkles can make the lips appear more creased and uneven and are often associated with repetitive movements like pursing the lips or smoking.
Marionette Lines or Wrinkles
Marionette lines are wrinkles that develop as the depressor muscles pull down the corners of the mouth, leading to visible lines that may give the face a sad or downturned look. These wrinkles extend vertically from the mouth's corners to the chin.
They are often mistaken for nasolabial folds—also called nose-to-mouth lines—but the two are different. However, it’s common for both types of wrinkles to emerge simultaneously as part of the natural aging process.
Sad Mouth Facial Dao Muscles
The Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle, commonly known as the facial DAO, causes the corners of the mouth to pull downward, leading to a sad or frowning expression. This repeated movement can contribute to the formation of wrinkles around the mouth. If you're concerned about the appearance of a downturned mouth, our wrinkle treatments are a popular solution to relax the DAO muscle, reduce associated wrinkles, and promote a more youthful, lifted appearance.
Dents or Dimples in the Chin
A mental crease—the horizontal wrinkle found between the lower lip and the chin—or chin dimpling that appears during expressions like lip pursing, often develops in conjunction with other age-related facial changes. These may include thinning skin, reduced subcutaneous fat, bone loss, and decreased muscle tone. When considering wrinkle-reducing treatments, addressing chin dimpling and minimizing the appearance of the mental crease can be important components of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan.
Which muscles cause facial wrinkles?
Forehead lines & wrinkles
Frontalis muscle
Forehead lines & wrinkles
When you raise your eyebrows, these horizontal lines become visible across your forehead.
Frown lines
Depressor Supercilii
Frown lines
It moves the eyebrow downward and toward the center of the face, contributing to facial expressions such as frowning or concentration.
Bunny Lines or nose wrinkles
Procerus muscle
Bunny Lines or nose wrinkles
The procerus pulls the skin between the eyebrows downward, creating horizontal wrinkles over the bridge of the nose.
Crow's feet
Orbicularis Oculi
Crow’s feet (lines and wrinkles around eyes)
Located just under the skin around the eyes, this muscle plays a key role in creating wrinkles—especially the fine lines known as crow’s feet that appear at the outer corners.
Nose wrinkles
Nasalis muscle
The nasalis muscle is involved in both nasal motion and facial expression. It helps adjust the size of the nostrils and contributes to movements like nostril flaring during emotions such as anger or during deep breathing.
Lip lines
Orbicularis Oris
Smooth lip lines wrinkles (smokers lines) or enhance lip shape
The orbicularis oris is an essential muscle for facial expression, especially in movements involving the mouth. It serves as the main muscle of the lips and is responsible for:
- Closing the lips
- Puckering, such as in kissing
- Pressing the lips against the teeth
- Helping produce speech sounds.
- Assisting in controlling food while chewing
Jawline
Masseter
Jawline slimming or TMJ OR Bruxism symptoms.
As a key muscle used in chewing, the masseter can become enlarged over time. Treatment can reduce its size to create a slimmer, more defined jawline and relieve TMJ or bruxism symptoms.
Chin wrinkles
Mentalis muscle
Chin wrinkles or dimpled
The mentalis is a small, paired muscle situated at the tip of the chin. Its activity can cause the chin to appear dimpled or uneven. This muscle functions to elevate and wrinkle the skin over the chin.
Sad mouth
Depressor Anguli Oris
Sad mouth or playing a key role in frowning and sad facial expressions.
This muscle draws the corners of the mouth downward, contributing significantly to frowning and expressions of sadness.
Your Wrinkle Treatment Questions Answered
Our most frequently asked questions regarding wrinkle treatments:
How do cosmetic wrinkle treatments work?
Wrinkle treatments target the underlying facial muscles. These treatments work by temporarily interrupting the action of Acetylcholine—a chemical messenger responsible for muscle contraction. By relaxing specific muscles, expression lines and wrinkles on the skin’s surface are visibly softened, resulting in a smoother and more refreshed appearance. Over time, the body naturally regenerates nerve endings, gradually restoring muscle activity and the appearance of dynamic lines.
How long do wrinkle treatments last?
Once treated, you may begin to notice results within 2-3 days, however it will take up to 2 weeks to observe best results. The expected duration of results of wrinkle treatments can vary from individual, and this is dependent on a number of factors including the skin’s condition, hydration, metabolic rate and degree of muscular use in the treatment area. For most patients, wrinkle treatments are best scheduled between 3-4 monthly intervals to maintain results. By maintaining results, we can help to slow the progression of wrinkles and continue to improve those stubborn creases.
A thorough medical consultation with one of our experienced medical team allows us to identify the underlying causes of your wrinkles and tailor the most effective treatment plan for your needs.
Are there any side effects associated with wrinkle treatments?
Wrinkle treatments may cause mild, temporary side effects such as localised redness, swelling, warmth, or small bumps at the treatment area. These reactions are common and typically resolve within a few days. Some individuals may also experience minor bruising, which can usually be easily covered with makeup.
Will wrinkle treatments be effective for my skin?
The effectiveness of wrinkle treatments largely depends on two key factors:
- The depth and severity of your lines
- The overall health and condition of your skin
While age can play a role, it’s not the most significant determinant. More importantly, lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, chronic stress, and frequent unprotected sun exposure can all negatively impact your skin’s response to wrinkle treatment.
Additionally, your skin’s natural elasticity, hydration levels, and commitment to a proper skincare routine also influence results. During your consultation, our experienced medical professionals will assess your skin and provide tailored advice to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
What will my face look like after wrinkle treatment?
At DermaCare, our goal is to enhance your natural appearance by using a conservative approach to wrinkle treatment. We focus on delivering subtle, refreshed results that maintain your facial expressions and individuality.
A thorough consultation is essential to understand your goals, set realistic expectations, and provide guidance on pre- and post-treatment care to ensure optimal outcomes.
Is it safe to combine wrinkle treatments with other cosmetic procedures or products?
Yes, combining wrinkle treatments with other cosmetic procedures and medical-grade skincare products is not only safe but often recommended. These combination approaches can enhance overall results by improving skin quality, texture, and volume, leading to a more refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.
At DermaCare, our experienced medical professionals will work closely with you to develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals, ensuring optimal and natural-looking results.
Who is a suitable candidate for wrinkle treatments?
Most men and women between the ages of 22 and 80 can benefit from wrinkle treatments. In younger individuals, the focus is often on prevention, helping to delay the onset of visible signs of aging.
However, wrinkle treatments are not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Am I suitable for wrinkle treatments?
- Your medical history
- Current medications
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding status
- Facial muscle strength and structure
- Your aesthetic goals
- Realistic expectations
- Age
Who should not have wrinkle reduction treatments?
- Age restrictions: wrinkle reduction treatments are not performed on individuals under 18 years old.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Allergies to the treatment.
- Presence of a skin infection; wrinkle treatment should be postponed until the infection has cleared.
- Use of certain medications—your practitioner will discuss this during your consultation.
- Neuromuscular conditions.
During your consultation, our practitioner will carefully evaluate your situation and provide guidance on whether this treatment is suitable for you.
A comprehensive consultation is a crucial step prior to any treatment to thoroughly assess your individual needs and establish a safe, effective plan tailored to your goals.
Our experienced medical team is dedicated to providing detailed advice, addressing your concerns, and guiding you throughout the treatment process. Even subtle enhancements can yield meaningful improvements.
Schedule your complimentary laser and skin care analysis today to begin a personalised and informed approach to your care.
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