McLean Clinic is an industry leader in treating fine lines and wrinkles using a range of cutting edge procedures.
Much to our dismay, we all develop lines, wrinkles and furrows. Fine lines tend to first appear near the mouth and eyes and are the result of the natural breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin, which can be sped up with exposure to the UV rays emitted from the sun or from tanning beds.
Some of us begin noticing these changes in the mirror throughout our twenties. By the time we reach our forties and fifties, fine lines and wrinkles can appear deeper, folds around our mouths and nose often become more prominent and cheeks tend to look more hollow.
Facial lines and wrinkles are caused by a variety of factors, some that are not even in our control! Genetics, the aging process, repetitive muscle movement and gravity often work against us. Poor skin health, not drinking enough water and smoking also contribute to the negative effects of aging skin. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent and postpone signs of premature aging, as well as treatment options if they do develop into deeper lines and wrinkles.
When it comes to fighting the signs of aging, the treatment options available in today’s market are endless. Simple and cost-effective ways to maintain our youth include staying out of the sun, eating well, not smoking and getting enough rest. When that’s not enough, it may be time to consider some of the solutions below:
Botox is a medically refined substance that relaxes the muscles responsible for causing lines, furrows, or other unwanted appearances. This quick and simple procedure is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed all around the world. It can be completed within 15 minutes, hence its nickname as a “lunch time” procedure. Botox injections work effectively and quickly to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles that are the result of repeated muscle contractions.
Botox is injected with a very fine needle and is commonly used to relax the muscles that cause crow’s feet around the eyes or frown lines between the eyebrows. It can also be used to soften the tiny lines around the mouth, often referred to as “smoker’s lines”. To maximize the effects of Botox, it can be easily combined with other non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Botox injections require no anaesthesia and is injected with a very fine needle straight into the specific facial muscle, causing very minimal pain or discomfort. By blocking the nerve signals to the muscles causing the lines and wrinkles, muscle movement and activity is limited under the surface of the skin. This will work to reduce, soften, and smooth the complexion.
The effects of Botox may take 1 to 14 days to appear and generally last 4 months. Once the muscle movement gradually returns, lines and wrinkles will begin to reappear and will need to be re-treated. On a long term basis, their reappearance is often less deep and less severe as the facial muscles are being trained to relax, which can lead to long term improvement.
Botox has been used for over 20 years in the effective treatment of many medical conditions. While it is considered relatively safe and effective, potential side effects of Botox can include bruising, swelling and localized pain at the injection site. In rare instances, an adjacent muscle may be affected resulting in an unwanted effect such as a drooping eyelid. Other serious adverse reactions such as difficulty swallowing are rarely reported and are listed in Botox’s official drug monograph.
Injectable fillers such as Juvederm or Voluma are used to enhance thinning lips and fill out deeper lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth. It can also be used for volumizing and contouring of the cheek and jaw line. Injectable fillers used at McLean Clinic are composed of hyaluronic acid (HA) – a naturally occurring substance in our bodies that keeps our skin looking hydrated and plump. The amount of HA in our skin reduces as we age, causing volume loss, lines and wrinkles. These temporary soft-tissue fillers are effective in the treatment of lines and wrinkles and there are many facial filler options available on the market. Differing in longevity and softness levels, the skin care specialists at McLean Clinic will discuss your needs and desired results at your initial consultation so we can effectively treat your areas of concern.
Injectable fillers are a safe and effective way to replenish the HA our skin has lost. Injections can be performed in as little as 30 minutes and most of our fillers now contain Lidocaine, reducing pain within seconds. Results are immediate and non-permanent with the ability to last up to 9 to 12 months. The longevity of the filler will be dependent on the softness of the filler and the rate at which your body metabolizes the material, which varies from patient to patient. Redness, swelling and/or discomfort can occur at the injection site and should revolve on its own within a few days. Any bruising at the injection site usually disappears within 7 to 10 days.
Skin Resurfacing treatments such as Microdermabrasion, Epidermal Peels and ProFractional can be used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, especially those found around the eyes and mouth. These techniques exfoliate the top layers of the skin (epidermis), promoting collagen production and adding firmness to the skin. By revealing the younger, newer skin underneath the layers of dead skin cells and clogged pores, you will achieve a radiant, more youthful complexion. These treatments also work to improve the texture of the skin, resulting in a smoother, softer complexion.
While skin resurfacing procedures are considered safe when performed by a trained professional, there is a slight risk of scarring, discolouration of the skin, swelling and redness. Generally, our patients experience minimal downtime with these treatments, although this can vary from patient to patient. We always recommend the daily application of a broad spectrum sunscreen to the treatment area to protect the new layers of skin from potential damage from the UV rays emitted from the sun.
Broad Band Light/ Photorejuvenation targets age spots, sun damage and uneven skin texture. As we age, our lose collagen and elasticity in our skin and fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear. The heat and light from the laser stimulates skin cells in order to produce new collagen resulting in a firmer complexion. Depending on your skin’s condition and your desired results, the Broad Band Light treatment will be customized to your unique needs. After you receive your treatment, you will notice that your skin will feel freshly rejuvenated, smoother, and radiant. Broad Band Light is a non-invasive, gentle procedure suitable for many skin types.
The powerful wavelengths in the pulsed light emitted from the Broad Band Light technology will deliver the results in this one-of-a-kind photorejuvenation therapy. Our team of skin care specialists as a result of sun exposure and aging by choosing the appropriate wavelength.
Your skin will feel smoother and fine lines will be less noticeable. Photorejuvenation is a safe and effective procedure when performed by a trained professional. Generally, patients experience mild discomfort, although it can depend on the depth of the treatment you receive. Mild bruising, redness and swelling can occur in some cases and typically resolve on their own within a few days or weeks. Full results will gradually appear and the skin will steadily improve after a patient has completed a series of 3 to 5 treatments, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart from one another.
Medical-Grade Skin Care is an important part of any facial rejuvenation program. At McLean Clinic, we offer the latest and most effective prescription skin care lines such as Obagi’s Nu-Derm System and ZO Skin Care Treatments by ZeinObagi, MD. Zo Treatments work to effectively improve the appearance of the skin by evening out skin pigmentation, such as age spots, sun spots, acne scarring, and freckles as well as providing other skin care benefits. The Zo Peels, for instance, provide long-term benefits by stimulating the natural production of collagen in the skin to provide excellent anti-aging benefits as well as shrink the size of pores to improve the overall tone, texture, and strength of the skin.
By following a program of prevention, protection and correction, you will repair the damage from the past and slow down the aging process going forward. All our medical-grade skin care products emphasize cellular turnover and boost collagen formation. Skin is stronger and more resilient with fewer lines and wrinkles.
At McLean Clinic, we offer a wide variety of the safest and most effective non-surgical solutions to improve the effects of facial aging to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the skin. During your consultation, we will work with you to develop a custom-tailored treatment plan based on your specific needs, budget and comfort level.
905-273-4888