Many people develop wrinkles on their faces as the years go by. For each wrinkle there is another advertisement for a cream, lotion, pill, or treatment of some sort. One thing is for sure, if there are so many treatments, no single treatment works well - if at all.

       Facial wrinkles are of two main types, mimetic and static. Mimetic lines are due to creases in the skin from moving the muscles under the skin. These are typical in the lip and eye areas. Static lines are from the weight of the skin being pulled by gravity and by sun damage. This type of wrinkle is common in the cheeks.

       Mimetic lines can only be permanently removed by removing the muscle's action. This can be done by removing the muscle or by paralyzing it so it cannot move. Removal is often done to the corrugator muscle - that muscle that makes the up-and-down lines between our eyes. The endoscopic approach is often used for removal (see Browlift). Once the muscle is out, so are the wrinkles.

       Paralyzing the muscle is done with Botox, a chemical which lasts for 3 to 6 months. The injections are done with a tiny needle and are minimally painful. Re-injection is needed 2 to 3 times per year.

       The most important thing you can do for your skin is to participate in a daily skin care program. While you may already have significant skin damage that needs one of the treatments mentioned here, using a skin care program will help stop and even reverse the damage.