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Q:
What is the collagen-elastin matrix?
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Eric F.
Bernstein
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M.D.
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Marlton,
NJ
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The collagen-elastin matrix is the fibrous web of proteins that forms the majority of the dry weight of our skin. It gives skin strength and elasticity. Sun-caused degradation of this matrix is a major source of wrinkles and other signs of "aging" skin.
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Q:
What is adipose?
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Roy G.
Geronemus
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M.D.
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New York,
NY
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Adipose is the loose connective tissue we commonly refer to as fat.
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Q:
Why do wrinkles form?
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Melanie
Grossman
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M.D.
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Manhattan,
NY
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As we age, our skin gradually becomes lax and sags, which causes it to develop fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores. Facial ("spider") veins, sun spots, and other pigmentations and discolorations also begin to appear. All these imperfections are the result of accumulated exposure to the sun over time.
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Q:
What is Restylane and what is it good for?
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Brian D.
Zelickson
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M.D.
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Edina,
MN
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Restylane is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler that helps smooth out lines on the face. It's generally used around the mouth to fill in nasolabial folds or to plump up lips. There are also other products similar to Restylane, such as Juvederm.
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Q:
Why do I have more wrinkles than my twin sister?
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Eric F.
Bernstein
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M.D.
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Ardmore,
PA
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Signs of aging skin, like fine lines and wrinkles, are really the product of sun damage. So even if you have a twin who looks just like you, but you have spent much more time outside during your life than she has, you'll have more signs of damage, including wrinkles, than she will.
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Q:
For a patient with little time or money to spend, what do you recommend?
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Brian D.
Zelickson
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M.D.
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Edina,
MN
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Quick and relatively inexpensive treatments include injectables such as Botox or Dysport, which are great for dynamic lines (the kind made by repeated muscle movement), and dermal fillers, such as Restylane or Juvederm. These products provide almost immediate results and last anywhere from four to nine months. Before deciding on any treatment, however, you should have a consultation with a skin care physician to learn about which options are right in your specific case.
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Q:
What is Fraxel?
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Roy G.
Geronemus
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M.D.
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New York,
NY
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Fraxel is a laser treatment that targets wrinkles, acne scarring, and uneven skin tone and discoloration. It fractionates the laser light, causing "columns" of microscopic injuries to the skin (each much smaller than the size of a hair shaft) while leaving the areas between these columns undamaged. All the skin treated becomes rejuvenated, but recovery is faster and with less risk of unwanted side effects than with some other types of laser treatments. Fraxel isn't the only fractional procedure available. Talk to your doctor to learn more about all of them.
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Q:
Are there any creams that to improve the skin?
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Melanie
Grossman
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M.D.
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Manhattan,
NY
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Perhaps the best wrinkle fighter we have is sunscreen. The most effective way to fight wrinkles is to prevent them in the first place, and that's what sunscreen does. But other topicals, such as retinoid products like Retin-A, can also be helpful.
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Q:
What is hyaluronic acid?
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Brian S.
Biesman
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M.D.
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Nashville,
TN
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Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar found throughout the body, most notably in skin, cartilage and the eyes. It holds moisture in the skin, giving it "plumpness."
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Q:
What is the nasolabial fold?
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Melanie
Grossman
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M.D.
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Manhattan,
NY
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There are two nasolabial folds. They are the creases that run from the sides of the nose to the sides of the mouth. Sometimes they form arcs around the corners of the mouth that resemble parentheses. Nasolabial folds tend to deepen with age.
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Q:
What is hyperpigmentation?
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Eric F.
Bernstein
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M.D.
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Ardmore,
PA
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Hyperpigmentation is when patches of skin become darker than the surrounding skiin. This condition can be due to injury or because of sun exposure.
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Q:
What is "photo-damage"?
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Brian D.
Zelickson
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M.D.
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Edina,
MN
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Photo-damage, or sun damage, is the process by which the ultraviolet rays of the sun harm our skin and its appearance. As we are exposed to the sun, our skin’s collagen and elastin become degraded, and the ability of our skin to produce healthy cells is impaired.
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Q:
What can Botox treat?
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Brian S.
Biesman
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M.D.
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Nashville,
TN
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Botox is an outstanding drug, one that I have been injecting for almost 20 years. It's very effective for treating dynamic lines of movement, such as those horizontal brow lines on the forehead or the vertical "elevens" between the eyes, which can make us appear stern. Results may last up to four months.
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