Understanding Dynamic vs. Static Wrinkles

As we age and spend years expressing emotion through our faces, facial skin changes due to dynamic and static wrinkles. Young skin has an abundance of collagen and elastin, which plays a significant role in the skin’s structure, firmness, and overall youthfulness.

The production of collagen and elastin begins to decline once a person reaches age 20. As a result, skin loses volume and fullness, as well as elasticity. This creates sagging, and caused wrinkles to appear.

At Dr. Passaretti’s practice in Darien, CT, we understand the unique differences between dynamic vs. static wrinkles. We offer dermal fillers and facial plastic surgery to combat the signs of aging.

What Are Dynamic Wrinkles?

Dynamic wrinkles when you express emotion. Others only notice them when you smile, laugh, cry, or frown, and they fade just as quickly as expressions change.

Dynamic wrinkles bring your face to life. They form as a result of the repetitive facial movements we make every day. As the muscles contract and skin stretches, wrinkles eventually develop.

Aging tends to make these wrinkles more visible and permanent, even when you’re not smiling or frowning. The most common parts of the face affected by dynamic wrinkles are between the eyebrows, on the forehead, and around the corners of the eyes.

What Are Static Wrinkles?

Static wrinkles form as part of the natural aging process and are unrelated to facial expressions. Caused by the loss of essential components in the skin, such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, static wrinkles become permanent, so they show even when the face is at rest.

They include marionette lines, neck wrinkles, and nasolabial folds, which are the deep folds that extend from the nose to the mouth. Other factors that influence static wrinkles are genetics, an unhealthy diet, and smoking.

Treatment for Dynamic Wrinkles

There are many different treatment options for dynamic wrinkles, and the right option will depend upon the location of the lines.

Smoothing dynamic wrinkles involves treating the facial muscles. However, skin may also need to be addressed as the dynamic lines become permanent.

A brow lift is an ideal treatment for dynamic wrinkles on the forehead. Minimally-invasive injectable treatments, such as dermal fillers, are helpful as well. Muscle-relaxing agents like BOTOX® Cosmetic will soften and smooth the lines that naturally occur from dynamic facial movement.

Treatments for Static Wrinkles

Again, the best treatment options will vary based on the location of the lines, but dermal fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Radiesse are known to smooth static wrinkles.

These lines involve the skin and soft tissues of the face instead of facial muscles. Dermal fillers add volume to creases and improve overall facial appearance by restoring lost structure, where lines are most evident.

Other treatment options include chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, implementing a great skin care routine with moisturizer, avoiding the sun, and habitually using sunscreen.

Pucker lines on the upper lip, frown or scowl lines between the eyes, and forehead creases may be reduced by muscle-relaxing injections.

Wrinkle Prevention Tips

Outside of facial plastic surgery to treat wrinkles, there are daily steps that can be taken to deter lines from forming on the face and neck. Some of these include:

• Wearing sunblock
• Quitting smoking and the use of tobacco products
• Eating a healthy diet, rich in antioxidants
• Keeping hydrated
• Using anti-aging skin care products
• Wearing sunglasses and wide brim hats for additional sun protection
• Sleeping on your back to reduce sleep lines

Contact Us

Dr. Passaretti is a board-certified plastic surgeon offering a wide range of popular cosmetic and facial plastic surgery options for patients concerned with wrinkles and the overall effects of aging. Contact us online or by phone at 203-642-1891 to schedule a consultation. We will help you choose a treatment specific to your needs and desired goals.