Smokers wrinkles
The skin, the largest organ of the body, is not an exception to the consequences of smoking, which are more painful for our mental than for our physical health.
Smoking brings the natural aging process closer, causing premature aging and wrinkles. So the skin of smokers looks tired and dull.
At the same time, the smoking process leaves its marks on the smoker with the so-called "smoker's wrinkles".
What are Smoker's Wrinkles?
Smoker's wrinkles or "barcode lines" (look like the vertical lines of barcodes) are the small vertical lines that appear on the upper lip, even on the lips, they are pronounced and become more pronounced over time.
At first they were only visible when you pursed your lips, but now they are permanently visible.
These wrinkles are due to the movement of the muscles in the area, which when repeated often can create a soft line, which then becomes a wrinkle.
Habits that can lead to smoker's wrinkles in addition to the aging process and sun exposure that worsens the condition are:
- Drink from a bottle or with a straw.
- Make specific repeated expressions.
- Play a musical instrument such as the harmonica.
How do Smoker's Wrinkles formed?
Smoker's wrinkles formed in the same way as wrinkles around the eyes or on the forehead. The lips are the area that is directly affected during smoking.
Considering that after the age of 20 the production of collagen decreases by 1/100, the skin becomes thinner, less elastic and the lips become thinner, then it is obvious why wrinkles can form.
Although not related to age, smoker's wrinkles certainly add a tired and aged look to the appearance. This is also the reason why most patients arrive at the doctor's office looking for a solution.
Botox & Hyaluronic for Smoker's Wrinkles
In the first meeting, the doctor will very carefully examine your face and expressions, the general state of health of your skin and will recommend the appropriate treatment.
The ideal treatment should aim to hydrate and strengthen the skin in the area where deep wrinkles are formed.
The doctor will recommend non-surgical treatments. For example, the application of fillers and hyaluronic acid that subtly fills fine lines and restores the lost volume in the area, stimulating, at the same time, the natural production of collagen.
Botox treatment with muscle relaxant action in the area can soften fine lines and smoker's wrinkles.
Also collagen stimulation treatments can be combined with fillers in order to "fill" the area and prevent smoker's wrinkles from forming again.
Frequent Questions
If I quit smoking, will smoker's wrinkles "go away"?
Unfortunately, no. The damage that has been caused to the skin is not reversible even if the factor that caused it disappears. But you can treat smoker's wrinkles in other ways.
Do I have to smoke for many years to get smoker's wrinkles?
When one will develop smoker's wrinkles depends on many factors such as how many years one has been smoking, one's lifestyle, skin type, etc.
Can I combine anti-wrinkle treatments with each other?
Yes. Along with smoker's lines, you can also combine treatments for other areas of the face, such as for wrinkles in the middle of the forehead, for "crow's feet", etc.
