Best Treatments for Wrinkles on the Face– Explained

Summary

The visible signs of aging often appear first on our faces — fine lines at the corners of the eyes, gradual laxity along the jawline, or deeper creases that form between the brows. Thankfully, modern aesthetic medicine offers an impressive menu of solutions, from minimally invasive injectables to fully non-surgical energy devices, each designed to target specific layers of skin and underlying tissue.
In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through the 12 Best Treatments for Wrinkles on the Face, outlining candidacy, expected discomfort, recovery timelines, and after-care tips so you can confidently choose the approach that aligns with your lifestyle and goals. Whether you are seeking immediate plumping, progressive collagen remodeling, or preventive skin health strategies, every option below is clinically proven and widely recommended in top aesthetic clinics worldwide.

Wrinkles develop when collagen and elastin fibers break down due to a combination of intrinsic aging, repetitive facial expressions, environmental stressors, and lifestyle habits. While good skincare and a nutrient-dense diet form the foundation of healthy skin, deeper wrinkles often require targeted interventions to restore smoothness and youthful volume.

Fortunately, you no longer need to rely solely on surgery; the aesthetic industry now offers a spectrum of Non-surgical wrinkle treatments that can be performed in the comfort of a med-spa or dermatologist’s office.

In the sections that follow, we will explore how each therapy works and why it may be the right choice for your skin. From Best anti-wrinkle treatments, such as Botox and prescription retinoids, to high-tech collagen-inducing modalities like fractional lasers and RF microneedling, our goal is to demystify the benefits, costs, and practical considerations of each procedure.

We also include “maintenance-only” solutions that keep results looking fresh long after you leave the clinic. Use our detailed tables — covering pain level, treatment length, downtime, results timeline, and aftercare — as a quick reference while discussing your bespoke plan with a qualified practitioner.

Best Treatments for Wrinkles on the Face

1. Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances (usually hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxyapatite) injected beneath the skin to instantly soften folds, restore lost volume, and smooth static wrinkles. Because fillers provide structure underneath creases, they are especially effective for nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and mid-face hollows. Modern formulations integrate seamlessly into tissue, delivering natural-looking results while stimulating collagen production over time for extended rejuvenation.

Field	Information
Name	Dermal Fillers
Pain	Mild (topical anesthetic or lidocaine-based filler minimizes discomfort)
Length of treatment	30-60 minutes
Downtime	Minimal, slight to medium swelling or bruising, depending on filler location and body response to filler
Results	Immediate volumizing; optimal integration visible after 2-4 weeks; lasts 3–18 months depending on the product and your body metabolism
Number of treatments required	Usually 1 session; maintenance yearly
Cost	£350 – £650 per syringe (amount needed varies)
Locations	Cheeks, nasolabial folds, lips, chin, jawline, temples, under eyes
Best For	Deep static folds, volume loss, contour definition
After Care Tips	Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and excess salt for 24 hours; sleep head-elevated; apply cold compresses to reduce swelling (if required); follow the practitioner’s massage guidance if recommended.

2. Fractional Laser Resurfacing

Fractional lasers create microscopic columns of controlled thermal injury within the epidermis and dermis, prompting robust collagen remodeling while leaving the surrounding tissue intact to facilitate faster healing. The technology treats both surface-level issues, such as rough texture and pigmentation and deeper wrinkles caused by structural decline.

Field	Information
Name	Fractional CO₂ or Er: YAG Laser Resurfacing
Pain	Moderate; topical anesthetic and optional oral analgesics provided
Length of treatment	45 – 75 minutes (face)
Downtime	7 – 10 days of redness and flaking; “social downtime” advised
Results	Noticeable tightening after 2 weeks; collagen builds for 3–6 months; longevity 2–3 years with proper skin care
Number of treatments required	1 – 3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart (severity dependent)
Cost	£1000 – £1600 per session
Locations	Full face, peri-oral lines, crow’s feet, neck, décolletage
Best For	Moderate to deep wrinkles, texture irregularities, sun damage
After Care Tips	Use a strict SPF 50+ and gentle cleansing and hydrating barrier creams. Avoid active acids until fully healed. Also, refrain from direct heat exposure (such as saunas and hot yoga) for two weeks.

3. Botulinum toxin Injections

Botox (botulinum toxin type A) temporarily relaxes overactive muscles that create dynamic wrinkles, such as forehead lines and crow’s feet. By blocking nerve signals responsible for contraction, Botox allows the overlying skin to lie flat, preventing existing creases from deepening and often softening lines already present.

Field	Information
Name	Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox®, Dysport®, Azzalure®, Bocouture®)
Pain	Very mild; quick pinpricks lasting seconds
Length of treatment	15 – 20 minutes
Downtime	None; small bumps or redness subside within 30 minutes
Results	Onset 3 – 5 days; full smoothing at 2–3 weeks; lasts 3–4 months (depends on many factors)
Number of treatments required	3–4 times per year for best maintenance
Cost	£200 – £320 per area (pricing varies by clinic and region)
Locations	Forehead, glabella (frown lines), crow’s feet, bunny lines, masseters, chin dimpling
Best For	Dynamic wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle movement
After Care Tips	Stay upright for 4 hours, avoid heavy exercise on the same day, and refrain from rubbing the injected areas. Delay facial treatments (such as peels and massage) for 1–2 weeks.

4. Microneedling with RF

Microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) combines mechanical micro-injuries from tiny needles with controlled RF heat delivered precisely into the dermis, amplifying collagen and elastin production. The synergy yields significant skin tightening and wrinkle softening without ablating the surface.

Field	Information
Name	RF Microneedling (e.g., Morpheus8®, Secret RF, Potenza™)
Pain	Mild-moderate; topical anesthetic plus optional nitrous oxide
Length of treatment	30 – 60 minutes
Downtime	24–48 hours of redness; makeup after 24 hours
Results	Gradual improvement over 4–12 weeks; peaks at 3 months; lasts 12–18 months
Number of treatments required	3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks, then annual top-up
Cost	£450 – £750 per session
Locations	Full face, neck, jawline, acne scars, crepey eyelid skin
Best For	Fine-to-moderate wrinkles, mild laxity, enlarged pores
After Care Tips	Use a hydrating serum, apply SPF, and avoid active acids for 5 days. Also, refrain from vigorous exercise for 24 hours.

5. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy

PRP harnesses growth factors from the patient’s blood, which are then injected or microneedled back into the skin to accelerate tissue repair and boost collagen synthesis. Nicknamed the “vampire facial,” PRP delivers a gradual, natural rejuvenation ideal for those wary of synthetic products.

Field	Information
Name	Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
Pain	Mild; topical anesthetic + brief needling sensation
Length of treatment	45–60 minutes (includes blood draw and spin)
Downtime	24–48 hours of redness similar to sunburn
Results	Radiance within 1 week; collagen boost at 6–12 weeks; lasts 12 months
Number of treatments required	3 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart, then yearly maintenance
Cost	£350 – £500 per session
Locations	Full face, under-eyes, neck, scalp (hair), hands
Best For	Crepey skin, early wrinkles, texture, and luminosity
After Care Tips	Gentle cleanser, hyaluronic serum, SPF; avoid aspirin/NSAIDs for 24 hours post-treatment to preserve platelet activity

6. Ultrasound Skin Tightening

Ultrasound devices such as Ultherapy® deliver focused ultrasound energy deep beneath the dermis, targeting the same foundational layer addressed in surgical facelifts. The thermal effect initiates neocollagenesis, noticeably lifting and tightening sagging skin without the need for incisions.

Field	Information
Name	High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) / Ultherapy®
Pain	Moderate; requires oral analgesic and vibration distraction
Length of treatment	60 – 90 minutes (full face)
Downtime	None; transient swelling or tingling is possible for 24 hours
Results	Progressive lift over 2–6 months; longevity 18–24 months
Number of treatments required	Single session, optional repeat at 12–18 months
Cost	£1200 – £2500 (area dependent)
Locations	Brow lift, jawline, neck, décolletage
Best For	Mild-to-moderate laxity, early jowls, lower-face sag
After Care Tips	Hydrate well, use SPF, and opt for gentle skincare; expect mild tenderness when chewing for 1–2 weeks.

7. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels utilize controlled chemical exfoliation (e.g., glycolic, salicylic, TCA) to remove damaged outer layers, revealing fresher skin and stimulating the production of new collagen. While lighter peels target fine lines, deeper TCA or phenol formulations can soften more pronounced wrinkles.

Field	Information
Name	Light-to-Medium Depth Chemical Peels
Pain	Mild stinging during application; subsides quickly
Length of treatment	20–30 minutes
Downtime	Light peel: 0–2 days flaking; medium peel: 5–7 days peeling
Results	Brighter complexion immediately; wrinkle reduction over 4 weeks; maintenance 3–4 times/year
Number of treatments required	Series of 3–6 for cumulative effect
Cost	£250 – £300 per peel
Locations	Full face, neck, chest, hands
Best For	Fine wrinkles, dullness, uneven tone
After Care Tips	Avoid picking, hydrate, and apply a broad-spectrum SPF. Retinoids should be postponed until the peeling ends.

8. Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion mechanically sands the skin’s surface with a diamond wheel or wire brush under local anesthesia, removing deeper layers than microdermabrasion. The technique promotes new, smoother skin formation, helping to reduce pronounced wrinkles and acne scarring.

Field	Information
Name	Surgical Dermabrasion
Pain	Moderate; local anesthesia or sedation necessary
Length of treatment	1 – 2 hours, depending on the area
Downtime	7–14 days redness/swelling, pinkness up to 3 months
Results	Significant textural smoothing; longevity years with sun protection
Number of treatments required	Usually 1; repeat rare
Cost	£1000 – £2500
Locations	Cheeks, upper lip (“smoker’s lines”), forehead
Best For	Deep wrinkles, acne scars, and thick sun-damaged skin
After Care Tips	Prescribed ointment, cold compresses, strict sun avoidance, antiviral prophylaxis if history of cold sores

9. Thread Lifting

Thread lifting utilizes dissolvable, barbed sutures that are inserted under the skin to lift sagging tissue while mechanically stimulating collagen around each thread. It offers a subtle yet immediate elevation, accompanied by gradual skin-quality enhancement as the threads are absorbed.

Field	Information
Name	PDO / PLLA / PCL Thread Lift
Pain	Mild-moderate; local anesthesia was injected along the entry points
Length of treatment	45 – 60 minutes
Downtime	Minor swelling or bruising 3-7 days; makeup after 24 hours
Results	Instant lift; collagen remodeling peaks at 6 months; lasts 12-18 months
Number of treatments required	Single session; top-up threads at 12 months optional
Cost	£900 – £1800 depending on threads used and areas treated
Locations	Mid-face, jawline, brow, neck
Best For	Mild sagging, marionette folds, early jowls
After Care Tips	Sleep on your back for one week, avoid exaggerated facial movements, refrain from heavy exercise for 10 days, and avoid dental work for two weeks.

10. Prescription Retinoids

Prescription-strength retinoids (e.g., tretinoin, 0.3% adapalene) accelerate cell turnover and increase collagen synthesis, gradually smoothing fine lines and improving pigmentation. While not a quick fix for deep wrinkles, they are the gold standard for ongoing wrinkle prevention and maintaining skin quality.

Field	Information
Name	Tretinoin 0.025-0.1 % / Adapalene 0.3 % / Tazarotene 0.05 %
Pain	Mild irritation, dryness, peeling during acclimation
Length of treatment	Nightly application (continuous)
Downtime	None; transient redness/flaking first 4-6 weeks
Results	Smoother texture in 8 weeks; pigment improvement 16 weeks; cumulative anti-aging long-term
Number of treatments required	Ongoing maintenance
Cost	£150 – £200 per tube
Locations	Full face, neck (carefully), chest, hands
Best For	Early fine lines, photo-damage, acne-prone skin
After Care Tips	Introduce gradually (2-3 nights/week), use moisturizer sandwich method, daily SPF is essential, avoid during pregnancy.

11. Peptide-Based Skincare Products

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that signal skin cells to perform specific functions, including the production of collagen. Formulas containing copper peptides, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, or hexapeptide-8 complement professional treatments by supporting ongoing repair and reducing the depth of expression lines.

Field	Information
Name	Copper Peptide Serum, Argireline®, Matrixyl® 3000
Pain	None
Length of treatment	Twice-daily application
Downtime	None
Results	Subtle firmness and hydration within 4 weeks; continuous use maintains benefits
Number of treatments required	Ongoing (cosmeceutical regimen)
Cost	£100 – £120 per bottle
Locations	Full face, neck, chest
Best For	Preventive care, maintaining post-procedure collagen
After Care Tips	Layer peptides on clean skin under moisturizer; store opaque formulas away from light; pair with sunscreen and antioxidants

12. Lifestyle & Nutritional Support

A holistic approach acknowledges that consistent sleep, balanced nutrition, hydration, and effective stress management all contribute to maintaining skin integrity. Antioxidant-rich foods combat free-radical damage, while avoiding smoking and excessive sugar intake helps mitigate collagen breakdown.

Field	Information
Name	Lifestyle Optimization (diet, sleep, stress, SPF, exercise)
Pain	None
Length of treatment	Ongoing daily habits
Downtime	None
Results	Gradual improvement in texture, tone, and overall vitality; supports longevity of clinical treatments
Number of treatments required	Continuous commitment
Cost	Variable (healthy groceries, supplements, gym membership)
Locations	N/A (home-based)
Best For	Everyone seeking sustainable skin health
After Care Tips	7-9 hours sleep, Mediterranean-style diet, 2 L water daily, broad-spectrum SPF 365 days/year, regular cardiovascular exercise, mindfulness practices to lower cortisol

Conclusion

The field of facial rejuvenation has never offered more versatile, science-backed wrinkle solutions than it does today. From instant plumping with Dermal Fillers to gradual collagen re-education using Ultrasound Skin Tightening or RF Microneedling, there is a pathway for every skin concern, budget, and tolerance for downtime.

While no single strategy fits all, a personalized plan that combines preventive home care, such as prescription retinoids and peptide-based serums, with targeted in-clinic interventions will deliver the most profound, natural-looking transformation.

By consulting with a qualified practitioner, you can determine which of these Best Treatments for Wrinkles on the Face aligns with your goals, ultimately unveiling smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin that reflects the vitality you feel inside.

FAQ

• What is the best procedure for deep wrinkles on the face?

Dermal fillers and laser resurfacing are among the most effective procedures for deep wrinkles, offering immediate and long-lasting results.

• Does anything really work for wrinkles?

Yes, medical-grade treatments such as Botox, fillers, microneedling, and prescription retinoids have been clinically proven to significantly reduce wrinkles.

• How do you get wrinkles out of your face?

You can reduce wrinkles through a combination of in-clinic treatments (like RF microneedling or PRP) and skincare routines with retinoids and peptides.

• What do dermatologists recommend for wrinkles?

Dermatologists often recommend a tailored combination of Botox, dermal fillers, retinoids, and lifestyle changes for optimal wrinkle reduction.