The best treatment for wrinkles depends on what is causing them, but for most people, a combination of muscle-strengthening and skin-rebuilding therapies delivers the most comprehensive, lasting results. Treatments like Emface Facial Contouring, Exion RF Ultrasound, and laser skin resurfacing address wrinkles at multiple levels, from the underlying facial muscles to the surface of the skin. The sections below walk through what causes wrinkles, which treatments work best, and how to find the right approach for your specific concerns.
What actually causes wrinkles to form?
Wrinkles form primarily because the skin loses collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid over time, reducing its ability to stay firm and bounce back from movement. At the same time, the facial muscles that support the skin gradually weaken, allowing the overlying tissue to sag and crease. Sun exposure, repeated facial expressions, and lifestyle factors like smoking or poor hydration accelerate this process.
Think of your face like a mattress. The springs underneath are your facial muscles, and the fabric on top is your skin. When the springs weaken and the fabric thins, you get sagging and creasing. Most wrinkle treatments work by addressing one or both of those layers.
There are two broad categories of wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles appear when you make an expression, like squinting or smiling, and are caused by repeated muscle movement. Static wrinkles are visible even when your face is at rest and reflect deeper structural changes in the skin and muscle beneath it. Effective anti-aging treatments typically need to account for both types to deliver noticeable, lasting wrinkle reduction.
What are the most effective professional wrinkle treatments?
The most effective professional wrinkle treatments are those that stimulate the skin’s own regenerative processes rather than simply masking the problem. Technologies that rebuild collagen, strengthen facial muscles, and resurface damaged skin produce the most meaningful and durable results. The right combination depends on how deep the wrinkles are and what is driving them.
Emface: muscle and skin together
Emface is a non-invasive device that simultaneously uses radiofrequency energy and High-Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation to tone facial muscles and stimulate collagen production at the same time. Clinical results show a 37% reduction in wrinkles and a 23% improvement in facial lift after a standard course of four sessions. Because it works on both the structural support layer and the skin itself, it addresses the root causes of wrinkle formation rather than just the surface appearance.
Exion RF Ultrasound: rebuilding skin from within
Exion combines radiofrequency and targeted ultrasound to stimulate the skin’s production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Clinical data show a 47% increase in collagen and an 85% improvement in skin laxity. It is particularly effective for fine lines, deeper wrinkles, and crepey skin texture. Results build progressively over several months as the skin regenerates from within.
Laser skin resurfacing: refining the surface
Laser skin resurfacing removes damaged outer skin layers and triggers collagen renewal beneath the surface. It is especially effective for surface-level wrinkles, sun damage, and uneven texture. Results are visible within the first week and continue improving as the skin heals. It is often used as the final step in a broader facial rejuvenation strategy to refine and polish results achieved by deeper treatments.
What’s the difference between invasive and non-invasive wrinkle treatments?
Invasive wrinkle treatments, such as surgery or injections, physically alter the skin or underlying structures by cutting, injecting, or implanting material. Non-invasive wrinkle treatments use energy-based technologies like radiofrequency, ultrasound, or laser to stimulate the skin’s natural repair processes without breaking the skin or requiring anesthesia. The key difference is how the result is achieved and what recovery looks like.
Invasive options like surgical facelifts or dermal fillers can produce dramatic changes but carry risks including bruising, swelling, infection, and in some cases, an unnatural appearance. They also involve recovery time that can range from days to weeks.
Non-invasive treatments like Emface and Exion work by encouraging the body to rebuild its own collagen, elastin, and facial muscle tone. Because the body is doing the work, results look natural and develop gradually over time. There is little to no downtime, no risk of looking “frozen” or overdone, and no needles involved. For many people in 2026, this approach aligns better with their lifestyle and their goal of looking refreshed rather than dramatically altered.
Which wrinkle treatment is right for your skin type and concerns?
The right wrinkle treatment depends on the depth and type of your wrinkles, your skin’s current condition, and what results you are hoping to achieve. There is no single best option for everyone, but there are clear patterns that help guide the decision.
If your primary concern is early or moderate wrinkles combined with a loss of facial lift or definition, a muscle-strengthening approach like Emface is a strong starting point. It addresses the structural foundation of the face, which makes everything above it look firmer and more lifted.
If your wrinkles are accompanied by rough texture, dullness, sun damage, or loss of skin firmness, Exion RF Ultrasound targets those concerns by rebuilding the skin’s internal scaffolding. It works across a wide range of skin types and concerns, making it a versatile option for facial rejuvenation.
If surface-level wrinkles, age spots, or uneven skin tone are your main issues, laser skin resurfacing directly removes the damaged outer layers and reveals fresher skin beneath. For deeper or more complex concerns, combining treatments through a structured program like the Gold Rejuvenation Pathway or Platinum Rejuvenation Pathway addresses wrinkles at every layer simultaneously for more comprehensive results.
How many treatments does it take to see results?
Most professional wrinkle treatments require a series of sessions rather than a single appointment, with visible improvement typically appearing after the second or third session and full results developing over several months. The exact number of treatments depends on the technology used and the severity of your concerns.
Emface is typically delivered as four sessions of about 20 minutes each, spaced over a few weeks. Many patients notice lifting and firmness improvements partway through the course, with the full benefit continuing to build after the final session as collagen production increases.
Exion RF Ultrasound is also typically structured as four sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Results are often noticeable after the first session, but the most significant improvements in skin laxity, hydration, and wrinkle depth develop over the following months as the skin produces more collagen and hyaluronic acid.
Laser skin resurfacing can produce visible improvement within the first week, with optimal results appearing as the skin fully regenerates. Results typically last from six months to over a year, depending on skincare habits and sun protection.
Maintenance sessions after an initial course help preserve results long term. The philosophy behind our Signature Rejuvenation Pathways reflects exactly this: single treatments improve, but strategic, layered programs transform. If you are ready to explore which approach fits your skin and your goals, we invite you to schedule a courtesy consultation with Dr. Sugg, who will spend dedicated one-on-one time developing a personalized plan for you.