When should you see a doctor about wrinkles?

Lines develop as skin moves and gradually changes in elasticity, hydration, and support. Sun exposure can contribute to photoaging, while repeated facial expressions can create patterns such as crow's feet, forehead lines, frown lines, or marionette lines. A sudden texture change may instead reflect irritation, dryness, inflammation, or another skin problem.

A routine consultation is reasonable when lines bother you, deepen despite regular sun protection, or appear alongside roughness or uneven colour. The goal is to confirm that the concern is cosmetic before considering a procedure.

Use a gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and daily broad-spectrum sunscreen. Avoid tanning and smoking, and stop any product that causes burning, swelling, or a persistent rash. Take photographs over time so you can describe whether the change is gradual or abrupt.

After an examination, a clinician may discuss options such as botulinum toxin injection for selected movement-related lines or dermal fillers for loss of soft-tissue support. Suitability depends on anatomy, skin health, goals, and the risks explained during consultation.

Seek prompt assessment for a new rough or scaly area, a sore that does not heal, bleeding, crusting, persistent inflammation, or a mole or mark that changes. Sudden facial swelling, weakness, or breathing difficulty needs urgent medical attention rather than an aesthetic appointment.

Ask whether the lines fit crow's feet, forehead lines, frown lines, marionette lines, or sun-damaged skin, and whether the surrounding skin needs examination. Discuss realistic goals, alternatives, recovery, side effects, and who should avoid each treatment.