Wrinkle creams are a multi-billion dollar business that preys on our own worst fear that we are getting old. And according to the American Academy of Dermatology, anti-aging creams and serums, eye creams and even very expensive topical creams do little to nothing to treat wrinkles. But there is one treatment that is highly effective, is very safe and can last many years. More on that later but let’s talk about how wrinkle cream companies say their products work.

Back to the Drawing Board

Companies that sell wrinkle creams typically advertise that chemicals in their creams and serums penetrate the skin layer to cause changes in the structure of skin and its cells. There are two very important untruths right there. Firstly, the most important function of our skin is to keep chemicals outside of our body. The strong outer layer of our skin is an incredibly strong barrier to nearly every chemical known to man. So wrinkle creams never get to the skin to provide any effect.

The second untruth is the notion that the chemicals in wrinkle creams somehow alter skin metabolism. For example, many creams claim they increase production of collagen which is the protein responsible for the strength and structure of the skin itself.

But our metabolism is like a thermostat in that our DNA gives instructions for exactly how much collagen our body produces and that is not changed by anything applied to the skin even if it could penetrate to get to the skin cells.

In addition, creams that claim they contain collagen also don’t work for the same reason: if bricklayers work at a certain rate, simply giving them more brinks won’t help them work faster. Our DNA tells the skin cells how much collagen to produce and so creams are totally ineffective at increasing collagen production.

What Wrinkle Creams Really Do

If wrinkle creams and wrinkle serums don’t fix wrinkles, what do they do? In the short term, they have three effects: spackling the wrinkles flat, causing inflammation which pops out fine wrinkles and the use of silicates which can provide some shrinking of the skin. Let’s discuss all three effects.

Filling the Cracks

Wrinkle creams and also makeup both contain powder mixed with chemicals that moisturize; keeping the powder particles wet and thus keeps the powder from drying out over the short term. Over the several hours after application, our warm skin causes the water in the moisturizer to evaporate. At this point, the makeup or other product loses volume so it doesn’t fill the wrinkle anymore and since the powder has nothing to hold it together, it begins to crack, making the wrinkles appear worse.

Retin-A

Retinols (retinoic acid) work by causing inflammation which results in skin swelling. And because the skin is thicker, the wrinkles temporarily pop out. This change is best seen with fine wrinkles. There are two problems with these agents. The first is that repeated swelling can lead to long term damage of the skin. The other problem is that retinols are one of the few chemicals that can penetrate the skin and change DNA. This might lead to skin atrophy and long term thinning of the skin.

Newest Hype

Splashed all over the television are commercials about a new product that tightens skin miraculously, and in seconds! These products contain silicates, powder found in certain rocks. How do they work? Perhaps the salts in the cream form a temporary bond with each other, and when the skin dries, there may be some tightening. Unfortunately the improvement is short lived because with any slight skin movement the bonds will crack. So the effect is very short lived. I guess our face is not made of stone!

What Actually Works

For patients with intermediate to deep wrinkles, the best way to achieve permanent and safe wrinkle removal is to use the CO2 laser. When done safely and with good post-treatment skin care, most patients can have anywhere from 85% to 95% of the wrinkles removed permanently. When looking at all surgeries done, few procedures can boast that amount of improvement in one treatment. That’s why the laser is the gold standard to which all other wrinkle removal techniques are compared.

So don’t waste your time and hard earned savings on useless wrinkle creams. Think of laser skin resurfacing treatment as an investment in your beauty. It can stave off the effects of time on our skin and leave the skin looking refreshed, natural and smooth.

Why Do I Have Under-Eye Bags? A Look at Causes & Solutions in Temecula, Murrieta, and Menifee

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and noticed puffiness or bulging beneath your eyes, you’re not alone—under-eye bags are one of the most common concerns we hear about from patients here in the Temecula Valley. Whether you’re heading to work in Old Town Temecula, out for wine tasting in De Luz, or enjoying a family day at Diamond Valley Lake, under-eye bags can leave you looking more tired than you feel.

The good news? This is a completely treatable condition, and there are modern, effective options available right here in the Temecula, Murrieta, and Menifee area.

What Really Causes Under-Eye Bags?

To understand what’s happening, it helps to know a little about the anatomy of the eye. Your eye sits in a protective bony space called the orbit, and it’s surrounded by fat that acts like a cushion. The eye doesn’t rest flat at the bottom of the socket—it’s suspended in place by ligaments that act like a supportive “hammock.”

As we age, these ligaments can loosen and sag. When that happens, the eye begins to push against the fat pad, causing the fat to move forward into the lower eyelid. This is what creates that puffy, baggy look under the eyes.

Here in the Inland Empire, the sunny climate means we spend more time outdoors, which can accelerate signs of aging like skin laxity and volume loss—factors that can make under-eye bags more noticeable. In fact, Southern California residents often seek cosmetic treatments 5–10 years earlier than the national average due to higher sun exposure and active lifestyles.

Solutions That Work: Lower Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

At Newman Plastic Surgery in Temecula, we specialize in lower blepharoplasty, a surgery that targets under-eye bags by removing or repositioning fat and tightening the skin. The approach we recommend depends on your anatomy and goals, but most procedures fall into two categories:

• Inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach) – This method leaves no external scar and helps preserve natural eyelid strength and shape.

• Just below the lash line (external approach) – This allows us to remove excess skin along with fat and is ideal if you also have wrinkles or loose skin.

We may also use a laser to smooth fine lines and improve skin texture around the lower eyelid. The result is a smoother, more rested appearance—without looking overdone.

Trusted by Your Neighbors in Southwest Riverside County

Dr. David A. Newman has helped thousands of patients across Temecula, Murrieta, and Menifee feel more confident in their appearance. Our patients range from teachers and nurses to retired military and local business owners—real people who want to look as refreshed as they feel.

If you’re noticing bags under your eyes and you’re ready to explore your options, we’re here to help. A personal consultation is the first step toward brighter, more youthful eyes.

Contact us today!

How much does Rhinoplasty cost?

The average cost of rhinoplasty in the United States typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure, surgeon experience, and location. This cost usually includes surgeon fees, anesthesia, and facility charges. However, rhinoplasty (nose jobs) can vary in cost depending upon the surgeon, the type of surgery that is being performed and the location of the procedure.

Rhinoplasties are one of the most gratifying surgeries performed by plastic surgeons today because of the prominent place the nose has on the face. It’s one of the first things others see when they look at us. We also associate something of our personality and ascribe some personality traits to our nose and so, when the nose becomes obvious we feel it is “too much’ and wish to diminish the effects of the shape to match more the shape of the average nose.

Most patients seek consultation for nasal surgery because they feel their nose is simply too large for their face. Women may especially have smaller faces and sometimes their nose grows to resemble the shape and size of one of their relatives. There may be other aspects of the nose that bothers patients and it is also often the case that the nose simply does not “go” with the rest of the face. For example, some patients have a long and angular nose that seems to droop and point downward, especially when they smile. They may see that this shape simply doesn’t match other features of their face that may be more round. 

Rhinoplasty surgery goals include not only reshaping the nose to gain improvement but also viewing the nose artistically to see how the nose relates to the face. In this fashion, changes can be made that appear most natural because the nose then becomes part of the face and blends in better.

Closed Rhinoplasty

Most procedures to reduce the size of the nose and make other changes are done as closed rhinoplasty. All incisions are made inside the nose and the structure of the nose is altered (bone and cartillage) through these inside incisions. Closed rhinoplasty is often the least expensive option when considering what type of rhinoplasty is best but sometimes open rhinoplasty is necessary to get patients to their goals.

Open Rhinoplasty

There are some shape issues for which open rhinoplasty is a better choice. These shape problems invariably involve the nasal tip, whether it be deficient (doesn’t stick out far enough), or is irregular or asymmetrical. In these situations, the incisions located inside the nose are extended across the columella (the part of the nose at the bottom between the nostrils) and the skin of the lower part of the nose is lifted so that the surgeon can see the tip directly to make changes in the cartilage of the tip.

There are other situations where open rhinoplasty is the preferred choice and also, there are surgeons who do all of their rhinoplasties open. Open rhinoplasty takes, on average two to three times longer depending on what needs to be done and so are significantly more costly.

Breathing Problems

Some patients who wish to gain cosmetic improvement with rhinoplasty may also have difficulty breathing through their nose. They may have a deviated septum which blocks air flow through one or both sides of the nose or they may have another cause of blockage that can be addressed at surgery.

In these cases, rhinoplasty can be combined with airway surgery. Medical insurance never pays for cosmetic rhinoplasty, but it does pay for airway surgery, and the rhinoplasty surgeon can apply to the patient’s insurance carrier to see if they will cover such surgery. Some surgeons will discount the cost of the airway surgery when it is performed with rhinoplasty because when airway surgery is performed in a patient who is a good candidate for it, the patient can have very significant functional improvement in their breathing.

It is very important to remember that cosmetic rhinoplasty generally doesn’t affect a patient’s breathing when it is performed by itself. That is because inspired air flows downward after entering the nostrils. So removal of the bump on the nose doesn’t decrease air flow.

Final Thoughts: Is Rhinoplasty Worth the Cost?

Rhinoplasty is one of the most transformative cosmetic procedures available, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits. While the cost of rhinoplasty can vary widely based on your surgeon, location, and procedure complexity, many patients find the investment well worth it for improved confidence and facial harmony. Understanding the full breakdown of expenses can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises.

Ready to explore your options?

Schedule a consultation today to receive a personalized rhinoplasty quote and learn more about what’s possible for your nose and your overall appearance. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.