5 Deep Wrinkle Treatments That Actually Work

91st Annual Academy Awards/Helen Mirren/Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images   

While creams and over-the-counter treatments can be helpful to prevent the appearance of wrinkles (and for treating fine lines) deep wrinkles need more serious attention. Even the expensive creams won't make a dent in erasing serious wrinkles. Instead, you need professional intervention, and my advice is to start as early as possible.

You'll find that the best wrinkle erasers are housed in your cosmetic surgeon or your dermatologist's office. These wrinkle removers include lasers, chemical peels, Botox, and fillers.

A Facelift or Eyelift

While facelifts were once a well-hidden secret, more and more women are going this route. Personally, I think that's because A-list movie stars like Nicole Kidman aren't ashamed to admit that their flawless faces have gotten a little help. The secret to a good facelift is finding a skilled and experienced doctor. Basically, you want someone skilled with a knife who is a technician. This is one area where you absolutely do not want to scrimp. 

Start by asking friends and family for recommendations, especially those who you know have had some work done. I know someone who watches the "Today Show" religiously and Googled "co-host Kathy Lee Gifford-dermatologist" and found (and went to) her doctor in New York. Whatever route you take to get the name of a seasoned professional, make an appointment for a consultation and do your research on the doctor (and the procedure) before you go under the knife.

These procedures are expensive but you need to think long-term. A facelift or eyelift tends to be permanent, so the hefty price tag will actually cost you less than spending 20 years getting fillers. The price of these procedures varies greatly by location so it's best to do a Google search for your area. You should also meet with a few doctors before making a final decision, which is a good way to get a handle on appropriate costs in your region.

Botox

Botox injections work by targeting and "freezing" muscles that cause wrinkles. The injections run about $300 to $500 per treated area and usually last three to six months. Botox can fix the lines between your eyes and diminish those smile lines along your eyes.

One very big caveat is that too much Botox and you could be left with an over-arched eyelid or a frozen forehead–never a good look. Also, the results are fairly short-lived, especially considering you'll need to keep up the treatments for 30 years or longer, depending on your age.

Chemical Peels

If you've ever been bothered by how your foundation makes you look older and more drawn because you're applying it to scaly, dry skin, then you may want to invest in a chemical peel. You can literally shave several years off your face in under an hour with a professional chemical peel. Chemical peels work by removing the damaged top layers of skin while helping increase cell turnover on a deep level. I suggest starting by booking a one-time light peel to see if you like the results and then sign up for a series—at a discount of course.

A mild, glycolic acid chemical peel will set you back $150 to $300, but, honestly, I think you can get similar results in just one month with over-the-counter peels.

Injectables

Hyaluronic acid injectable fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, or Juvederm Ultra Plus (for deeper lines) work by replacing the fat loss as you age. These are best used in the lines that run from your nose to your chin (called the "nasolabial folds") and to puff up the fat loss in the cheeks. We all know that high cheekbones make you look prettier and younger. Just look at Meryl Streep.

Injectable procedures must be done by a professional and cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000 per needle. Though pricey, the results can last up to six months.

Lasers

As we age, collagen production slows down significantly which makes our faces appear thinner and more gaunt.

Lasers are able to penetrate deep into the skin to treat damaged skin and boost collagen production.

Non-ablative lasers work by fixing age spots, bumps on the skin, scars, and uneven skin tone. You may experience redness afterward, but this usually recedes within a few hours.

Not for the budget-conscious, the cost for one laser session will set you back about $1,000. Like most laser therapies, you'll need three to five sessions spaced about a month apart.