This page is supervised by specialist physicians at IC Clinic Omiya, located just a 1-minute walk from JR Omiya Station’s East Exit.

✨Wrinkle Treatments in Omiya | Specialist Physicians Explain Causes and Solutions

😊Which Type of Wrinkle Do You Have? 4 Types, Their Characteristics, and the Most Suitable Treatments

💬 “I’ve been noticing more fine lines around my eyes…”
💬 “My nasolabial folds have deepened and I look older.”
💬 “Over-the-counter creams just aren’t making a difference.”

Many people share these concerns, but what’s important to understand is that the most effective treatment differs entirely depending on the type of wrinkle. Continuing with the wrong approach can mean wasting both time and money.

🔍Specialist Physicians Explain | 4 Types of Wrinkles and How to Identify Them

Our clinic carries out a large number of wrinkle treatments each year, and choosing the right treatment begins with accurately identifying which type of wrinkle you have. Here, from a specialist physician’s perspective, we explain wrinkles by classifying them into four types.

💧Type 1: Fine Lines Caused by Dryness (Epidermal Wrinkles)

[Characteristics] Fine, crêpe-like lines that appear around the eyes and mouth. The primary cause is dryness in the stratum corneum on the skin’s surface.

[Self-check] Wrinkles that disappear when you gently stretch the skin with your fingers are likely to be dry-skin wrinkles. They also tend to be less noticeable when the skin is well-hydrated, such as after a bath.

[Treatment direction] In many cases, thorough moisturisation may help improve their appearance, but if left unaddressed, they can progress to dermal wrinkles. Early action is advisable.

😣Type 2: Expression Lines (Dermal Wrinkles)

[Characteristics] Vertical frown lines between the eyebrows, horizontal forehead lines, and crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes—wrinkles that have become fixed through repeated facial movements.

[Self-check] If lines remain visible even when your face is at rest, expression wrinkles have become established. A characteristic feature is that wrinkles which used to smooth away when the expression was released in younger years no longer do so with age.

[Treatment direction] Botulinum toxin injections to suppress muscle movement are typically the first-line option. As self-care alone is unlikely to produce significant improvement, professional treatment at a clinic is recommended.

⬇️Type 3: Sagging-Related Wrinkles

[Characteristics] Nasolabial folds, marionette lines (lines running from the corners of the mouth toward the chin), and Golgo lines (lines running from the inner corner of the eye toward the cheeks). These are grooves formed by the descent of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

[Self-check] Wrinkles that become less noticeable when you tilt your face upward in front of a mirror are caused by sagging. Bone structure, weakening of the facial muscles, and descending subcutaneous fat all play a combined role.

[Treatment direction] Options include filling the grooves with hyaluronic acid injections and lifting with HIFU or thread lift. Combining multiple treatments can deliver a higher level of improvement.

📱Type 4: Neck Wrinkles

[Characteristics] Horizontal and vertical lines that appear on the neck. The skin on the neck is thinner than on the face and has fewer sebaceous glands, making it prone to dryness and particularly susceptible to wrinkle formation.

[Self-check] Prolonged smartphone use (tech neck), use of a pillow that is too high, and insufficient UV protection are frequently contributing factors.

[Treatment direction] Improving daily habits and maintaining thorough moisturisation are the foundation, but for deeply etched wrinkles, hyaluronic acid injections or HIFU can be effective.

🧬How Wrinkles Form | Understanding Skin Structure

To help you choose an effective treatment, it is useful to understand the relationship between skin structure and wrinkles. The skin is made up of three layers from the outside in: the “epidermis,” the “dermis,” and the “subcutaneous tissue.”

🔬What Happens in the Epidermis

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, measuring just around 0.2 mm in thickness. When the stratum corneum in this layer becomes dry, fine, crêpe-like lines appear on the skin’s surface.

💡 Epidermal wrinkles have a good chance of improving with moisturisation, and over-the-counter cosmetics may offer some benefit.

🔬What Happens in the Dermis

The dermis is the layer beneath the epidermis, where collagen (which supports skin firmness) and elastin (which provides skin elasticity) are arranged in a mesh-like network.

⚠️ When aging and UV damage cause the “fibroblast” cells that produce these components to function less effectively, the skin loses its elasticity and deeper wrinkles become etched in.

💡 Dermal wrinkles are difficult to improve with over-the-counter cosmetics, and professional treatment at a clinic tends to be more effective.

☀️Why UV Exposure Deepens Wrinkles

The leading cause of wrinkles is “photoaging.” Among UV rays, UVA in particular penetrates deep into the dermis, activating enzymes that break down collagen and elastin.

Because UVA also passes through glass, you cannot afford to be complacent even indoors. Year-round UV protection is the foundation of wrinkle prevention.

💄What Self-Care Can and Cannot Do

Many patients come to our clinic having used premium over-the-counter creams consistently without noticing a meaningful difference. Understanding that self-care has its limits is important when choosing an effective approach.

✅Wrinkles That May Improve with Self-Care

🔸 Fine lines caused by dryness: may improve with thorough moisturisation
🔸 Early-stage expression lines: preventive care may help slow their progression
🔸 Shallow neck wrinkles: may be reduced with posture improvement and moisturisation

❌Wrinkles That Are Difficult to Improve with Self-Care

🔸 Established expression lines: unlikely to improve without suppressing muscle movement
🔸 Deep nasolabial folds: require lifting the sagging tissue
🔸 Wrinkles caused by collagen loss in the dermis: cosmetics can only penetrate as far as the epidermis

💊Effective Ingredients for Wrinkle Improvement and How to Choose

When undertaking self-care, we recommend choosing quasi-drug (医薬部外品) products whose efficacy for wrinkle improvement has been approved by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

🔸 Pure retinol: promotes skin cell turnover and supports collagen production
🔸 Niacinamide: supports collagen production and helps improve the skin barrier
🔸 Vitamin C derivatives: antioxidant action that may help prevent collagen breakdown

⚠️ However, even these ingredients do not readily reach the deeper layers of the dermis, so their effects on deeper wrinkles remain limited.

🏥Three Reasons Why Clinic Treatment Can Be Effective

Many people hesitate because “clinic treatments are expensive,” but in cases where self-care has delivered limited results over an extended period, professional treatment may ultimately prove to be a more cost-effective choice.

1️⃣Direct Access to the Dermis and Fascia

By law, over-the-counter cosmetics can only act on the epidermis. Clinic treatments, on the other hand, can work directly on the dermis and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS layer).

💡 For example, HIFU uses ultrasound to tighten the fascia, while Dermapen Microneedling uses fine needles to stimulate dermis regeneration.

2️⃣Treatment Tailored to the Cause of Your Wrinkles

With a specialist physician’s assessment, it becomes possible to identify the underlying cause of your wrinkles and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

💡 Botulinum toxin injections for expression lines, HIFU or thread lift for sagging-related wrinkles—the most effective approach differs depending on the cause.

3️⃣Noticeable Results with Lasting Benefits

Self-care often takes a long time before any improvement is felt, whereas many clinic treatments allow patients to notice a difference relatively soon after the procedure.

💡 Hyaluronic acid injections can deliver a noticeable improvement immediately after treatment; HIFU produces results gradually over 1 to 3 months following the procedure.

💉8 Wrinkle Treatments Available at Our Clinic | Features and How to Choose

IC Clinic Omiya offers 8 treatment options tailored to your wrinkle type, the area of concern, and your budget.

📊Treatment Comparison Chart

Treatment	Suitable Wrinkle Types	Duration of Effect	Downtime
💉Dermapen Microneedling	Fine lines / skin quality improvement	Improves with ongoing sessions	A few days to 1 week
✨ICON (IPL)	Shallow wrinkles / overall skin	Improves with ongoing sessions	Minimal
⚡Agnes	Fine lines around the eyes	Improves with ongoing sessions	Within 1 week
🔬Fractional Laser	Fine lines / firmness improvement	Improves with ongoing sessions	A few days to 1 week
🌊HIFU	Sagging-related wrinkles (general)	6 months to 1 year	Minimal
💉Botulinum Toxin Injections	Expression lines	3 to 6 months	Minimal
💧Hyaluronic Acid Injections	Nasolabial folds / deep wrinkles	6 months to 1.5 years	Minimal
🧵Thread Lift	Sagging wrinkles / facial contour	1 to 2 years	1 to 2 weeks

💉1. Dermapen Microneedling | Activating the Skin’s Natural Renewal

Dermapen Microneedling is a treatment that uses fine needles to create micro-channels in the skin, activating the skin’s natural regenerative capacity.

✅ Recommended for: Those concerned about fine lines, or those wishing to improve overall skin firmness and texture
💰 Estimated cost: Introductory price available for first sessions (details provided at consultation)
📅 Number of sessions: Approximately 3 to 5 sessions (at 3 to 4-week intervals)

👉 Full details about Dermapen Microneedling

✨2. ICON (IPL) | Improving Skin Quality with Light Energy

ICON is a treatment that delivers specialised light (IPL) to stimulate collagen production in the dermis.

✅ Recommended for: Those wishing to minimise downtime, or those looking to address wrinkles alongside other skin concerns simultaneously
💰 Estimated cost: 6 full-face sessions / ¥110,000 (tax included ¥121,000)
📅 Number of sessions: Approximately 5 to 6 sessions

👉 Full details about ICON (Photofacial Treatment)

⚡3. Agnes | For Delicate Wrinkles Around the Eyes

Agnes is a treatment that delivers high-frequency current through insulated microneedles to work directly on the dermis. It is well-suited to areas with thin skin, such as under the eyes.

✅ Recommended for: Those concerned about fine lines around the eyes, or those who wish to wear make-up the following day
💰 Estimated cost: 6 full-face sessions / ¥324,000 (tax included ¥356,400)
📅 Number of sessions: Approximately 3 to 6 sessions

👉 Full details about Agnes

🔬4. Fractional Laser | Renewing the Skin

Fractional laser treatment uses fine laser beams to create micro-channels in the skin, stimulating skin regeneration.

✅ Recommended for: Those wishing to improve skin firmness and elasticity at a more fundamental level
💰 Estimated cost: 6 full-face sessions / ¥110,000 (tax included ¥121,000)
📅 Number of sessions: Approximately 3 to 5 sessions

👉 Full details about Fractional Laser Treatment

🌊5. HIFU | Non-Surgical Lifting

HIFU is a treatment that uses ultrasound to tighten the fascia (SMAS layer). It can be effective for wrinkles caused by sagging.

✅ Recommended for: Those concerned about nasolabial folds and sagging, or those looking for results they can notice relatively soon
💰 Estimated cost: 5 full-face sessions / ¥135,000 (tax included ¥148,500)
📅 Frequency: Maintenance recommended every 3 to 6 months

👉 Full details about HIFU

💉6. Botulinum Toxin Injections | The First-Line Option for Expression Lines

Botulinum toxin injections are a treatment that suppresses muscle movement to help address expression lines. They can be particularly effective for lines between the eyebrows, on the forehead, and at the corners of the eyes.

✅ Recommended for: Those concerned about vertical frown lines between the eyebrows, horizontal forehead lines, or crow’s feet
💰 Estimated cost: Varies depending on the treatment area
📅 Duration of effect: 3 to 6 months

👉 Full details about Botulinum Toxin Injections

💧7. Hyaluronic Acid Injections | Filling Grooves for a Fuller Appearance

Hyaluronic acid injections are a treatment that fills wrinkle grooves with hyaluronic acid, adding volume from within.

✅ Recommended for: Those concerned about nasolabial folds, marionette lines, or deep wrinkles
💰 Estimated cost: Varies depending on the area and product used
📅 Duration of effect: 6 months to 1.5 years

👉 Full details about Hyaluronic Acid Injections

🧵8. Thread Lift | Lifting for More Defined Results

Thread lift is a treatment that inserts specialised threads under the skin to physically lift sagging tissue.

✅ Recommended for: Those seeking a substantial lifting effect, or those looking for longer-lasting results
💰 Estimated cost: Approximately ¥200,000 to ¥500,000
📅 Duration of effect: 1 to 2 years

👉 Full details about Thread Lift

🎯Recommended Treatment Plans by Concern

For those unsure which treatment to choose, here is an overview of recommended treatment plans by concern.

👀For Those Concerned About Fine Lines Around the Eyes

🥇 Recommended: Agnes + Hyaluronic Acid Injections
💡 Because the skin around the eyes is thin, Agnes—which allows for a delicate approach—can be effective. Hyaluronic acid injections may be used alongside for deeper wrinkles.

😠For Those Concerned About Expression Lines Between the Eyebrows or on the Forehead

🥇 Recommended: Botulinum Toxin Injections
💡 For wrinkles caused by facial muscle movement, botulinum toxin injections—which suppress muscle activity—are typically the first-line option.

😔For Those Concerned About Nasolabial Folds and Sagging

🥇 Recommended: HIFU + Hyaluronic Acid Injections
💡 A combination of HIFU to tighten the overall structure and hyaluronic acid injections to fill the grooves can be an effective approach.

✨For Those Wishing to Improve Overall Skin Firmness and Elasticity

🥇 Recommended: Dermapen Microneedling or Fractional Laser
💡 These treatments activate the skin’s natural renewal capacity and support the production of collagen and elastin.

⏱️For Those Wishing to Minimise Downtime

🥇 Recommended: HIFU or ICON
💡 Make-up can be applied soon after the procedure, with minimal impact on day-to-day activities.

❓Frequently Asked Questions About Wrinkle Treatment

Q. Is the treatment painful?

A. Most treatments use a topical anaesthetic cream, so discomfort is kept to a minimum. Injectable treatments also use very fine needles with care taken to reduce discomfort.

Q. When can I expect to notice results?

A. This varies by treatment. Hyaluronic acid injections deliver a noticeable improvement immediately after treatment, while HIFU produces results gradually over 1 to 3 months. Treatments such as Dermapen Microneedling become more effective with repeated sessions.

Q. Is there a minimum age for treatment?

A. There is no age restriction, and a growing number of patients in their late twenties to thirties are starting treatment preventively as they begin to notice wrinkles. Early treatment may help slow the progression of wrinkles.

Q. Are there any side effects or risks?

A. Temporary redness, swelling, or bruising may occur after treatment, but these typically resolve within one week. Risks will be explained in detail during your consultation.

Q. When can I wear make-up after treatment?

A. This varies by treatment. For HIFU, ICON, botulinum toxin injections, and hyaluronic acid injections, make-up can typically be applied on the day of or the day after the procedure. Dermapen Microneedling and fractional laser treatment generally require a waiting period of a few days to one week.

🍽️Lifestyle Habits That May Help Prevent Wrinkles

Alongside clinic treatment, prevention through daily habits is also important. Here are some key points to help slow the progression of wrinkles.

☀️Thorough UV Protection

UV exposure is a leading cause of wrinkles. Make it a habit to use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher throughout the year. Because UVA passes through window glass, protection is necessary even indoors.

🥗Nutrients That Support Collagen Production

🔸 Vitamin C (citrus fruits, peppers): essential for collagen synthesis
🔸 Protein (meat, fish, soy products): the building block of collagen
🔸 Astaxanthin (salmon, shrimp): a powerful antioxidant

📱Posture to Help Prevent Neck Wrinkles

When using a smartphone or computer, bringing the screen closer to eye level can help prevent neck wrinkles. A pillow that is too high can also contribute to neck wrinkle formation.

🏥For Wrinkle Treatment in Omiya, Visit IC Clinic Omiya

IC Clinic Omiya is conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from JR Omiya Station’s East Exit, and is easily accessible not only from within Saitama Prefecture but also from Tokyo and the wider Kita-Kanto region.

At our clinic, specialist dermatologists carefully assess each patient’s wrinkle condition and recommend a personalised plan from our selection of 8 treatment options.

📋Our Full Wrinkle Treatment Menu

1. 💉 Dermapen Microneedling | Activating the skin’s natural renewal
2. ✨ ICON (Photofacial Treatment) | Improving skin quality with light
3. ⚡ Agnes | For delicate wrinkles around the eyes
4. 🔬 Fractional Laser | Improving skin firmness and elasticity
5. 🌊 HIFU | Non-surgical lifting
6. 💉 Botulinum Toxin Injections | For improving expression lines
7. 💧 Hyaluronic Acid Injections | Addressing deep wrinkles from within
8. 🧵 Thread Lift | Lifting for more defined results