As we age, we begin to lose the support in our skin, mainly in the face. Fine lines and wrinkles along with sagging skin are all tell-tale signs of aging. There are many options when trying to maintain your youthful look including the traditional plastic surgery facelift option, or the more customizable and adjustable non-surgical facelift using dermal fillers.
Surgical Facelift:
The traditional facelift is a procedure in which a facial plastic surgeon cuts, repositions, and manipulates excess skin to provide a more youthful appearance. This procedure provides permanent results but cannot be adjusted overtime, meaning as we continue to age the results from your facelift may continue to age and become more noticeable.
- Invasive Procedure: A traditional facelift is an invasive surgical procedure that involves cutting and tissue manipulation.
- Tissue Repositioning: It includes cutting and repositioning facial tissues, adjusting ligaments and tendons, and reshaping fat to achieve a tighter facial appearance.i ml
- Distinct Transformation: The changes often result in a distinct facial appearance that may differ from the patient’s previous look.
- Impact on Tissue Health: Facelift procedures can affect the overall health and vitality of facial tissues, potentially accelerating the aging process.
- Permanent Changes: Surgical facelifts result in permanent alterations to facial tissues, influencing both appearance and aging.
- Longer Recovery: Recovery from a surgical facelift typically involves more downtime and a longer healing process.
- Visible Over Time: Over the years, facelift surgery alterations become increasingly apparent to others.
Non-Surgical Filler Lift/ Liquid Facelift (BaseLift):
The non-surgical alternative is called a liquid facelift procedure or a BaseLift. A liquid facelift used cosmetic dermal fillers to fill any volume loss caused by aging. There are many benefits of a liquid facelift that can add volume without a surgical cosmetic procedure.
- Non-Invasive: A non-surgical filler lift, often referred to as a BaseLift or liquid facelift, is non-invasive and does not require incisions.
- Support and Contouring: Instead of repositioning tissues, filler injections provide support and contouring, helping the face return to a more rested position rather than a completely new one.
- Healthier Aging and Stimulates Collagen: Some injections can stimulate collagen and elastin production, contributing to a rejuvenated appearance.
- Long lasting: Results from fillers are not permanent and can be adjusted over time to adapt to aging, allowing for ongoing refinements. Most patients will wait at least a year before have additional filler.
- Minimal Downtime: There is typically less downtime associated with non-surgical filler treatments, making them a convenient option for many.
- Choice of Fillers: Different types of cosmetic fillers can be used, including firm ones like Radiesse and Sculptra, which avoid puffiness or a water-retaining appearance.
- Natural Support: The goal of non-surgical filler lifts is to restore lost volume by providing natural support to facial tissues without the need for extensive tissue manipulation.
In summary, surgical facelifts with a plastic surgeon involve invasive procedures with cutting and permanent changes and longer recovery times, while non-surgical filler lifts offer a less invasive option with long lasting but non permanent effects, minimal downtime, and a focus on natural facial support. The choice between the two depends on individual preferences, goals, and considerations.