By Nasrin Mani, M.D.
The facelift has been a successful facial rejuvenation procedure since the early 1900s, but in recent years many people are benefitting from the option of having a nonsurgical facelift. Which is right for you? The only way to know for sure, of course, is to talk to a doctor in person, but here are a few guidelines for people trying to make a decision between the two procedures.
First, it’s important to understand the difference between the two procedures. A surgical facelift is an invasive procedure in which the skin is separated from the underlying musculature. All the tissues are elevated and excess tissue is removed to create a hopefully rejuvenated appearance. A nonsurgical facelift uses a combination of skin laser treatmentsand injectables, such as wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers, to reduce the symptoms of facial aging.
Next, consider these distinguishing features:
- Degree of correction: Surgical facelifts can generally correct more severe symptoms of facial aging than nonsurgical facelifts.
- Type of correction: Surgical facelifts only address sagging tissues, not fine lines or wrinkles and not the loss of facial volume, which require combination with nonsurgical techniques to address.
- Length of correction: Surgical facelift results can last ten years or more, while nonsurgical facelift results generally last 6 months to a year (but longer results can be had using ArteFill)
- Downtime: Surgical facelifts can require two weeks or more of downtime and may take several months to see final results. Most nonsurgical facelifts require no more than a day or two off from work, although sometimes results may still take several months to be completely visible.
- Risks: Surgical facelifts are considered major surgery and have all the risks that go along with that, including the risk of serious anesthesia-related complications. Risks associated with nonsurgical facelifts are minor and generally only temporary complications result.
After considering these distinguishing features, you should contact a doctor for help in making your decision. To talk to one of our doctors, please contact La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic in San Diego for a consultation.
