Facelift Versus Non-Surgical Treatments

The 30s and 40s can be challenging and often expensive as you think you are too young for a facelift but you can already see the signs of natural aging. Nonsurgical techniques like fillers or thread lifts can offer temporary solutions during these years.

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that is designed to improve the appearance of the face by tightening and lifting the skin and underlying tissues. Facelifts are often used to address sagging skin, wrinkles, and other signs of aging in the mid to lower face, as well as the neck.

Non-surgical procedures like dermal fillers and thread lifts are other options for addressing the signs of aging, but they are not the same as a facelift. Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that are used to add volume to the face, smooth out wrinkles, and improve the appearance of hollow or sunken areas. They are often used to address specific areas of the face, such as the cheeks, under the eyes, or around the mouth.

Fillers

The duration of results from facial fillers can vary depending on the specific type of filler used and the individual patient’s skin and the aging process. In general, most facial fillers are designed to last for several months to over a year.

Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, are among the most commonly used facial fillers. These fillers typically last for six months to a year, although this can vary depending on the specific product and the individual patient.

Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers, such as Radiesse, are also commonly used and tend to last longer than hyaluronic acid fillers, typically for one to two years.

Poly-L-lactic acid fillers, such as Sculptra, are designed to stimulate collagen production in the skin and can last for several months to over a year.

It’s important to discuss the expected duration of results with your clinics before undergoing a facial filler treatment to ensure that it is a good option for your individual needs and goals. Follow-up treatments may be necessary to maintain the desired results.

Overuse of Fillers

It is possible for fillers to accumulate in the face over time, although this is generally not a common occurrence. Fillers are a popular treatment for adding volume and smoothing wrinkles on the face. They are made of a variety of substances, including hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid, and are injected into the skin to add volume and smooth out wrinkles and lines.

If too much filler is injected in one area, it can create lumps or bumps under the skin. In rare cases, the filler can also migrate to other areas of the face, leading to an uneven or disproportionate appearance.

To avoid the risk of filler accumulation, it’s important to choose a qualified and experienced provider who can assess your individual needs and goals and recommend the appropriate amount of filler for your specific case. It’s also important to follow the recommended treatment plan and not exceed the recommended amount of filler for your individual case.

If you are concerned about the appearance of your face after receiving filler injections, it’s important to consult with your provider to discuss your concerns and determine the best course of action.

In general, fillers are considered safe and effective when used in appropriate amounts by a trained and qualified provider. However, as with any medical treatment, there are potential risks and complications. One potential risk is the accumulation of filler in the face, which can lead to an unnatural or distorted appearance.

Thread Lifts

Thread lifts are a non-surgical treatment that uses fine threads to lift and tighten sagging skin on the face and neck. The threads are inserted through small incisions and then lifted to tighten and lift the skin. Thread lifts are a less invasive alternative to traditional facelift surgery and can be used to improve the appearance of mild to moderate sagging and wrinkles. The results of a thread lift typically last for about one to two years, although this can vary depending on the specific type of threads used and the individual patient’s skin, and the aging process. Some types of threads are designed to dissolve over time, while others are designed to remain in place indefinitely.

The results of a thread lift typically last for about one to two years, although this can vary depending on the specific type of threads used and the individual patient’s skin, and the aging process. Some types of threads are designed to dissolve over time, while others are designed to remain in place indefinitely.

To maintain the results of a thread lift, it’s important to practice good skin care and follow a healthy lifestyle, including protecting your skin from the sun and not smoking. Some patients may choose to have follow-up treatments to maintain their results over time.

It’s important to discuss the expected duration of results with your provider before undergoing a thread lift to ensure that it is a good option for your individual needs and goals.

Why might someone choose a facelift over non-surgical procedures like fillers?

There are a few key reasons:

Longevity: A facelift can provide longer-lasting results compared to non-surgical procedures like fillers. While the effects of dermal fillers can last for several months or even a year, a facelift can provide more dramatic and longer-lasting results that can last for several years or more.
Correction of sagging skin: A facelift can address sagging skin and other signs of aging in the mid to lower face, as well as the neck, which may not be possible with non-surgical procedures. If you are dealing with significant sagging or wrinkles in these areas, a facelift may be a better option.
Customization: A facelift can be customized to address specific concerns and goals. During the procedure, the surgeon can tighten and lift the skin and underlying tissues in a way that is tailored to the individual patient’s needs. This level of customization is not possible with non-surgical procedures like fillers.
More dramatic results: While non-surgical procedures like fillers can provide some improvement in the appearance of the face, a facelift can provide more dramatic and noticeable results. If you are looking for a more significant improvement in the appearance of your face, a facelift may be a better option.

Are Non-Surgical Treatments A Good Choice?

Non-surgical procedures like fillers can still be a good choice for some people. They are less invasive than a facelift, and the recovery time is generally shorter. They may be a good option for those who are not ready for a surgical procedure or who only want to address specific areas of the face. However, too many fillers can also build up over time, and make your face appear larger than normal. If considering any surgery, it is important to stop using fillers at least 6 to 12 months in advance.

Ultimately, the decision to choose a facelift or a non-surgical procedure like fillers will depend on your specific concerns and goals, as well as your overall health and lifestyle. It is important to carefully consider all of your options to determine the best course of treatment for you.

When is a Good Time to Get A Facelift?

There is no specific “best age” to get a facelift. The decision to undergo a facelift is a personal one that should be based on an individual’s specific concerns and goals, as well as their overall health and lifestyle.

That being said, facelifts are generally more effective in addressing sagging skin and wrinkles in the mid to lower face and neck and are typically best suited for individuals who are dealing with these issues. The extent of sagging and wrinkles can vary widely between individuals, and some people may begin to see these signs of aging in their 30s or 40s, while others may not notice them until their 50s or 60s.

It is important to keep in mind that a facelift is a surgical procedure and carries some risks, including bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. It is important to carefully consider these risks and discuss them with a qualified plastic surgeon before making a decision about whether to undergo a facelift.

If you are considering a facelift, it is important to have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. A facelift can help to improve the appearance of the face, but it will not stop the aging process. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and protect your skin from the sun to help maintain the results of the procedure.

Cost of Facelifts

The cost of a facelift can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the location, the specific type of facelift being performed, and the experience and reputation of the surgeon. Other factors include nights in the hospital and anesthesia.

In the United States, the average cost of a facelift ranges from $9,000 to $20,000, although prices can be higher or lower depending on the factors mentioned above. In other countries, the cost of a facelift can vary significantly. For example, in Canada, the cost of a facelift ranges from $10,000 to $18,000, while in the United Kingdom, the cost ranges from £7,000 to £12,000. In most of our destinations, the cost of a facelift is lower due to lower overhead costs and lower wages for medical professionals.

It is important to keep in mind that the cost of a facelift in some western countries may not typically include the cost of anesthesia, which can be an additional expense. It is also important to note that many health insurance plans do not cover the cost of cosmetic procedures like facelifts, so it is important to check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage.

Next Steps

If you are considering a facelift and interested in obtaining a personalized quote from one of our surgeons you can request a no-obligation quote below. Make sure you include photos of the areas you want to be assessed. You can read this guide on how to take photos.

Request a Quote

Book a Consultation