The Pros and Cons of Facelift Alternatives

 

Non-surgical alternatives to facelift surgery are increasingly popular with the availability of advanced skin tightening treatments and innovative dermal fillers. Some patients are excellent candidates for these procedures, while others will benefit much more from a surgical facelift at my Naples practice.

There are advantages to both surgical and non-surgical anti-aging procedures, and it’s important to choose the right option for you based on a discussion of your cosmetic goals and a physical examination during a consultation. There are a number of factors to consider when making your decision:

• Cost: Skin tightening services and injectable treatments such as JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC, fat transfer, and BOTOX are more affordable than a surgical procedure, but they won’t produce results as extensive or long-lasting. Repeat treatments are required to maintain the results.
• Downtime: Recovery following a surgical facelift usually includes an overnight stay at our postoperative recovery area and then 7 to 10 days of rest at home before a patient is ready to go out in public. It’s usually OK to resume normal activities within a week. In some cases, it may take up to 3 weeks. Non-surgical treatments, including Ultherapy, require virtually no downtime.
• Comfort: The level of comfort during any procedure usually varies from patient to patient and can be controlled with both prescription medication and over-the-counter pain relievers. A facelift is performed under general anesthesia, and postoperative pain is typically minimal. Most injectable treatments these days are formulated with anesthetics to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
• Extent of correction: This is typically the most important factor when considering whether to have a facelift or get non-surgical anti-aging treatments. An evaluation of skin tone, the amount of damage due to sun exposure and other environmental factors, along with the patient’s cosmetic goals all play a part in which option is appropriate. Other surgeries, such as blepharoplasty, may also be a good option.