Even if you are diligent about your skin care routine and take preventive measures, some wrinkles are inevitable. Changes in your appearance are a natural part of the aging process, but this doesn’t mean that they won’t impact your self-esteem. The good news is that there are many options available if you are concerned about visible signs of aging. Two of the most popular are facelifts and dermal fillers. Injectables are sometimes called a liquid facelift because they offer many of the same benefits as the surgical option. There are some key differences between the two, and one or the other may be better suited for you depending on your needs and desires.
Surgical Facelift Basics
A facelift is also known as a rhytidectomy and is a surgical procedure that tightens the skin on your face. It reduces the appearance of deep wrinkles and also lifts sagging muscles. It is less effective for fine lines. Advancements in cosmetic surgery have revolutionized how facelifts are done and the results are more natural and more refined than they were in previous decades. During the procedure, your surgeon will reposition deeper facial tissues while also removing any excess skin.
When to Choose the Surgical Option
If sagging skin is a concern for you, a facelift will generally be a more effective choice than dermal fillers. Surgery can adjust the tissues in your face and will include removal of any sagging skin, whereas injectables do not accomplish this. A facelift may also be a good fit for you if there are other surgical adjustments you are interested in making, as these procedures can often be combined. Some of the surgeries that are often beneficial along with a facelift include blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), neck lift, and brow lift. Additionally, results from facelift surgery can last up to 10 years, whereas dermal fillers last 3-6 months on average. If you are looking for a longer-term solution, a facelift may be the better option.
Liquid Facelift Basics
Dermal fillers include substances that plump up your skin and fill in wrinkles. How this works depends on the type of filler. Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are among the most common and these work by allowing your skin to hold more moisture. HA occurs naturally in your body, but production decreases as you age, so fillers replenish the supply and give you a more youthful appearance.
When to Choose the Non-Surgical Option
If your main cosmetic concern is that you have many fine lines, dermal fillers could be better suited than a facelift. This is because a facelift is not as effective for these types of wrinkles, whereas injections can more easily smooth them out. A liquid facelift does not involve surgery, which also makes a good option if you are worried about the time it takes to recover from a traditional facelift. Cost may also be a factor as fillers are typically less expensive, although you should include the cost of continued injections in your calculation if you wish to maintain the results of your fillers.
Surgical and Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures
At Hess & Sandeen, we offer both surgical facelifts and dermal filler injections. If you aren’t sure which is best for you, we can discuss your options and help you get all the facts you need to make an informed decision. You can also combine the two if you have multiple concerns.
