When to Choose a Face Lift over Non-Surgical Treatments

Posted Wednesday, June 2, 2010 to PROCEDURES > Face

Posted by Plastic Surgery Specialists

Posted by: Dr. Paul Buhrer, M.D.

In the past, most people assumed that the only real way to address facial aging was with one procedure: the face lift. Since then, research in the field of plastic surgery has led to a better understanding of how facial aging really occurs, leading to advances in surgical procedures and non-surgical treatments. Unfortunately, more options can lead to more confusion.

When Surgery Might Not Be Necessary

At our plastic surgery practice in Maryland, patients are often surprised by the many signs of facial aging that can be treated without surgery. The thing to remember about these treatments, however, is that the results are temporary. For more permanent improvement, your doctor will probably recommend surgery.

1. Loss of facial volume and fat

As we age, we lose facial fat or volume, typically around the eyes, cheeks, and lips. To correct this, we recommend dermal fillers such as Restylane®, JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel, and Perlane® that are injected just below the surface of the skin.

2. Damaged or uneven skin from sun exposure or hormonal changes

To minimize the effects of excessive sun exposure (e.g., freckles, sun spots, leathery skin texture) or hormonal changes, we recommend photorejuvenation treatments. At our practice, we offer FotoFacial IPL, which can improve the complexion and texture of skin.

3. Deep wrinkles caused by repetitive motion

With age, deep "dynamic wrinkles" (those that appear due to facial muscle movement) form on the forehead and around the eyes, nose, mouth, and chin. BOTOX® Cosmetic can reduce the appearance of these deep lines and prevent them from worsening.

When to Choose a Face Lift

If you have excess skin and facial fat, a surgical face lift might be the only way to achieve optimal results. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, our muscles weaken, and our face begins to show the effects of gravity, particularly in the jowls, cheeks, or chin area. If this is your most predominant sign of aging, your best option is probably a Maryland face lift procedure to remove excess fat, tighten underlying muscles, and redrape the skin of the face and neck. The results can take years off your appearance and last longer than non-surgical options.

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