Surgical or Nonsurgical Facelift?

If you’re considering getting a facelift in the San Diego area, you may be debating between surgical or nonsurgical options. They are definitely very different procedures, so it’s important to weigh your choices carefully before proceeding.

SURGICAL FACELIFTS
A surgical facelift, sometimes called a traditional facelift, is just what it sounds like. Although techniques have modernized quite a bit over the past several years, a surgical facelift requires incisions to be made, and is performed under anesthesia. Surgical facelifts are best for patients:

• Who are older
• Who want dramatic results which still look natural
• Who are willing to trade off a more involved procedure in exchange for longer-lasting results

A traditional facelift actually lifts the skin of the cheeks and chin to remove sagging and wrinkles. Oftentimes, a neck lift is performed at the same time for even more comprehensive results.

NONSURGICAL FACELIFTS
A nonsurgical facelift can be one of several procedures. Examples include fillers, which are used to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as enhance contours of lips and chin. Laser resurfacing, which helps erase visible sun damage and age spots or even skin tone, is another example of a nonsurgical procedure which can be performed to improve your appearance. Nonsurgical facelifts are ideal for patients:

• Who are just seeing the first visible signs of aging
• Who want their appearance to look “refreshed,” not “done”
• Whose schedules are too hectic for more involved procedures

Results are shorter-term than traditional face lifts, but procedure and recovery time are also shorter, with many non-surgical facial rejuvenation techniques being performed in an hour or less.

Which Is Right for Me?
A consultation at our practice can help you decide which kind of facelift will be the best match for your cosmetic concerns and long-term goals.