Many people wonder if they can gain the comprehensive benefits of a facelift without having to undergo surgery. By definition, a traditional facelift is a surgical procedure, and it therefore produces unique results. However, I work with many people who want to explore alternatives to facelift in my NYC practice. While nonsurgical methods cannot create results equivalent to those of a surgical facelift, carefully applied and customized nonsurgical techniques are appropriate for many people who want to reduce mild or moderate signs of aging.
Why Consider a Full Facelift?
Before we explore the benefits of nonsurgical treatment, let’s review what traditional facelift surgery can accomplish. Because a full facelift is the only option that excises unwanted skin, it is the standard for treating excessive sagging in the face and neck (also known as “turkey neck”) and removing jowls to restore a strong jawline. By way of the surgical incisions, I can work underneath the skin to lift lax muscles and improve cheek structure to re-create the silhouette of a more youthful face.
Why Consider Nonsurgical Treatments?
Nonsurgical facial rejuvenation techniques typically rely on camouflaging rather than eliminating age-related facial changes, and their rejuvenating effects are more limited than those of a facelift. Camouflaging with dermal fillers and BOTOX® Cosmetic can, however, smooth the skin, tighten areas of laxity, and minimize the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging.
For example, it’s possible to reduce fullness under the chin with a special, FDA-approved injectable called KYBELLA®. This product’s active ingredient occurs naturally in the digestive tract and breaks apart dietary fat, which is easier for the body to metabolize. When administered to areas of unwanted fat just beneath the skin, KYBELLA works in the same way to break fat into small particles that can be metabolized and eliminated by the body.
Combining Surgical and Nonsurgical Options
Facial aging doesn’t happen with just a single physical change. Instead, it develops over time through volume loss, tissue displacement, reduced skin quality, and the long-term effects of gravity. My preferred approach for total facial rejuvenation is to combine both surgical and nonsurgical techniques so I can develop a comprehensive plan precisely tailored to each patient’s personal needs.
For example, many of my patients have benefited from a combined approach in which I first excise sagging face and neck skin via a traditional facelift. I then add volume to the cheeks and other areas of the face with fat grafting or injectable fillers. Patients benefit from having these separate procedures completed in a single surgery with just one recovery period. On its own, a facelift can create impressive results indeed. But when combined with nonsurgical techniques, I am better able to meet each person’s dynamic aesthetic goals.
Which approach will work best for you? I encourage you to contact my office at (212) 380-3634 to learn more or to schedule your own consultation.
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