Non-Surgical Facelift vs Surgical Facelift

If you notice signs of aging and are ready to try a cosmetic procedure, you will probably ask yourself whether a surgical or non-surgical option is right for you. While in the past, plastic surgery procedures such as a facelift were the most effective options for a majority of people, today’s technological advancements mean that non-surgical procedures are more effective than ever. Cerulean Medical Institute in Kelowna BC offers a non-surgical facelift for our patients, which is a highly customizable option to suit a wide range of needs. Learn more about the comparisons of a non-surgical facelift with a traditional facelift, by reading below.

What is a Non-Surgical Facelift?

A non-surgical facelift is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce sagging, fine lines, wrinkles, or other signs of aging using non-surgical treatments to rejuvenate and refresh the appearance of the face. The precise procedures used in combination for a non-surgical facelift can vary depending on the patient’s needs and the physicians recommendation. At Cerulean Medical Institute, most non-surgical facelifts use soft tissue injectables to reducing aging signs. However, procedures such as chemical peels or laser facials are also options that may be considered part of a non-surgical facelift.

Injectables in Non-Surgical Facelifts

Injectables are the most common treatments used for non-surgical facelifts. This often includes, Dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm, which are used to contour and lift sagging facial structure eg. Jowls as well as reduce wrinkles and folds. These work by restoring lost volume below the skin for a smoother and more youthful appearance. Juvéderm and other fillers can also be used to restore volume in the cheeks, temples, below the eyes, jawline, chin, smile lines and lips for a refreshed look. Dermal fillers are often used in conjunction with Botox, a neuromodulator which softens facial expressions to reduce dynamic wrinkles, or the lines that form and worsen from repetitive movement. This is particularly useful for “eleven” lines between the eyebrows, crow’s feet, or forehead wrinkles but can also be used to subtly lift the brows. At Cerulean Medical Institute, this combination of injectables is referred to as a Soft Lift procedure.

Skin Tightening Treatments

In addition to injectables, our skin care experts might choose other treatment options to tighten their skin or reduce unwanted pigmentation. These include laser facials, IPL photofacials, or chemical peels. While these options work in different ways, they each can stimulate new collagen and elastin production for firmer skin and improved elasticity. In addition, they can be used to reduce age spots or signs of sun damage for many patients. During a consultation, Dr. Chetty will advise which treatment option is best for your non-surgical facelift to help you reach your cosmetic goals.

How is a Traditional Facelift Performed?

A traditional facelift is a surgical procedure which is performed under general anesthesia. The plastic surgeon first makes an incision or cut at the temples.  Through these incisions, the soft tissues of the face are lifted and reshaped and excess drooping skin can be removed. Fat is sometimes redistributed to address volume loss. With these steps complete, the incisions is closed with sutures or stitches.

Pros and Cons of a Facelift

The primary benefit of a traditional, surgical facelift is that the procedure is beneficial for those who have severe sagging or deeper folds. Results from a facelift can last between seven to ten years, though the aging process will continue over time.

The major downsides of surgical facelift include the recovery period or extended downtime, aftercare and risks of the procedure. Facelifts require, on average, four weeks of downtime for patients to rest and recover at home before returning to their normal routines. During this healing period, it is typical to experience excessive swelling, bruising, redness and discomfort. While a facelift is generally safe, there are some risks as with all surgeries. These include potential infections or adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Non-Surgical Facelift?

Most patients who see some signs of aging are good candidates for a non-surgical facelift. These aging signs include wrinkles, fine lines, mild to moderate drooping or sagging, and volume loss. Those with more severe folds or sagging skin may not see extreme results from non-surgical procedures alone, but some improvements will be seen. Patients who have irregular texture or pigmentation can often benefit from laser facials or chemical peels; a consultation will determine which procedure you are best suited to your needs. Non-surgical facelift procedures are less risky than surgery and suitable for a wider range of patients, however you should also be generally healthy before choosing a non-surgical facelift. During a consultation at Cerulean Medical Institute, Dr. Chetty and our other skincare experts will evaluate your concerns, skin type, and overall health to determine if you are a suitable candidate. 

What is Recovery Like After a Non-Surgical Facelift?

Minimal recovery periods are a significant benefit of non-surgical facelift options. Choosing injectables for a Soft Lift allows patients to forgo downtime altogether. After receiving injections, it is normal to experience some redness and minor swelling at the injection site, but you can return to your regular routine immediately after the procedure. There are a few restrictions during the first 24 hours after receiving Botox, Juvéderm, or other injectables—for example, you should avoid exercising or drinking alcohol. However, you can otherwise go about your day as normal.

Some types of laser facials or deeper chemical peels may require a short recovery period, which includes mild swelling, peeling, and minor discomfort which is typically described as similar to a sunburn. This typically lasts between 3-7 days on average before patients resume their normal routines.

In summary, non-surgical facelift procedures offer natural looking cosmetic results, have fewer risks, require minimal to no downtime, are cost effective, improves the smoothness, texture and tone of the skin when compared to surgical facelifts.

Schedule a Consultation

Each non-surgical facelift begins with a thorough personalized consultation at our Kelowna, BC office. Call Cerulean Medical Institute at (778) 402-3696 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.