Facelift Alternatives: Exploring Non-Surgical Options for a Youthful Glow
Let's face it, at some point in our lives, we're all going to deal with a bit of sagging. Some people are totally cool with it, while others are keen to keep that youthful glow. Many people are willing to go under the knife for a surgical facelift to turn back the clock. It's becoming so common that you might even see surgical facelift videos trending on your TikTok FYP. If you've peeked at the comment section, you'll notice some viewers find the whole thing a bit daunting, while others are eager to give it a go. But if you’re in the camp that thinks surgery is a bit too much, don't worry! There are plenty of ways to tackle a sagging face without going under the knife.
Achieve a Youthful Look with a Non-Surgical Facelift
A non-surgical facelift, unlike a surgical facelift, does not involve cutting or stitching and typically results in less downtime.
Thread Lift
Silhouette Soft is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to lift and tighten sagging skin on the face and neck. It uses absorbable sutures with bidirectional cones to reposition the skin and stimulate collagen production. The procedure involves inserting the sutures under the skin using a fine needle. The sutures are then adjusted to lift the targeted areas.
The sutures are made from poly L- lactic acid (PLLA) and poly L-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) hollow cones. There are biocompatible and fully absorbable materials that have been used in medical applications for many years.
Silhouette Soft provides immediate lifting effects, and the collagen-stimulating properties of the sutures offer progressive and natural-looking results over time. It is less invasive than a traditional facelift, with minimal downtime and no need for general anesthesia.
The results can last between 12 to 18 months, depending on individual factors such as skin type, lifestyle, and age. Ideal candidates for Silhouette Soft are individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity who are looking for subtle enhancements rather than dramatic changes.
Some bruising, swelling, or redness may occur but typically resolves quickly. Silhouette Soft is an excellent option for those seeking a non-surgical solution to address early signs of aging and achieve a more youthful appearance.
Ultherapy
Ultherapy is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure used to lift and tighten the skin on the face, neck, and décolletage. It delivers high intensity focused ultrasound energy to the skin's foundational layers, where collagen production occurs. Ultrasound energy penetrates deep without damaging the surface. The ultrasound energy generates heat at specific depths (up to 4.5 mm beneath the skin), which causes controlled damage to the tissue. This stimulates the body's natural healing process and encourages the production of new collagen. As the new collagen forms, the skin gradually becomes firmer and tighter over time.
Ultherapy has also gained popularity in recent years as a reliable alternative to cosmetic surgeries like SMAS lifts. The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) is a crucial tissue layer beneath the skin on the face and neck, providing essential facial support. A SMAS facelift effectively addresses lost skin elasticity in this membrane, which often leads to sagging cheeks, jowls, and the appearance of a double chin. During the surgical procedure, muscles are tightened, and excess skin and fat are removed to combat signs of aging.
Although Ultherapy and SMAS lifts are different procedures, they both focus on the same areas to sculpt and tighten the skin in the facial region.
The effects of Ultherapy are gradual. You will notice some initial tightening immediately after the procedure, with more significant lifting and tightening appearing over the next 3 to 6 months as new collagen continues to build. The results can last for up to a year or more, depending on the individual’s condition and aging process.
I've seen some chatter on forums about Ultherapy making faces look thinner and older. It's true that Ultherapy can zap a bit of fat, but the machine's real-time imaging allows us to visualise the layers under your skin and steer clear of areas where we don’t want to lose fat.
Ultherapy is FDA-cleared and is considered safe for many individuals seeking a non-invasive option for skin tightening and lifting. However, it’s essential to have a consultation with a qualified doctor to determine if it’s the right treatment for your specific needs and to discuss any potential risks or contraindications. There is minimal to no downtime after Ultherapy. Patients may experience mild redness, swelling, or tenderness, but these usually resolve quickly.
Renuvion
Renuvion is a machine used for skin tightening and rejuvenation. It combines helium plasma with radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat and contract tissues beneath the skin, which stimulates collagen production and tightens the skin. The procedure is minimally invasive, requiring small incisions for the insertion of cannula that delivers the energy. It is typically used on areas like the neck, face, abdomen, and arms. Renuvion is known for providing noticeable results with less downtime compared to traditional surgical procedures.
Radiofrequency (RF)
Radiofrequency treatments, such as 10Therma, uses heat to stimulate collagen and elastin production. These treatments can tighten skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines without any incisions or downtime. It delivers heat energy to the dermal layer of your skin, while the advanced cooling gas ensures your skin’s safety during radiofrequency heat transfer.
Botox
Botox is a neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes muscles. When strategically injected into depressor muscles—those that pull down—it helps create a lifted, more relaxed, and youthful appearance.
The Nefertiti Lift is named after the ancient Egyptian Queen Nefertiti. Her famously long and graceful neck inspired technique to create a more defined and youthful jawline without surgery.
I've seen people calling Botox a poison and telling others to avoid it like the plague. This kind of misinformation spreads fear for no reason! Botox has been used safely for therapeutic purposes for ages. It’s been a game-changer for folks dealing with bruxism, migraines, and hemifacial spasms, helping them manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Botox is not poisonous, won’t cause cancer, and won’t harm your body. It simply works by blocking certain nerve signals that make muscles contract, so the muscles relax. The effect isn’t permanent and typically lasts about 3-6 months.
Complications happen if there is diffusion of botox into non-targeted muscles due to massaging or pressure on the injection site. But even then, since the effects are temporary, any issues will resolve over time.
Remember, Google is free, but make sure you’re getting your info from reliable sources!
Dermal fillers
Injecting dermal fillers is another method to address facial sagging. As we age, the loss of structural support causes superficial fat pads to droop, leading to sagging and wrinkled skin. Properly placed fillers can restore this structural support and provide a minimal lifting effect. Biostimulators like Ellansé and Radiesse are particularly beneficial as they stimulate collagen production, offering long-lasting results.
Fillers are a popular topic of discussion, though some people have a negative perception due to instances of botched treatments. Overfilled syndrome, where excessive filler makes individuals look older, also contributes to this view.
Recently, contestants from Love Island UK have gone viral on social media, with people pointing out their overfilled cheeks and lips, and that they all look the same. It's true that they likely had fillers, but it is important to note that the amount of filler used can be adjusted. The decision on the amount is based on the doctor’s judgment and the patient’s preference.
To address facial sagging, we prefer using fillers to restore lost volume rather than injecting large amounts to create entirely different facial features. More fillers can be added if desired, making the process flexible, and not everyone with fillers will look overfilled.
Additionally, fillers are not permanent. The body will naturally break them down and absorb them over time. When this occurs, the treated area will revert to its previous appearance or show signs of natural aging. The longevity of the results depends on various factors such as the type of filler used, the amount injected, and the individual's metabolism.
Dermal filler is not a stand-alone treatment for addressing facial sagging. It should be combined with other treatments such as Ultherapy, radiofrequency, and thread lifts. When used together, these methods tackle sagging in different ways and provide enhanced results.
Benefits and drawbacks
Compared to traditional surgical facelifts, the results of non-surgical facelifts are less dramatic and not suitable for individuals with severe sagging and loose skin.
However, non-surgical facelifts are suitable for many people, such as those who want improvement but are not ready for surgery, have medical conditions that make surgery risky, are prone to hypertrophic scars or keloids, or cannot tolerate downtime.
If you only have minor wrinkles, relatively good skin elasticity, and slight sagging, you can go for less invasive options first. Opting for a facelift when it's not needed can result in an overdone or unnatural appearance. Having a facelift in your 20s or 30s can also complicate future procedures. When you get older and need a second facelift, it can be more challenging to perform than the initial one. This difficulty is due to factors such as scar tissue from the previous surgery, which can make it harder for the surgeon to work with the facial structures.
Many people often say, "I'll start treatment when my sagging gets worse." However, delaying treatment until your skin is significantly loose can lead to a few complications. At this advanced stage, the skin's elasticity and collagen levels have diminished considerably, which makes it harder to achieve the desired results with non-invasive treatments. Consequently, you may require more frequent and intensive treatments, and non-invasive options may no longer be effective. Starting treatments early, when you first notice signs of sagging, can be far more beneficial.
"Do regular facial spas treat facial sagging?" The answer is no. To effectively address facial sagging, you need energy-based devices that deliver adequate energy or heat to penetrate deeply enough to lift and stimulate collagen remodeling, or a thread lift that provides direct mechanical lifting. Facial spas that only focus on the skin's surface won't help in this situation. Additionally, serums or masks used during facial spas won't provide a firming effect in just one day.
We're fortunate to have technology that lets us enhance our appearance without surgery. These non-invasive or minimally invasive treatments are like advanced facial therapies—you visit the clinic occasionally for upkeep. Start early, and by the time you're in your 50s or 60s, you'll look noticeably younger than your peers!
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