It's normal for our facial appearance to change over time. Cheeks droop, dark circles under the eyes, wrinkles on the forehead... Sometimes looking at these things in the mirror can make you feel a little sad. So today we're talking about a good alternative for those who are afraid of major surgery and who can't afford it. This is called a "nonsurgical facelift."
What is a nonsurgical facelift?
Simply put, it's a combination of treatments that temporarily rejuvenate, firm, and plump the skin on your face. It doesn't require large incisions, general anesthesia, or a hospital stay. It typically uses minimally invasive, non-surgical techniques.
So what's the difference between this and a surgical facelift?
A surgical facelift is medically called a `(Rhytidectomy)`. This involves making incisions in the face and tightening the skin of the face and neck. It may also involve adding fat to the face or adjusting facial muscles. This type of surgery requires anesthesia and a day in the hospital. It is a more permanent treatment for aging skin, with long-lasting results.
But the non-surgical methods we are talking about today often give temporary results . They need to be maintained. To better understand this difference, see the table below.
| Feature | Nonsurgical facelift | Surgical facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Cuts | No incisions or very small incisions (such as injections) | Incisions are used to tighten facial skin. |
| Anesthesia | Often not necessary (local anesthesia may be needed) | General Anesthesia is required. |
| Hospitalization | No need, it is done in-office in the doctor's room. | You usually need to stay in the hospital for at least one night. |
| Results | Temporary (from a few months to one or two years) | Long-term, often permanent |
| Recovery time | Very short (a few hours to a few days) | It may take a few weeks. |
| Cost | Much less expensive than surgery | Very high |
Who is suitable for this type of treatment?
Anyone who is concerned about aging skin and has any of the common concerns listed below can consider this. See if you have any of these concerns:
- Sagging skin and loose skin around the jaw area: Do your cheeks feel like they're sagging? Does the skin on either side of your jawline sag?
- Dark circles around the eyes (Shadows): Do your eyes look dark with a sunken appearance?
- Sunken cheeks: Are your cheeks not as full as they used to be?
- Thinning lips: Have your lips lost their fullness as you age?
- Wrinkles: Are you bothered by things like frown lines, crow's feet, and marionette lines?
This treatment is very effective for things like this.
Who is this treatment not suitable for?
But not everyone can do these things. If you have certain skin conditions, these treatments may not give you the desired results, or they may increase side effects.
Most importantly: If you have any of the conditions below, you should definitely talk to your doctor before even considering this type of treatment.
- Having active acne.
- Having a cold sore.
- Skin diseases such as eczema.
- Having things like birthmarks, warts, and skin lumps on the skin.
- Psoriasis.
- Skin burns caused by things like radiation therapy.
- Skin allergies such as eczema (contact dermatitis).
Also, for some severe cases, these non-surgical treatments may not be enough. For example:
- Very deep wrinkles.
- Very loose or severely sagging skin.
- Severe scars.
In cases like this, surgery is the best option. Your doctor will explain this to you.
What are these non-surgical facelift methods?
There are a number of treatment options available under this category. Your doctor will help you choose the treatment that best suits you based on your skin type, the problem you want to address, and your budget. Let's take a look at the main options.
| Treatment method | Simply put, this is what happens... |
|---|---|
| Botulinum toxin injections Ex: (Botox®, Dysport®) | This works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles. Imagine you are someone who constantly frowns. Then, due to the activity of those muscles, permanent wrinkles form on your forehead. This injection temporarily paralyzes those muscles. Many people use it for wrinkles between the eyebrows, on the forehead, and in the corners of the eyes. The results last for about 3 months. |
| Chemical peels | A special chemical is used to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. This can shrink large pores, reduce wrinkles, and reveal new, firmer skin. For best results, multiple treatments are needed. |
| Dermal fillers Ex: (Hyaluronic acid) | These are gel-like substances. They are injected into sunken areas of the face (like the cheeks) to plump them up. They are also used to fill in deep wrinkles and plump up lips. They last from 6 months to several years . |
| Fat injections | This is also called `(Fat grafting)`. What happens here is that fat is taken from another part of your body (such as the stomach, thighs) (via `liposuction`), cleaned and injected into the sunken areas of the face. This is a little more complicated than other fillers, but the results are long-lasting. |
| Laser skin resurfacing | Controlled, intense beams of light (lasers) are directed at selected areas of the face. This removes the top layer of dead skin. The heat from the laser also stimulates the production of collagen, which is responsible for skin tightening. The skin looks smoother and firmer. |
| Microdermabrasion | This is like a very gentle exfoliation of the skin. A rough-surfaced device gently removes the top layer of dead skin cells. This can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as small scars. Several treatments are required, repeated over several weeks . Results last for several months. |
| Microneedling | A series of very fine, tiny needles create tiny wounds on the surface of the skin. Don't worry, this is a controlled procedure. As these small wounds heal, the body naturally produces `(Collagen)` and `(Elastin)`, which make the skin tight and elastic. This is a good treatment for sagging skin, wrinkles, large pores, and sun damage. Several treatments are required, spaced 3-8 weeks apart . It takes about 3-6 months to see full results. |
Are there any side effects (risks) of these treatments?
Yes, as with any medical treatment, there are some risks. But most of the time, these are very safe treatments with minimal side effects. The risks vary depending on the treatment you choose. Common ones include:
- Bleeding
- Water blisters
- Bruises
- Dry skin
- Infections
- Itchy skin (pruritus)
- Facial lumps or unevenness on both sides
- Skin peeling
- Scarring
- Skin burn
- Skin redness
- Swelling
Very rarely, treatments like botulinum toxin and dermal fillers can cause the following:
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rash
What to expect after treatment? (Recovery)
The healing process is usually very quick. Some people may experience some pain, soreness, or discomfort after treatment. Your skin may be red and slightly swollen. In a few days, depending on the treatment you had, you may notice bruising, peeling, or small blisters.
Most people can return to their normal activities immediately or very soon after treatment.
During your recovery, your doctor may recommend the following:
- Cold packs for swelling.
- Special ointments to soothe the skin.
- Painkillers if there is pain.
How long do the results last? How do I maintain them?
How long the results last varies from treatment to treatment. As we discussed earlier, things like chemical peels or Botox need to be repeated every few months. Other treatments may last longer.
Talk to your doctor about the best way to maintain your results. With proper treatment, you can achieve long-term benefits. In addition, it is essential to maintain good skin care habits:
- Cleansing and moisturizing the face daily.
- Avoid smoking.
- Protection from direct sunlight.
- Using facial cosmetics containing antioxidants.
When should you see a doctor?
It is normal to experience some redness and slight swelling after treatment. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, do not ignore them. See your doctor again immediately.
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever and body aches.
- Signs of infection at the treated site (increasing redness, pus, severe pain).
- Numbness or inability to move any part of the face.
- Pain that does not go away or gets worse.
- Excessive swelling of the face.
These may be signs of a complication, so it is very important to seek prompt medical attention.
Take-Home Message
- A non-surgical facelift is a good, less invasive option to reduce wrinkles and sagging skin.
- There are different types, such as Botox, fillers, and laser treatments. It's important to choose what best suits your needs.
- The results of these treatments are often temporary, so regular treatments may be required to maintain the results.
- Before undergoing any treatment, it is essential to consult with a qualified physician and discuss the risks and benefits thoroughly.
- If severe side effects occur after treatment, seek medical advice immediately.
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