Typically, our faces and necks are the first places to show signs of aging. Sun exposure, pollution, lifestyle, and genetics are just a few factors that affect the way our skin ages. Sometimes, regardless of how healthy and young we feel, these factors can take a toll on how we look. We offer both surgical and non-surgical facelift options at our plastic surgery center in Orlando, FL, that can address a variety of concerns. During consultation, we can discuss your options and recommend a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Surgical Facelift/Mini Facelift
Facelift and Mini Facelift surgery lifts the skin, muscles, and fat into a youthful position. During the procedure, I make small, discreet incisions around the ears to restore a refreshed, natural look. By using advanced techniques and a delicate approach, I make sure to avoid the “pulled back” look of obvious cosmetic surgery.
I lift and tighten the facial muscles (called the SMAS) and the neck muscles (called platysma) to give a strong and natural lift with great longevity. I incorporate a neck lift into all facelift procedures via a corset platysmaplasty, which lifts and tightens the neck and adds additional support to the face.
What concerns can a facelift/mini facelift address?
When performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, a facelift can provide dramatic improvement. Facelift candidates are often concerned with the following:
- Significant sagging facial skin
- Jowls
- Loose neck skin
- Poorly defined jawline
Advantages of Surgical Facelift/Mini Facelift
A facelift can address multiple areas with a single surgery. The results are longer-lasting and more significant when compared to non-surgical options. These results can boost your confidence especially for people who feel that wrinkles and sagging skin make them appear much older than they actually feel.
Disadvantages of Surgical Facelift/Mini Facelift
Facelift surgery requires a lengthy recovery time. You need time to heal, which includes taking diligent care of your incisions and getting ample rest. Depending on the situation, some patients will have drains inserted to reduce fluid accumulation. After one week, you will come in for a follow-up visit, and I will remove your sutures. To avoid excess swelling, bruising, and discomfort, you must avoid all strenuous activity for 2 to 3 weeks—overexerting yourself can slow down healing. Additionally, it often takes about 2 weeks before patients are ready to return to work.
Possible Risks of Surgical Facelift/Mini Facelift
Every surgery contains some risk. Though uncommon, facelift surgery can result in noticeable scarring or numbness around the incision area. However, my advanced surgical technique minimizes these risks. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is also particularly important to reduce the risk of complications.
Non-Surgical Facelift Treatments
The non-surgical facelift is a minimally invasive treatment that can provide you with subtle and natural-looking enhancements to help you regain a youthful glow. The treatment can include a combination of 1 or more procedures, such as Ultherapy®, laser treatments, fillers, and BOTOX®.
What concerns can a non-surgical facelift address?
A combination of non-surgical treatments can address several different skin concerns:
- Sagging facial skin
- Jowls
- Mild fullness under the chin
- Diminished jawline definition
- Sun damage
- Volume loss in the cheeks
- Wrinkles
Advantages of Non-Surgical Facelift
Because these treatments are minimally invasive, they require little to no downtime. Many people also love that these treatments are quick. For example, you can schedule an appointment on your lunch break and return to work immediately after.
Disadvantages of Non-Surgical Facelift
The results of non-surgical treatments are not permanent, and most patients must schedule follow-up appointments to maintain their results. Additionally, non-surgical facelift treatments do not provide results that are as dramatic as those of a surgical facelift.
Possible Risks of Non-Surgical Facelift
Minimally invasive treatments have very few risks associated with them. Besides minor side effects like slight redness, swelling, or bruising, these treatments are tolerated well. Also, most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure.
For more information about non-surgical facial rejuvenation, check out our previous blog post. To see actual patient results of both surgical and non-surgical facelift options, view our gallery of before-and-after photos.
If you are interested in taking the next steps and want to learn about which approach may be right for you, request a consultation online or give us a call at (407) 333-3040.
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