Changing your appearance with a surgical procedure such as a facelift is a significant decision, and there are many pros and cons to weigh. Not everyone is ready to commit to surgery, and indeed, your lifestyle may cause you to pursue a different path. Here are some of the top concerns to take into account if you are trying to decide whether a facelift is right for your aesthetic goals.
- Your Degree of Aging
Though there is no such thing as the “perfect age” to get a facelift, you may opt not to undergo surgery if your aging concerns are less extensive. Patients who have taken diligent care of their skin by applying sunscreen, exfoliating regularly, using a mild cleanser and moisturizer, staying hydrated, and eating a nutritious diet can often postpone facelifts for years longer than people who were lax about their skin care. If you are only experiencing mild to moderate wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging, it may not be time for you to worry about surgery just yet.
- Your Schedule
Between work, family, social, and volunteer commitments, everyone is busier than ever these days. The average facelift patient will need to take 10 to 14 days off for recovery, which can be a significant time commitment for people with young children or challenging professional and personal responsibilities. The good news is that many non-surgical solutions for reversing the signs of aging require little to no downtime, which makes them an ideal fit for anyone who needs to find a workaround for their hectic schedule.
- Your Budget
The most recent cost estimates from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons put the average price tag of a facelift at nearly $7,700. For most people, that figure represents a substantial investment. And while various factors can cause this number to vary widely, you may still be searching for more wallet-friendly options for improving your appearance without putting such a dent in your savings account. Injectable dermal fillers, for example, can be a fraction of the cost of a traditional surgical facelift.
- Your Risk Factors
Though facelifts have a long track record of safety, there is always a chance – no matter how tiny – that something could go wrong. A qualified plastic surgeon should always take time to review the details of your medical history and explain all risks to you; however, it’s understandable if you want to avoid the potential complications of anesthesia and surgery altogether. Our board-certified dermatology team offers a range of FDA-approved anti-aging procedures that are minimally invasive, relatively pain-free, and do not require stitches, scarring, or post-procedure activity restrictions.
- Your Natural Appearance
Though facelift techniques and technologies continue to improve, we have all probably seen at least one person with the “worked-on,” pulled-back look associated with an overdone facelift. Perhaps you are wary of this and wish for a more subtle and natural-looking improvement, or you’d prefer results that gradually reveal themselves over time. Today’s non-surgical aesthetic advancements allow you a greater degree of control over what you choose to improve and what concerns you would like to address.
Are There Alternatives to Facelift Surgery?
What should you do if you have concerned about your aging appearance, but have decided it’s not quite the right time for you to get facelift surgery? Here are some cosmetic treatments our team at Dermatology Medical Group Inc. can provide.
- Liquid Facelift
Are you ready to look younger naturally, without the need for surgery? This highly customizable procedure relies on a combination of dermal fillers such as Juvéderm® and neuromodulators like Botox® in precise quantities to provide volume where your face needs it most, while naturally smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Ultherapy®
Another non-surgical facelift alternative is called Ultherapy®, which uses ultrasound energy to tighten the tissues of your face and neck and stimulate your body to produce new collagen.
- Microdermabrasion
Gently exfoliate the top layers of your skin with this treatment, which removes dull, tired skin cells to restore a healthy glow.
- Laser Skin Resurfacing
Lasers are gentle enough to produce results without harming the surrounding skin, yet powerful enough to stimulate new collagen growth at a deeper level. Laser treatment can remove common signs of aging, leaving you refreshed.
Call Today to Learn More
Are you interested in improving your skin without a facelift? Consult with the experts at Dermatology Medical Group Inc. to learn more about our minimally invasive procedures that fit within your lifestyle and budget.
