Non-surgical face lifts, also called non-invasive face lifts, are an alternative to traditional facelifts and an option that is becoming more popular. They do not require the kind of downtime that a conventional facelift needs and do not necessitate patients to undergo surgery with anesthesia, which means that non-surgical face lifts are suitable for a wider group of people.
Let’s learn more about this procedure and how it differs from a traditional facelift (also spelled face lift).
What Is a Non-Surgical Face Lift?
A non-surgical facelift uses minimally invasive or non-invasive cosmetic procedures to improve the way your facial skin looks. It can refresh and plump up your skin without requiring large incisions.
A face lift without surgery can be a good option for people who want to resolve some common facial issues, including:
- Shadows under the eyes
- Jowls
- Sagging skin
- Thin lips
- Sunken cheeks
- Wrinkles and fine lines
A non-surgical face lift does not offer the same results as a traditional one, but it can be a good alternative for people who cannot go through surgery or don’t want such an elaborate procedure.
Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Facelift
A surgical facelift involves incisions, as a surgeon cuts into your face strategically to move the skin, adjust the tissues beneath the skin, and move fat around, if necessary. You have the option of mini facelifts, which change the lower part of your face, or full facelifts, which tighten skin throughout your face. Either procedure provides dramatic and long-lasting results.
For a surgical facelift, you will receive general anesthesia. You might stay at a hospital overnight, and you should expect to spend several days recovering at home. Because this is an invasive surgery, you can expect to pay a premium for the procedure.
A non-surgical face lift or natural face lift is less invasive and requires minimal recovery time. It doesn’t require any incisions at all. Non-surgical face lift costs are also much more affordable. You can expect to start seeing results sooner, though they may not last as long as the results you would get from a surgical facelift.
How Do Non-Surgical Facelifts Work?
The process begins when you come in for a consultation. We will assess your face and hear about your treatment goals. That will help us put together the appropriate procedure options.
We will also ask about your medical history and whether you take any medications so that we can advise you on how to prepare for the procedure. Because it is not surgical and you do not need general anesthesia, preparing for this alternative to face lifts is usually not very difficult.
On the day of the procedure, we will ask you to come in without makeup or jewelry. You also want to stay out of the sun in the days leading up to your appointment.
The exact way the procedure will take place will depend on the treatments you decide on. The length of the process will vary as well.
Once we finish the treatment, you are free to leave. You might want to take the day to rest, but there isn’t a lot of downtime for most of the non-surgical face lift procedures. You can usually start seeing results within a few days.
Types of Non-Surgical Facelifts
There are many options for a non-surgical facelift, and you can combine the procedures you desire or only choose one option at a time.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are injectables that contain substances like hyaluronic acid or gel to bring volume to the treatment area. These fillers can plump up your lips or fill in wrinkles. One of the best things about dermal fillers is that they usually last six months to a year, allowing you to enjoy your results for some time.
Botox
Botox is one of the best non-surgical face lift options. These injectables are made from botulinum toxin, interrupting the signals your brain sends to your muscles to tell them to contract. Botox can diminish or eliminate wrinkles and fine lines, improving the appearance of crow’s feet, glabellar lines, and much more.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
A laser face lift is a treatment that uses beams of intense light to target areas on your face. The laser gently removes the outer layer of skin, allowing a newer layer to grow. The light can also stimulate collagen production. Some at-home face lift options that use laser therapy as well.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels remove the top layers of your skin. Different intensity levels are available, ranging from light to deep peels. Chemical peels can help reduce fine lines and shrink pores and help your skin create collagen so that the new layer of skin looks fresher and healthier.
Microneedling
Microneedling involves using very thin needles to make tiny wounds on your face. These wounds trigger your body’s healing mechanism, helping it create healthier skin. Microneedling can help with wrinkles, sun damage, large pores, and other skin concerns.
Pros and Cons of Non-Surgical Face Lifts
When deciding whether non-surgical facelifts are the right option, it’s a good idea to look at non-surgical face lift before-and-after pictures and carefully consider the pros and cons of this treatment.
Pros
Non-surgical facelifts are minimally invasive. You don’t have to worry about incisions or general anesthesia.
You also don’t have to stress about a long recovery time. Not everyone can afford to take weeks off to recover from a major surgery. Non-surgical facelifts allow you to return to regular activity without significant downtime.
The procedures are fast. If you are getting Botox in several areas, you can expect only about 30 minutes of treatment. Even for other procedures that take a bit longer, like chemical peels, you don’t have to worry about being at our location for more than a couple of hours.
Non-surgical facelifts are also more affordable. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get results you can be happy with.
The results are temporary, which means that you can try out a new look with a shorter commitment. You can discuss alternative treatments at your next consultation if you want to adjust your results.
Cons
The results of these procedures are less dramatic than you would get from a surgical facelift. If you want to look totally refreshed all at once, there may be better choices than a non-surgical option.
Additionally, the results of natural facelift procedures wear off over time. That means you need to get repeat treatments to maintain your new look.
Finally, there is also a limit to the kind of issues that a non-surgical facelift can fix. It can not resolve deep wrinkles or severely sagging skin.
Consider a Non-Surgical Facelift with Wave Plastic Surgery
Although a non-surgical facelift cannot offer the same results as a traditional facelift surgery, it can be the right choice for those who want to refresh their appearance but do not want to go through an invasive procedure. We use cutting-edge technology to deliver natural-looking results in a luxurious setting — all while paying meticulous attention to our patient’s safety and wellness. To learn more about the options available, contact Wave Plastic Surgery & Laser Center. Call us today to ask about our non-surgical procedures to revitalize your look.