The Traditional Facelift vs Non-Surgical Facelift

Sometimes signs of aging create the need for a facelift. If you’ve found yourself distressed by signs of aging or feeling like your appearance doesn’t match your youthful energy anymore, a facelift can help.

Performed by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, a facelift can take as many as 10 years off your facial profile. However, there are now a variety of facelift options available and one may suit your goals better than the others. The non-surgical facelift is an increasingly popular procedure and comes with its own benefits. It’s important to know which facelift is best for you and your goals, and Dr. Bonaparte can help you determine the right approach during a consultation. Here’s what to know about surgical and non-surgical facelifts and which one is right for you.

Traditional Facelift Procedure

The traditional facelift is a surgical procedure that lifts the skin and underlying tissues of the face. A facelift can reduce and eliminate wrinkles and repair loose skin, muscle laxity, drooping jowls, deep lines around the mouth, and even laxity in the neck. This invasive procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be completely asleep for the procedure.

During surgery, Dr. Bonaparte will create small incisions around the ear and hairline to gain access to the underlying tissues of the face. The tissues are lifted upward and repositioned and any excess skin is trimmed away. The incisions are then closed and made ready for recovery.

Non-invasive Facelift

A non-invasive or non-surgical facelift is a procedure that uses injectables such as Juvederm® and Restylane® to smooth wrinkles and add volume to the face. A non-invasive facelift can also incorporate other injectables like Botox® or laser treatments. This is a safer and less invasive way to add volume to the face – it’s also a treatment that doesn’t require general anesthesia or recovery. You’ll see immediate results with treatment and can return to your daily activities afterward.

Non-invasive results can last 1-2 years, depending on the fillers and specific treatments used. The biggest benefit of the non-surgical facelift is it allows patients to look younger without the recovery time that comes with a traditional procedure. Although it’s not as long-lasting as a traditional facelift, it can be an effective way to explore your cosmetic goals without the risks.

Beginning Your Journey

If you’re interested in starting your facelift journey, there are a few important factors to consider first.

1. Where should I begin my facelift journey?

You may be surprised that the answer to this question can be more intensive than you thought. You should always select a board-certified facial plastic surgeon for your procedure. Board certification ensures your facial plastic surgeon has the proper training and background to safely and effectively perform your procedure.

2. Am I comfortable with general anesthesia?

If general anesthesia is a concern of yours, then it’s best to talk about it with your facial plastic surgeon. Certain health conditions could disqualify you from candidacy anyway. You may be able to use alternative forms of anesthetic based on your unique surgical plan. If not, Dr. Bonaparte can help you explore your non-surgical facelift options.

3. Will I have a scar after?

Scarring is inevitable with any surgery, but an experienced facelift surgeon will take every step to ensure it’s not visible. If you’re still concerned about scarring, then a non-surgical facelift will leave behind no signs of treatment and may be your best option.

4. How serious are my signs of aging?

Age can be a determining factor in your options. The traditional facelift is more transformative and thus is best for patients in their 50s and beyond. If you have only mild to moderate signs of aging or are in your 30s-40s a non-surgical facelift may be more appropriate. However, everyone ages at different rates and Dr. Bonaparte can help you determine what’s right for your goals.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re ready to take the next step and learn more about your options, our team can help. To schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Bonaparte, contact our Ottawa office by calling or filling out our online form.