It’s no secret that nonsurgical anti-aging treatments have become so effective that it begs the question: Has the facelift become obsolete?
Non-surgical procedures such as injections of Botox and dermal fillers account for the vast number of cosmetic procedures that I have performed in the last few years, and these numbers are increasing. This trend is likely to continue and is much more than a stop gap in between the use of moisturizers and opting to get a facelift. Achieving a more youthful and restful appearance can be obtained with non-surgical procedures of injections of Neurotoxins (Botox, Xeomin and Dysport) and dermal fillers such as (Juvederm, Radiesse Belotero and Voluma.)
So is the Facelift dead?
Studies have shown that the main issue with aging faces is the loss of volume in the temple hollows, mid cheeks and around the eyes. It is important to note that Facelifts do not address loss of volume.
Younger women are seeking to erase aging but they don't need a facelift. They are served best by the maintenance that Neurotoxins and dermal fillers can provide. Younger patients are usually at the peak of their careers and parenting responsibilities. They have very busy schedules and cannot afford downtime. Fillers and neurotoxins have very limited downtime. The downtime with Facelifts is typically 10 to 15 days.
Facelifts are expensive: well above $10K... and sometimes much more depending on the surgeon and area where you live. Fillers and neurotoxins are not cheap, but you can get good results for around $2K.
Studies have shown that the first sign of aging is sun spots and sun damaged skin. The facelift is not a solution for sun-damaged skin. It is important to note that chemical peels address this problem.
While Facelifts don’t address loss of volume, sun damage and wrinkles, there are situations when the Facelift is the best solution. Here are a few factors to consider.
Face lifts are not dead!!!
As we age, we are losing volume in our faces. It’s sort of like letting air out of the balloon. We are left facing the problem of redundant or excess skin. People who stay fit, lose more weight, which results in a deflated face with hanging skin. It’s important to note that only facelifts remove excess skin.
Facelifts are expensive for sure, but they last around 15 Years. Fillers and Neurotoxins need to be re done at least once a year. Over the years, the cost adds up. While Facelifts are more expensive, they are an investment in your appearance that will last for years.
Facelifts are not an all or nothing type of deal. We now have mini lifts, S-lifts, or weekend lifts that cost half the price of a facelift and last around 5 to 7 years.
Sagging skin and wrinkles are no longer the inevitable consequences of growing older. If you want to achieve long-lasting results, the facelift is the best solution. Many younger patients might delay getting a facelift and instead have the option of getting fillers and neurotoxins to achieve facial rejuvenation. The prospect of getting a facelift is a matter of having enough time and money to afford the downtime. Facelifts are still the gold standard in cosmetic surgery and are here to stay!
Dr. Henri Gaboriau is Board Certified and a Diplomate of both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Gaboriau is an expert in all aspects of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and has expertise that ranges from the traditional face-lift, eyelid surgery, and nose surgery to the advanced endoscopic forehead lift.
