Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Facelift: Which Is Better for Your Goals?

While “having work done” was once something people only talked about in whispers, today, more of us are being open about the facial flaws we’ve resolved with anti-aging procedures. As techniques improve and patients proudly present their results to the world, you may be wondering whether a surgical or non-surgical lift can help you meet your goals.

Altering any aspect of your appearance is a highly personal decision, and one you should never take lightly. If your self-esteem is suffering due to facial wrinkles and volume loss, read on to learn the differences between surgical and non-surgical facelifts and which may be better to help you achieve your desired outcome.

What Is a Surgical Facelift?

Also known as rhytidectomy, a facelift tightens soft tissue to rejuvenate facial beauty. It addresses common skin flaws in the lower two-thirds of your face, including sagging cheeks, loose skin on the neck, and fine lines. Though you may associate facelift surgery with an outdated “wind-tunnel” look, Dr. Mussat’s advanced techniques and extensive experience ensure your results will be subtle and appear natural.

Aging affects more than the skin. It also impacts underlying facial tissues that may sag due to the combined effects of gravity and volume loss. Before removing excess skin, Dr. Mussat will reposition these tissues to restore your youthful contours, creating a refreshed and radiant facial appearance.

Then, she will address areas like the cheeks, jawline, and neck, helping you say goodbye to folds, lines, jowls, and the appearance of a double chin.

Your recovery period should last at least two weeks to allow enough time for you to heal. And, as with all surgical procedures, there are associated risks like infection and excess bleeding, though these are rare.

Non-Surgical Facelift

For people who are not yet ready to commit to facelift surgery and the required recovery time, Dr. Mussat also offers non-surgical solutions to address sagging skin and lost facial volume. These include Botox, dermal fillers, and the minimally invasive Silhouette Instalift.

Botox

Botox is a neuromodulator that addresses dynamic wrinkles and lines on the forehead, brow, and around the eyes. It temporarily halts muscle movement to address horizontal lines on the forehead and between the brows. It is also an excellent treatment for crow’s feet.

Botox is a safe, convenient treatment you can get on your lunch break. The results last up to four months, with minimal risks and side effects.

Dermal Fillers

Dr. Mussat employs dermal fillers like Restylane and Juvéderm to correct folds and wrinkles that affect the midface below the eyes. These new-generation fillers use a naturally occurring molecule called hyaluronic acid to restore underlying volume and tighten the skin.

These fillers typically last for six months or more and, like Botox, are convenient and safe.

InstaLift

If you deal with volume loss or sagging skin that makes you look older than you think you should, you may want to consider InstaLift. It is a minimally invasive correction for men and women who look to refresh their facial appearance without incisions or general anesthesia.

The InstaLift technique relies on fine biodegradable sutures positioned deep into the skin layers. These advanced threads elevate sagging skin tissue for a more youthful midface, much like a surgical facelift. The outcome lasts about 18 months and is safe and painless. As your body absorbs these sutures, new collagen growth will result.

Love Your Looks at Any Age

If you would like to learn more about our surgical facelift for permanent results or non-surgical corrections without the risk or recovery associated with an operation, schedule a consultation today by contacting us or calling (312) 751-9000.