Facelift vs. Fillers
Since dermal fillers have gained popularity and become a more mainstream form of cosmetic procedure, a common question is when a traditional facelift is the better option. The truth is that both procedures have their pros and cons and are not interchangeable. The end-goal behind the treatments is often, but not always, the same but the best choice for your needs is not going to match other patients.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are a solution made up of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally-occurring substance in your skin. The fillers are injected into the areas of your face that have lost collagen and elasticity, taking up the extra room and giving you a more full appearance.
The results from dermal fillers are practically instantaneous with almost no recovery time. You can expect a little bit of swelling or redness at the injection site, but it will dissipate in a matter of days. Because hyaluronic acid is a natural substance, the results will look completely natural.
The fillers do wear off over time since your body will metabolize the hyaluronic acid, just as it would if it were naturally in your skin. You will notice that your skin starts to sag slightly or wrinkles appear again. Then you will know that it is time to have the procedure done again.
What Fillers Cannot Do
While there are many benefits from dermal fillers, there are still some things that they cannot accomplish. One consideration is that fillers are not a permanent solution. Eventually, your body will metabolize the ingredients and you will return to where you were before you had the procedure done. This means that fillers are not a good option if you would like a solution that lasts longer than a few months.
Fillers also cannot make up for deep wrinkles, skin folds, etched lines above the lip, vertical neck bands and even jowls. Even if you were hoping to avoid facelift surgery, dermal fillers are limited in their ability to help people who have lost a lot of tissue and skin elasticity. When someone receives fillers injections without having good elasticity, the effect is much less natural-looking, even running the risk of making your face appear bloated or larger than normal.
What Is A Facelift?
A facelift is a surgical procedure where Dr. Pirani will remove any excess fat in your face and tighten the muscles. Then, the excess or loose skin will be pulled back and stitched along the hairline, the front of your ears, and underneath your chin. The procedure takes about 2 to 3 weeks to recover from before you will be able to return to work.
The procedure will not have the same natural appearance as dermal fillers, because it will take your skin a few weeks to really settle into its new position. Even if you could go back to work before 2 weeks, it is unlikely that you will want to until the swelling in your face has gone down and your sutures have been removed. It can take about 2 months for your face to feel normal again in texture, sensation, and even the elasticity of your skin.
What A Facelift Can Do
A facelift really is the most efficient way to battle signs of aging in your face. After your recovery, the effects of the facelift can last up to 10 years. The results of a facelift including taking years off of your face, making you appear less tired, younger, and even thinner than you did before. By removing the extra skin, your bone structure will become more visible. Once the swelling and bruising subside from the procedure, you will be more excited by its results.
Bottom Line
When you are considering either fillers or a facelift to correct the signs of aging, the right choice for you depends on the severity of your situation, whether you want the results to be permanent, and the speed in which you would like to see results. Fillers are naturally faster with a quicker recovery time, but the results are not permanent. A traditional facelift requires time off and a couple of months of waiting before really seeing the final results.
You can discuss which option is right for you with a consultation with Dr. Pirani.