Facelifts

Purpose

The purpose of a facelift or for a cosmetic procedure to be performed, is to improve the appearance of the face by removing sagging skin, a result of aging and to tighten muscle tissue (collagen) in the face and neck areas. The result or outcome of this procedure is to create a younger appearance and give the impression of a youthful look.

Other terminologies used to describe this procedure apart from calling it plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery are:

• Facialplasty
• Rhytidoplasty
• Cervicofacial Rhytidectomy

Presently, cosmetic surgery is performed more to aid burn patients and those patients who have met with accidents and require intensive repairs. When opting for a facelift for aesthetic reasons, the non-surgical options are now favored.

Types of face lifts

Non-surgical facelifts are non-invasive, require no downtime and are less painful. The highlight of a non-surgical procedure being the risks involved are far less than if one opts for a surgical facelift.
Some of the best non-surgical options available are:

Injectable Fillers

1. Injectable Dermal Fillers are some of the most widely recognized facelift alternatives. 
2. This procedure is much less invasive then a surgical facelift. 
3. Numerous products are available and though each is slightly different from the other, they all have the same basic procedure and give the same results.
4. Major well-known and widely used products are - Juvederm, Restylane, Radiance and CosmoPlast.
5. This process involves injecting the product through a needle into the areas that need to be treated; the added volume below the skin’s outer layer helps smoothen out the wrinkles or lines. Additionally, some dermal fillers can be used to enhance the volume of the lips.

Botox

Though Botox is an injectable filler, it works in a different manner than the products mentioned under Injectable Fillers above. Where dermal fillers literally act to fill in the spaces created by lines and wrinkles, Botox acts to control the muscle movements in the face that cause wrinkles and lines to form. Botox is usually injected into areas around the forehead or eyes to keep the skin taut and smooth, even when we smile or frown.

Thermage

• Is also known as “The Non-surgical Facelift”.
• It is different from the traditional facelift, as well as such procedures as dermal fillers or Botox.
• It is completely non-invasive.
• It is quick (takes around an hour or less).
• Involves very little pain or causes very little discomfort.
• The effects of the procedure continues to work long after the treatment has been done.
• This procedure requires fewer sessions than other facelift options.
• This procedure encourages growth of newer collagen strands.
• Involves the use of captive radiofrequency technology, which naturally draws collagen from the skin’s surface and creates a tighter, firmer and smoother surface.

IPL Photofacial

• A laser is used in this procedure.
• Almost similar to Thermage as in it is also non-invasive.
• This process, however uses an intense pulsed light to stimulate the growth of collagen and connective tissues.
• It is a safe procedure.
• In addition to removing signs of aging, this procedure is also good to treat sun damage, large pores, age spots, facial veins or rosacea and for the skin to look smoother and younger.

Thread Lift

An unusual procedure where the doctor threads a very thin thread using a needle into the areas to be treated. Once the threading is completed the doctor moves the threads to stretch the skin, giving the face a firmer and tighter look. The procedure takes less than an hour.