Many patients looking for facial rejuvenation want to know how results will differ between a surgical facelift and non-surgical facelift that incorporates the use of injectables.
As a double board facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Thompson performs 1-3 facelift surgeries weekly and uses injectables on all other weekdays he is not in surgery. With such extensive experience treating patients for over ten years, it’s always best to consult with him to determine which option is best for you. In many cases, a comprehensive treatment plan will likely include both surgical and non-surgical options.
Facelift surgery is the most common surgical cosmetic procedure patients undergo to rejuvenate an aging face. Often times, additional surgical procedures are performed at the same time, such as an eyelid lift or chin implant, to maximize results. Dr. Thompson’s facelift technique includes the neck, lower face and jowls, as well as the mid-face. Loose skin is lifted and tightened to a restore ones facial patients. Results are completely natural, unlike the windblown look from facelift techniques of old.
All surgical procedures require incisions which result in varying recovery periods for healing. Recovery from Dr. Thompson’s full facelift surgery is 2-3 weeks while his in-office mini facelift (macs facelift) surgery typically heals in 1-2 weeks following surgery. Patients typically do not need to undergo surgery again though some may opt for a mini facelift years later to touch up their results.
Injectables include dermal fillers and neurotoxins such as Botox. A non-surgical facelift does less to lift and tighten and more to smooth and fill in wrinkles. Fillers such as Voluma work well to restore lost volume in the midface and lift the jowls. Results do not equal that of a surgical facelift but are perfect for patients who are not in need of surgery or who just aren’t ready.
Results from injectables are not permanent and most patients come to see Dr. Thompson 2-3 times per year for treatment. Most dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body, and are used to fill in deep folds and fine lines and wrinkles in the face. Results are instant providing immediate satisfaction. To learn more about the different dermal fillers available, visit our Dermal Filler Resource Guide.
Botox and Dysport – the two main neurotoxins – work by temporarily paralyzing certain muscles in the face to keep them from forming wrinkles. Lines are smoother and often completely diminish 5-7 days following treatment. Younger patients begin treatment in their late 20’s and early 30’s to prevent deep lines and wrinkles from forming. The most common areas neurotoxins are used are the forehead, crow’s feet, and between the brows.
Neurotoxin and dermal filler treatments are quick in-office procedures with no down-time, although there is risk of bruising. Many patients come in to receive both in the same appointment if recommended by Dr. Thompson to help one achieve their goals.
Many patients visit Dr. Thompson for a number of years for injectable treatments and sometimes reach a point where they feel they need more, such as facelift surgery. Following surgery, patients will typically continue injectable treatments to maximize their results. For patients that want and/or need a more permanent solution to restore volume, Dr. Thompson will perform fat transfer where fat is taken from the thighs or abdomen and use to fill in volume loss and wrinkles in the face. It is highly popular in conjunction with facelift surgery for full facial rejuvenation.
If you are interested in learning more about the many anti-aging cosmetic treatments in Utah, call (801)776-2220 to speak with one of the highly trained staff members at Thompson Facial Plastics. Consultation with Dr. Thompson are free and can be scheduled via Skype or in one of his three locations along the Wasatch front.