Collagen is what provides elasticity and gives the skin a youthful appearance. Unfortunately, collagen begins to diminish after the age of 21 and once we reach the age of 30, collagen drops by 1-2% each year. This leads to wrinkles, laxity and other signs of aging. Luckily, there are many treatments available that can “fill” fine lines and wrinkles and others that “lift” the skin and underlying tissue. So how do you know when it’s time to lift and when it’s time to fill?
How to Fill
The areas that typically lose volume first in the face are the cheeks, temples, under-eyes, lips and the midface/cheeks. Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, are ideal for patients with minimal to moderate fine lines and wrinkles in these areas who are looking to restore lost volume. Lines are instantly filled for immediate correction with results lasting approximately 6 – 24 months depending on the product used.
For more advanced volume loss, Sculptra works well by stimulating collagen production in the skin. Results develop overtime but last 2-3 years once a series of treatments is completed. Fat can also be injected underneath the skin to restore lost volume and is better for advanced signs of aging.
There does come a point where continuous filling can give one an “overfilled” and unnatural appearance. This is typically when a “lifting” procedure is recommended better to address signs of aging.
How to Lift
At Utah Facial Plastics, we offer both surgical and non-surgical options to lift the brow, mid-face, lower face and neck. FaceTite and AccuTite are both minimally invasive procedures that utilize radiofrequency energy to lift and contour the face. These procedures are both performed in-office by our skilled facial plastic surgeons only.
Our UFP MACSlift is also performed in-office under local anesthesia. This procedure is primarily for patients concerned with jowl formation and lower face laxity. Where neck laxity is also a concern, a UFP facelift may be recommended to reposition lax muscles, underlying tissue and skin in the neck and and lower face. A brow lift, eyelid lift and/or fat injections may be recommended at the same time for full-face rejuvenation.
While patients are typically looking to avoid the scalpel, surgery is often a much better option and can be less expensive than continuous filling over the course of many years. And for many, a combination of both “lifting” and “filling” may be best! No matter your level of aging, our UFP providers can help you determine a treatment plan that is best for you. To schedule a complimentary consultation, call (801) 776-2220 or contact us HERE.