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San Jose Have you recently looked in the mirror and wished time would slow down a little? Maybe you've noticed some sagging, a few extra fine lines, or your reflection just doesn't quite match how youthful you feel inside. This is where facelifts and other cosmetic treatments come in - but how do you know which one to choose? Illuminate Plastic Surgery is here to bring you all the pros and cons of facelifts and non-surgical alternatives to find the perfect solution to turn back the clock.
Facelifts (rhytidectomy) have been the go-to surgical procedure for tightening up the skin since the procedures began gaining traction in the 70s and 80s. They are great for getting rid of excess skin that non-surgical treatments just can't seem to get rid of. A facelift is done by having a surgeon make discreet incisions (usually around the ears and hairline), repositioning the underlying muscles, removing excess skin, and tightening everything up.
Surgical enhancement has quite a few benefits over non-surgical treatments, including:
Unfortunately, facelifts have a few downsides compared to non-surgical treatments. The downtime for surgery is longer, and recovery can take a few weeks. Swelling and bruising are common parts of the process that are less than ideal. A facelift is also a bigger investment than non-invasive options, meaning that the cost will be a little pricier than something more temporary and non-invasive. Lastly, though rare, risks like infection or scarring exist, while non-surgical treatments often do not pose these concerns.
Noticeable, long-lasting results are right around the corner if you don't mind a little downtime. But if the idea of surgery makes you cringe, don't worry; non-surgical options have come a long way.
It's completely natural (and encouraged!) to want to explore alternative possibilities for restoring your youthful glow before jumping straight into a full facelift. Non-surgical options can offer impressive results with far less recovery time, though the results may not be as long-lasting.
Ultrasound therapy (Ultherapy) stimulates collagen production deep within the skin to tighten and lift over time. It's the closest non-surgical option to a facelift.
A single session takes about 60-90 minutes and has the potential for mild discomfort (numbing cream helps if your provider offers it!). You will see gradual lifting over two to six months, with results lasting up to two years.
Hyaluronic acid-based injectables like Juvederm and Restylane or collagen-boosting filler options like Sculptra can restore lost volume, smooth wrinkles, and subtly lift sagging areas.
Fillers are injected in key areas (cheeks, nasolabial folds, jawline) to restore structure and youthfulness. The procedure takes about 30 minutes with little to no downtime. Immediate results last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the type of filler used.
While not a facelift replacement, Botox (or Dysport/Xeomin) can smooth out dynamic wrinkles (like forehead lines and crow's feet) and even slightly lift the brows and jawline.
Quick, nearly painless injections with zero downtime mean that you can get back to your day immediately. Results appear within a week and last about three to four months before you may need a touch-up.
The least invasive treatment alternative to facelifts is facials. They won't lift sagging skin, but they do boost radiance, minimize fine lines, and improve skin texture to prevent the need of a facelift in the future. The HydraFacial is a more advanced take on a traditional facial that hydrates the skin by cleansing, exfoliating, and infusing it with antioxidants.
HydraFacials last about 30-45 minutes, are incredibly relaxing, and have no downtime. You will experience an instant glow with results lasting several weeks—perfect before an event!
RF treatments (like Morpheus8, Thermage, or Profound RF) use heat to tighten your skin and stimulate collagen production. Great for mild laxity.
Most people go through a series of three to four treatments with a month in between each and experience minimal downtime. Improvements build over several months and last about one to two years.
Still debating between a facelift vs. non-surgical alternatives? Here's what we recommend: If you have mild to moderate aging concerns and prefer minimal downtime, we suggest choosing one of the non-invasive treatments. If you want dramatic, long-lasting results and are comfortable with surgery and recovery time, go for the facelift.
Or, better yet, combine both! Many people get non-surgical treatments in their 30s-50s to maintain youthful skin, then opt for a facelift later when skin laxity becomes more advanced. Dr. Leader at Illuminate Plastic Surgery is an expert at putting together personalized treatment plans for patients and providing stunning, natural-looking results. Schedule a consultation today and talk to him about a facelift, non-invasive treatment, or both could benefit you!
At Illuminate we’re with you during every step of your journey toward greater self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with us today and let Illuminate’s expert team listen to your concerns and guide you through treatments and procedures to help you reach your individual goals. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your renewed appearance and realized potential.
