Non-Surgical alternatives, FACE LIFTS, OR SURGICAL treatments – New Year, New You…

QUESTIONS TO ASK AND THE NON-SURGICAL ALTERNATIVES

Revelations from A-list celebrities openly confessing to the odd nip or tuck could be one of the drivers for increased acceptance and de-stigmatising of aesthetics enhancement. So it’s no surprise to read a record number of Britons underwent cosmetic surgery in 2015, demonstrating the public willingness to view surgical enhancements or non-surgical alternatives as a way of looking good.

So why consider a Face Lift?

Don’t worry, you are not alone!  Many clients tell me when they look in the mirror, they don’t see a reflection of someone who has the vitality and freshness they feel within themselves and are looking for aesthetic treatments to look as fresh on the outside as they feel on the inside.

Those who adopt a very proactive approach to managing the aging process, opt for a facelift before everything starts ‘going South’. Figures just released from the BAAPS show a record number of British women, a growth of 16% on 2014, underwent a surgical Face Lift procedure in 2015.*

A surgical facelift (Rhytidectomy) is a procedure to remove any excess fat, tighten underlying tissues and redrape the skin of the face and neck. A facelift can be carried out on almost everyone, but is particularly successful when performed on someone with good bone structure whose facial tissues have begun to sag, but still maintain some elasticity.  There are a number of factors that determine what type of facelift is best for you. Your surgeon will take into account: your wishes and expectations; your anatomy and the degree to which your face has sagged and what is realistically achievable before advising your options.

There is no doubt with a full facelift the surgery is extensive – the dissection extends far into the tissues of the face and neck. However you many be surprised to learn that surgery can have an emotional aftermath. The GMC (General Medical Council) stipulates that Doctors must consider patients’ psychological needs when offering surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedures so be sure to ask your surgeon if they offer a tailored Pre and Post Procedure Support Initiative.

What if full surgery isn’t for me?

It is useful to think of the term ‘Face Lift’ as representing a spectrum, with a surgical facelift at one end, the non-surgical alternatives include a  ‘8 Point Facelift’ at the other end and the Advanced Mini Facelift somewhere between the two. Whilst this will allow a more dramatic improvement in appearance, the risks are higher and the recovery period may be somewhat prolonged in comparison with an Advanced MiniFacelift.

The Advanced Mini Facelift, also known as the Quick Lift, incorporates a stitch that lifts and holds whilst the skin of the face is then redraped over the tightened underlying tissues. Advantages are an immediate improvement in the appearance of prominent jowls, nose to mouth folds (nasolabial folds) and neckline with significantly fewer risks and complications than a full surgical facelift. Recovery is quicker with a return to normal daily activities of typically two weeks. This treatment is carried out under sedation and local anesthesia. Scarring, swelling and bruising varies from patient to patient. Typically results last between five and ten years.

For some individuals, surgery is the only option, however more and more of my clients are telling me that a non-surgical alternative is required. Revolutionary advances in technology and techniques, allow us to now offer a choice of non-invasive treatments and non-surgical alternatives generally with very little or zero downtime

What are the Non-Surgical Options?

A Facial Threads Lift has been proven to counteract the effects of facial volume loss. The procedure involves the insertion of barbed polypropylene threads under the skin of the face using a ‘tunnelling’ technique. Pulling the threads taut and anchoring one end in the deep tissues above the hairline produces lifting of lax tissues. Scar tissue subsequently forms around the threads, anchoring the facial skin in the elevated position. Results are shorter lived between 12-24 months. However the treatment can be performed under local anesthetic, scarring is minimal, bruising may occur and downtime varies between 5-14 days.

8 Point Face Lift

In my opinion the ‘8 Point Face Lift’ is the most innovative, non-surgical and natural way to tighten and lift the face quickly and with no downtime. Using a combination of FDA approved fillers and anti-wrinkle injections, problem areas of the face and neck are individually addressed to achieve your expectations. This treatment provides truly remarkable results and is virtually pain free, quick, easy and safe. Pain and swelling is minimal and a topical anesthetic cream is used to ensure you are comfortable. A short course of skin rejuvenation treatments to improve texture and tone of the skin is recommended to return your skin to a healthy, vibrant state.

Click here for more information about the 8 Point Face Lift

(see also our article in LIVE 24-Seven)

Ultherapy

I also recommend to my clients a non-surgical skin lifting treatment called ‘Ultherapy‘. An innovative treatment using precisely placed amounts of focused ultrasound energy at the skin’s foundational layer; the area where surgeon work to perform a face lift. The ultrasound energy by passes the skins’ surface, stimulates and remodels your collagen and tissue, a process known as neocollagenesis, to lift and tighten. Whilst ‘Ultherapy‘ does not duplicate the results of a face lift, it is the only non-surgical treatment cleared for skin lifting by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) proving its safety and efficacy. Typically most clients see an initial lift after their treatment, but the real results appear over 2-3 months as the new collagen builds, gradually lifting skin on the upper and lower face, neck and décolletage.

Click here for more information about Ultherapy