Facelift surgery can achieve dramatic results for many patients, but unfortunately, the surgery isn’t for everyone. There are some prospective patients who may be disappointed to learn that they cannot have the surgery for a number of reasons. Being turned away from surgery is not a reason to give up, however. Today’s aesthetic surgery industry offers many nonsurgical alternatives that can help you to look younger. Consider some of these options to be proactive about your anti-aging strategies, even if surgery is off the table.
Poor Candidates for Facelift Surgery
During your consultation with your plastic surgeon, you’ll be assessed based on your medical history, current health status, and surgical needs. Sometimes, a surgeon may discover that surgery might be too difficult or risky on a patient with your unique circumstances. In this case, you may be told that surgery isn’t possible or that you’ll have to wait to get that facelift scheduled for a better time. This might happen if:
- You have a medical condition that would interfere with your ability to heal.
- You are taking medications that would interact with the drugs necessary to sedate and treat you during the process.
- You are a smoker, which poses significant risks during both your surgery and your recovery.
- You are overweight or obese. Excess fat around the face can skew surgical results and complicate the surgery itself.
Of course, there are other reasons this may occur. To discover whether you’re available for facelift surgery, schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon and be very forthcoming about your entire medical history. Withholding information would only hurt you in the end if something were to go wrong. If you are turned away, don’t panic. Ask your surgeon to explain the alternatives that are available at his clinic and schedule that appointment instead.
Alternative #1 – Botox Injections
Facelift surgeries are great for making the face look younger, but so is Botox. These injections have become extremely popular as a noninvasive, nonsurgical treatment to resolve the signs of aging at any stage. When Botox is injected into the skin, it immobilizes the muscles underneath targeted wrinkles. With the muscles unable to contract, the lines lay smooth again and the skin is unable to crease in the same place.
Not only will Botox diminish the lines and wrinkles that have already formed, but it also stops them from deepening. Botox can also prevent the formation of new lines in the same treatment area, so it helps to slow the aging process as it works. Botox injections are ideal for the treatment of frown lines, forehead creases, crow’s feet, neck bands, and wrinkles elsewhere on the face and neck.
The actual procedure is performed in the surgeon’s office and will not interrupt your daily routine at all. While some initial results will be evident immediately, your complete results will appear within three to seven days after your treatment. Aside from some swelling and slight pain around the injection site, there is no real recovery time needed after a Botox treatment. Botox can instantly take years off of your appearance when applied correctly and there’s no surgery involved whatsoever.
Alternative #2 – Fraxel Laser Skin Treatments
Fraxel, a revolutionary laser treatment that resurfaces damaged skin, is another nonsurgical way to look more youthful. As Fraxel works, it will effectively treat many common aging problems, including uneven skin texture, lines and wrinkles, enlarged pore size, age and sun spots, acne scars, melasma, and atinickeratoses. Some patients in the early stages of skin laxity and aging have also noticed marked improvements to their skin tightness following a Fraxel treatment.
Fraxelworks by targeting the tiny treatment zones of your face, like the pixels in a newsprint photo, by applying laser energy to the skin. The laser breaks apart the dead skin cells and debris that are blocking the healthy cells below and clogging pores. By uncovering the new and healthy skin cells below, Fraxel gives your skin the opportunity to renew itself. The result is a much more youthful appearance, smoother skin, and a healthy glow.
After Fraxel treatments, you won’t be required to spend any time lying on the couch to recover. Your skin may be sore and red for a few days afterwards, but this is no cause for alarm. Most patients are able to resume their regular activities within the same day or the following day.
Alternative #3 – The Liquid Facelift or Dermal Fillers
Perhaps the most popular choice for a nonsurgical facelift is a dermal filler treatment. Dubbed the Liquid Facelift, this round of injectable fillers can create the added volume and diminished lines and wrinkles that patients want to see. There are many kinds of dermal fillers available today that have special targets of their own. By using dermal fillers together, plastic surgeons are able to mimic the results of a facelift without cutting a single incision. Smooth away your wrinkles, plump up those thinning lips, and fine-tune the tiny fine lines from various trouble spots.
Dermal filler injections tend to take less than 30 minutes to perform, unless you’re looking for an extensive treatment that covers many parts of the face and neck. Afterwards, most patients head back to work or go about running their other errands, all without skipping a step. There is no formal recovery from dermal fillers and the risk of side effects and complications is very low.
Discover the Nonsurgical Facelift Alternative for You
Learn more about facelift surgery and its nonsurgical alternatives by scheduling your appointment today. Visit Renu Med Spa and Plastic Surgery to speak with founder and Medical Director Dr. Philip Schoenfeld, a board certified facial plastic surgeon with experience in anti-aging treatments and other surgical procedures. He takes a keen interest in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, having practiced in Washington, D.C., since 1994. A proven track record for excellence and a personal dedication to excellence and aesthetics have earned him a significant reputation among his peers. He was voted one of America’s Top Doctors in 2013 by Castle Connolly. Contact Renu Med Spa and Plastic Surgery, located at 5454 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1625 in Chevy Chase, Maryland, by calling (301) 652-RENU (7368). Book your appointment with Dr. Schoenfeld today.