Facelift or Fillers: Which is Best?

The idea of having a facelift may have seemed outlandish to you ten years ago. Now that the signs of aging are more prominent, you may have considered what this procedure might do for you. If you’ve heard that dermal fillers are sometimes used to rejuvenate the face, you may have also questioned which approach, a facelift or fillers, would be best. This is not an easy question to answer without the input of a board-certified facial plastic surgeon.

Patients should not presume that a surgeon will only recommend surgery. Dr. Holds relies on a high standard of patient-centered care and adept skills utilizing both surgical techniques and nonsurgical modalities to revitalize the faces of his patients. When nonsurgical facial rejuvenation can achieve the desired outcome, no one is happier for our patients than we are. What is important to understand is that there is no “right” approach that works for every patient. The best approach is one that suits the unique concerns and qualities of each face. Here, we discuss both options to help you recognize what may be possible for you.

What is a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that can rejuvenate the face by about 10 years. This procedure does not alter the entire face. It focuses on the mid-face region. Here, the tissue is repositioned across the cheekbones to restore the appearance of fullness and firmness. A mid-face lift elevates the cheeks that have become flatter with age. It also decreases the appearance of jowls along the jawline and can smooth the creases the form around the nose and the mouth. A facelift does not rejuvenate the eye area or the neck. To do so would require blepharoplasty, a brow lift, or a neck lift along with the mid-face lift.

What is Nonsurgical Facial Rejuvenation?

Some people refer to advanced dermal filler treatment as a nonsurgical facelift. However, there is no lifting that happens with this treatment so that is somewhat of a misrepresentation. Nonsurgical facial rejuvenation often utilizes hyaluronic acid dermal fillers as well as Botox. Dermal fillers add volume beneath lines and creases on the lower face. These products can also enhance the cheek and lip contours, giving the appearance of a lift. Botox is used on dynamic wrinkles related to muscle movement, such as frown lines.

Which is Right for You?

It is easy to assume that there are more advantages to dermal filler treatment than facelift surgery. After all, there are virtually no risks to contend with. Indeed, dermal fillers do not require incisions, anesthesia, and downtime. These are the primary advantages of this method of facial rejuvenation. However, the results of nonsurgical treatment last from 3 months to 2 years, depending on which products are used. This can be a downside. Additionally, there are limitations even to the best injectable products. Adults who have more severe tissue laxity and creases or who want long-lasting results may appreciate the value of a facelift.

Dr. Holds relies on anatomical knowledge and surgical expertise to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results for our patients, regardless of whether they choose a surgical or nonsurgical technique. To learn which approach can achieve your desired outcome, schedule a consultation at 314-567-3567.