Types of Non-Surgical Facelifts

An ever-increasing number of patients are resorting to non-surgical options to address facial signs of aging. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that there were over 13.2 million minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures performed in the US in 2020 (even amidst the Covid-19 pandemic). One of the reasons behind this shift is that more people are drawn to the low-cost, no-downtime benefits associated with these procedures. When it comes to a facelift, some of the best treatment options available in The Woodlands Tx area include the following:

• BOTOX

BOTOX is the number one non-surgical facelift treatment option available for patients in The Woodlands and other Texas areas. This approach is used to smooth wrinkles, crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead creases. 

Essentially, BOTOX is a neuro-modulator compound that causes muscles to temporarily relax when injected. Since the relaxed muscles cannot contract, it can’t form wrinkles. BOTOX treatment sessions can be completed in as little as 15 minutes depending on the target area. Results are evident within as little as 3 days but can take as much as 7 days to fully materialize. Subsequent treatment sessions are needed periodically to maintain the outcome of the treatment. Patients can expect to experience a degree of swelling and irritation at the injection site. However, this discomfort disappears within a day or two. 

• Face Fillers

Dermal fillers are another common non-surgical facelift treatment approach. These are basically smooth gel injectables that help restore lost volume on the lips, cheeks, temples, and under the eyes. Once injected, the soft tissue filler plus up the hollow or sunken areas to create youthful vibrancy. Among other imperfections, dermal fillers can help alleviate nasolabial folds and marionette lines. 

Most dermal fillers available in the market contain hyaluronic acid and other ingredients. This is a natural, moisture-rich compound that is produced by the body and that is typically used to lubricate joints and other tissues. When injected into hollow areas of the face, dermal fillers hold water in order to hydrate the skin and reduce damage. This creates smoothing and plumping properties that can last as long as 18 months. Periodic dermal filler treatments are required in order to maintain the outcome of the treatment. 

• Ultherapy 

This is another increasingly common non-surgical facelift treatment that utilizes ultrasound technology to encourage collagen and elastin production within the skin. The treatment is used to target signs of facial aging such as wrinkles and skin sagging on the face, neck, and chest. One of the best things about Ultherapy is that it uses precise targeting of ultrasound energy to reach the deep layers of the skin without affecting the surface. This stimulates the body’s natural tissue repair process to take charge and produce more elastin and collagen to create a tightening and lifting effect. 

Ultherapy treatment takes between 45 and 60 minutes to complete. There is minimal downtime involved and results are typically evident within 3 months. 

• Chemical Skin Peel 

Facial skin peels are a common non-surgical facelift treatment that aims to enhance skin appearance by getting rid of damaged cells. During treatment, a low concentration peeling agent is applied to dismount old and dead skin cells from the skin’s outermost layers. This in turn reveals skin that is newer, smoother, and firmer-looking. In addition to the face, chemical skin peels can be used on areas of the neck or hands. 

Plastic surgeons may apply light, medium, or deep chemical peels depending on the specific needs and requirements of the patient. Topical anesthetics may be used when deep peels are being applied. The recovery duration will depend on the treatment area and the type of chemical peel used. 

• Microneedling

This is a skin resurfacing treatment that is also referred to as collagen induction therapy. As the name suggests, micro-needling entails repeated puncturing of the skin using small, sterile needles attached to a customized device such as a derma roller. The goal of the treatment is to induce ‘microscopic’ skin injuries that in turn trigger the body’s natural healing response (thus prompting the production of new collagen and elastin). 

Plastic surgeons and dermatologists may use a mild anesthetic or numbing cream before administering this treatment. There’s a slight change in complexion after treatment but this diminishes within 48 hours. Results can take about 6 weeks after new collagen and elastin are produced in the treatment areas. 

Conclusion 

The right type of non-surgical facelift treatment for you will be influenced by your specific needs and requirements. Dr. Wu’s office is available to recommend the best-suited non-surgical facelift treatment in The Woodlands and surrounding Texas areas.