Your face is the first thing that people see, and a great first impression is extremely important. If you are seeing signs of facial aging, you don’t have to hide your face, there are two great options you can choose from to reverse or control the aging process. Dr. David J. Levens, performs plastic and cosmetic surgery, as well as non-surgical skin rejuvenation with beautiful and natural results.
So, what is the difference between a facelift and a liquid facelift and how do you know which option is best for you?
Liquid Facelift:
What is it? – A liquid facelift procedure involves the use of fillers to add volume to areas of the face where fat and collagen have decreased. The face begins to look sunken and hollow. The extra volume, provided by the filler, helps fill and smooth the skin, which also reduces the appearance of some fine lines and wrinkles. The fillers that are chosen are unique to the patient’s face and aesthetic goals. The treatment is done in order to lift and contour the face.
How is it performed? – Filler treatments are performed with small, thin syringes and are given in the specific areas of the face where loss of collagen has occurred. These injections are quick and virtually painless. A variety of fillers can be used to perform a liquid facelift to address different issues. Dr. Levens will inform you which fillers would work best to meet your needs.
What is the recovery time? – Liquid facelifts require virtually no recovery time. After your appointment, you can get back to your usual routine. Results from fillers can be seen immediately. There may be some swelling, but after approximately one week the swelling will subside.
Traditional Facelift:
What is it? – Facelift surgery is performed to improve the appearance of the face and neck when one or more of these conditions are present: loose, sagging tissues of the mid-face, deep folds of loose skin at the sides of the nose and mouth, jowls or loss of definition of the jawline, and excess fat or loose skin causing loss of definition and “hanging” of the tissues in the neck area.
How is it performed? – A traditional facelift will require surgery and the use of anesthesia. During facelift surgery, incisions are made from the hairline on the temple, around the front or inside of the ear, behind the ear, and into the hairline behind the ear. Next, the skin is lifted off the underlying tissue, excess fat is removed. Excess skin is trimmed away, and the incisions are carefully closed. A facelift procedure will also treat the neck area. In this area, malposition of neck muscles are corrected to provide better support and ideal contour.
What is the recovery time? – The recovery time for a facelift is more extensive than a liquid facelift. After a facelift your facial incisions will be wrapped, these wraps typically come off the next day. Stiches are removed after about a week. Swelling and bruising may take about three weeks to subside. Best results are seen in about six weeks.
Surgery is not for everyone but it is long-lasting, whereas filler treatments will need to be repeated every 18 – 24 months. It is important to speak with Dr. Levens about your aesthetic goals so he can help you make the best decision on which option to choose.
