Alternatives to a Facelift - By: Patricia Woloch

A facelift is considered a major surgery, which should not be considered lightly, and many people balk at the procedure. The process is very extensive and usually puts you out of commission for several days. If you are not ready to undergo a facelift, there are some other treatment options you may consider.

Some non-surgical, or minimally invasive procedures done in lieu of a facelift include, laser facelift, microcurrent facelift, and Thermage® skin tightening. These procedures are efficient and comparatively pain free.

Laser Facelift
Laser skin resurfacing is non-invasive, leaves no scars, and does not require anesthesia. The laser resurfaces and tightens the outer layer of skin to give you a fresher, younger appearance. There may be some short-term discoloration after a laser lift, but it usually clears up in about a week.

Microcurrent Facelift
This option is very similar to the laser option, but small electrical currents are used to stimulate natural cell reactions to induce healing and tightening of the skin. The stimulation helps not only the skin, but stimulates the muscles of your face. It also effectively exfoliates dead skin.

Thermage®
This option uses heat to stimulate collagen growth and natural collagen replacement. Increased collagen helps the skins natural elasticity, making it tighter and fuller, smoothing out the wrinkles in the treated area.

Other alternative treatments that work to varying degree are facelift tape, creams, and powders. These products may help reduce wrinkles and hydrate your skin for a fresher appearance. Many creams and ointments are not effective and are merely gimmicks to take your money. To find out which of these products work best, consult a qualified professional.

Mini-facelift
A less invasive facelift procedure is also an option, sometimes known as a mini-facelift, this procedure uses smaller incisions and special barbed sutures placed under the skin that are sewn into place. The results of mini-facelifts are not as long lasting and will likely need to be redone within five years, but are a good alternative to the full operation.

There are two types of mini-facelift, anterior and posterior. The anterior option is more like a traditional facelift that pull up the cheeks toward the hairline, but uses small incisions and barbed sutures. The posterior mini-facelift adjusts the neck area, pulling excess skin back and up over the jaws. This procedure specifically addresses the loose skin about the neck sometimes called a wattle.

Injectable fillers
Less invasive procedures include products like Juvederm® and Restylane® which are fillers that are injected into the subdermal layer of skin. These products fill up the area behind certain types of wrinkles, and give your skin a younger more pleasing visage.

Botox® injections
Another option elected by many people is Botox® injections. In fact, Botox® is the most popular cosmetic treatment sought by men and women today. According the American Society for Plastic Surgery, over 4 million Americans had Botox® injections in 2006. Unlike injectable fillers, Botox® acts chemically to block acetylcholine, an enzyme that triggers muscle contraction. Since the muscles are in a continued state of relaxation, the frown lines that are commonly caused by scrunching your face fade for up to six months.

If you are concerned about the risks or costs of getting a full facelift surgery, investigate some of these other options. They may perform the job you expect and give you the appearance that you want, at least until you are ready to take the plunge and commit to the full procedure. Discuss the options fully with a qualified physician to see which treatment is right for your needs.

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Contact an experienced cosmetic surgeon, like Dr. James J. Barber today for you initial consultation.

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