Planning your facial rejuvenation can be a bit like trying to hit a moving target. With a good bit of overlap between what popular treatments can accomplish, as well as the natural variations in the human face, nailing down your perfect anti-aging solution is difficult.
To be more specific, I routinely hear from prospective patients who aren’t sure if they’re better candidates for injectable dermal fillers or a surgical facelift here in Austin. To help you make your own decision, let’s examine the possibilities and limitations of these 2 popular options.
Dermal Fillers
Today, injectable fillers are among the most popular procedures in any plastic surgery practice. Their ease of administration, coupled with their instant results, makes them especially appealing to busy people who want a subtle touch-up in the areas most often affected by aging.
At Synergy, we use FDA-approved fillers, including JUVEDERM® and Restylane®, that have been carefully vetted for safety and efficacy. Individual filler products can be used on their own or in conjunction with one another to create a thorough, full-face improvement. Popular treatment areas include:
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines (lines that descend from the corners of the mouth)
- Lips, including lip lines
- Hollow cheeks
- Tear troughs and under-eye bags
Dermal fillers don’t create permanent results, however. While this can be good for patients who want to “try on” fillers or look their best for a special event, it can become time-consuming and costly to maintain the results of fillers over a long period of time.
Facelift
If facial rejuvenation were a hierarchy, a facelift would be placed above dermal fillers. This popular surgery is the go-to for treating more significant signs of aging, especially loose, lax skin in the mid and lower face.
The facelift procedure includes an incision made around the ears and behind the hairline so the surgeon can manipulate fat and tissues beneath the skin, lifting them to their more youthful positions. During the procedure, the surgeon also removes redundant skin and smooths the remaining, creating a contour that’s tighter but not taut.
A skilled plastic surgeon can create dramatic, age-defying results while still respecting each patient’s unique facial structure and maintaining a natural look. You can some of the results that can be achieved in our before-and-after photo gallery.
A facelift is not a solution for every type of facial aging, however. It’s best at improving the lower two-thirds of the face. Although this is the area where people tend to report the most significant signs of aging, improving the area around the eyes or forehead will be better served by a brow lift and eyelid surgery. Read our related blog post to see if you are a good candidate for blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
The outcomes of facelift surgery can endure for years, with patients often saying they’re enjoying their results even a decade later. You can learn more about facelift surgery on our FAQ page.
The best way to determine whether you need a facelift or injectables is through a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. Many patients come to my practice believing they need one treatment or procedure, when in reality they’re better candidates for another option.
To learn more about your options with fillers or facelift surgery, please request a consultation or call us at (512) 244-1439.
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