Concerned about ageing skin and considering a facelift? This post reveals two non-invasive facelifts to achieve a younger-looking you! Ultherapy and Dermal Fillers are leading the scalpel-free, anti-ageing revolution...read on to get the inside scoop!
When it comes to facelifts, we are more determined than ever to avoid the wind-tunnel effect – let's be clear, it just doesn't look good. Most of us want to look fresh for our age but not in an unnatural way. As non-invasive facelift procedures become more and more advanced, it’s easier than ever to look great at every age.
So, if you are considering a facelift, you should research and investigate all the options before making a decision. After all, a traditional facelift involves anaesthesia and surgery, which most people typically try to avoid!
But what exactly is a facelift, and what are the alternatives? Here we give you the inside track and two easy workarounds to avoid surgery!
What is a Facelift?
A "facelift" is a surgical procedure in which an aesthetic surgeon removes excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying muscle. This results in remodelling facial contours and a reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles associated with ageing. Usually performed under general anaesthetic, these operations can take one to two hours, necessitate multiple visits to the consultant's office, and result in weeks of downtime. Not to mention the cost (approximately €10,000) and a potentially disappointing outcome - you may not be happy with the end result when the bandages are removed for the big reveal.
Since facelifts were first introduced, society has had a somewhat misguided perception that this procedure is a cure-all for ageing skin. However, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons tells us that "a facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of ageing in the face and neck". Therefore, a traditional facelift does not miraculously transform your skin, it simply improves the visible signs of ageing!
The good news is that there are many better, safer options, from dermal fillers to anti-ageing treatments! A fresh complexion and tighter skin can safely be yours for a fraction of the cost of surgery and with little to no downtime.
What is a Non-Surgical Facelift?
As the name suggests, no surgery, anaesthesia, or scalpels are involved in a non-surgical facelift. However, the term covers a vast, often confusing, range of treatments from laser resurfacing to injectables – treatments that reduce the signs of ageing while also tightening your skin. In some cases, such as dermal fillers, results are visible quickly. Still, the one general rule that applies to all non-surgical treatments is that, unlike surgery, there is hardly any recovery time involved.
Of course, there is a fear factor involved for many people - it is understandable to be apprehensive about getting any procedure done, be it surgical or non-surgical. That is why we have written this article - we aim to help you better understand two leading alternatives to surgery – Ultherapy and Dermal Fillers – and how they can help you achieve a subtle, naturally more youthful look.
Why Are Non-Surgical Facelifts So Popular?
So why are non-surgical facelifts so popular? It's natural for skin to sag and wrinkle as you age. Unless you possess an amazing gene pool, this ageing process begins as early as your 20s. Many factors contribute to the ageing process, such as lifestyle choices, environmental factors, the avoidance of using a good SPF year-round, and indeed life events such as divorce and grief, to mention but a few.
Whatever the contributor, it’s good to know that the technology of non-surgical treatments is improving all the time. And practitioners are constantly refining their techniques to achieve optimal results for their patients. Moreover, non-invasive facelifts are a gentler, more attractive option to turn back the clock. As non-invasive alternatives become more popular than ever, it is clear that they are just as effective as surgery.
Benefits of Non-Surgical Facelifts
Let's briefly look at the four main advantages of non-surgical facelifts:
Aftercare & Risk of Infection: There is little to no risk of post-surgical infection. Aftercare is also minimal and generally managed with over-the-counter medication.
No Serious Pain: Another great thing about non-surgical facelifts is that you will only have minimal discomfort. If you are nervous about procedures, non-surgical treatments are a great option.
Short Procedure Time & Short Recovery Time: There is no need for you to book time off work or undergo a lengthy pre-anaesthetic procedure. You can usually have the treatment done within the hour and go home or back to the office afterwards.
Cost: Non-surgical facelifts are very cost-effective when you compare them to the traditional facelift. If you find that things are tight financially, then a non-invasive option is the best choice.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers have become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures because they smooth and fill wrinkles in just a single treatment, with immediate results. Most women just want to look better and fresher for their age which is why fillers are so effective – the simple technique of introducing some gentle plumping here and there around the face works wonders to turn back time. You simply need a skilful, qualified practitioner!
Where are Dermal Fillers Injected?
While all dermal fillers aim to reduce signs of ageing, their effectiveness varies slightly depending on the area treated and the type of filler used. There are two main types of fillers: collagen fillers and hyaluronic acid fillers. Signs of ageing usually manifest as visible loss of volume under the eyes and around the cheeks and mouth. Lips become thinner, and skin starts to sag.
Fillers are ideal for plumping skin and restoring volume and are injected into the following areas:
along the jawline to add more definition;
into the corners of your mouth;
marionette lines between the corners of your mouth and chin;
into the cheeks; and
around the forehead and next to the eyes.
Benefits of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers have the following advantages:
versatile and safe;
help you to increase elastin and collagen;
results are nearly always immediate with minimal risk;
you can even use them in combination with other treatments; and
minimise the appearance of scars and post-surgery indents.
The beauty of dermal and lip fillers is that you can achieve a very subtle effect or, if you're feeling braver, a more pronounced result. Either way, the filler decreases over time until it is no longer visible, so the results are not permanent.
Different Types of Dermal Filler
While all dermal fillers aim to reduce signs of ageing, not every filler is created equal. It is also important to note that results will vary depending on the condition of your skin and the severity of your lines and wrinkles. There are two main types of filler – Collagen fillers and Hyaluronic Acid fillers which we discuss below:
Collagen Fillers
Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally in your bones, cartilage, tendons and skin. Collagen is one of the key building blocks of smooth, firm skin. However, as you age, your body creates less collagen and existing collagen weakens and breaks down. As a result, you begin to lose that youthful suppleness and volume, and your skin becomes loose and wrinkled.
Collagen fillers act to stimulate the body's natural collagen production in regions where it has diminished over time. The natural fullness of your skin will be restored immediately and your skin's support system is strengthened by enhanced collagen production. Collagen is one of the top choices for dermal fillers as it is extracted from human cells. It, therefore, causes fewer allergic reactions. Your skin produces this substance naturally, after all.
The long-term effects of collagen fillers are noticeable over time because, as your body absorbs the filler, it also develops its own healthy new collagen to naturally supplement the filler. Most patients will see the improvements for a year or more, although it is advisable to agree on a follow-up plan with your therapist in order to maintain these results.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers have become one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Like collagen, hyaluronic acid is a key component of our skin – its fundamental purpose is to maintain the correct moisture balance by attracting and holding up to a thousand times its weight in water. By trapping water molecules beneath the skin's surface, hyaluronic acid fillers effectively plump and moisturise your skin and lips, resulting in softer, smoother skin.
Also like collagen, our body’s ability to produce hyaluronic acid decreases with age. Hyaluronic fillers have many advantages from the low allergic reaction rate to the fast hydrating and plumping results which can last for six to twelve months. Additional treatments are required to achieve optimal results although research suggests that hyaluronic acid fillers continue to promote your body's natural collagen production and improve your skin for months following the procedure.
Are Dermal Filler Injections Sore?
Dermal fillers are injected using a tiny needle into your skin. While you may experience some minor discomfort from the injections, the procedure can be combined with a local anaesthetic to numb pain. There may be some bruising or swelling immediately after injections but this will also disappear within a few days.
Afraid of Needles? Ultherapy is the Go-To, Needle-Free Solution
If you want to avoid needles, read on to find out why Ultherapy is one of the top game-changers in needle-free treatments.
What is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy essentially uses focussed ultrasound energy to lift and tighten skin. It penetrates deeper than other non-invasive treatments to stimulate new collagen growth, which improves over six months after treatment.
Beloved by celebrities like J. Lo and Jennifer Aniston, Ultherapy gives skin a fresh, lifted look.
How does Ultherapy Work?
Only a trained, certified practitioner can carry out this treatment. The Ultherapy device uses traditional ultrasound imaging so that therapists can see the layers of tissue they are treating - this ensures that the treatment is delivered to the areas where it benefits most.
The ultrasound energy heats the tissue beneath the surface of your skin, which causes the tissue to form new collagen and elastin. By stimulating the natural formation of collagen and elastin, Ultherapy helps to lift and firm skin tissue and reverse the signs of ageing. It is a simple procedure with no downtime.
Is Ultherapy FDA approved?
It's important to know that Ultherapy is the only FDA-approved procedure that helps to lift the skin and is certified for use on the face, neck and décolletage areas as well as upper arms, thighs and tummy.
Is Ultherapy Painful?
Ultherapy can cause some mild pain, but this can be minimised through the use of painkillers. Your face will feel tighter, and you will also look better as the months go by. The best results are usually seen up to six months after the treatment has been carried out.
How Long do Ultherapy Results Last?
So how long do Ultherapy results last? Results need to be maintained over time to maximise rejuvenation of the skin. Ultherapy only needs to be done once every year to eighteen months. Ultherapy is the leading treatment for non-surgical skin lifting and helps to solve a range of issues from loose skin to looking tired all the time. And for anybody with a fear of needles, it is the ideal option.
Ultherapy and dermal fillers won’t prevent your skin from ageing but, as we have discovered in this article, neither will surgical facelifts. However, they can achieve similar results with a lot less pain, expense and downtime. Smoother skin and subtle, natural results that improve over time using techniques that are a lot safer than surgery – what more could you ask for?
If you want to find out more about what we have to offer then please do email us at info@theottoclinic.ie, call us at +353 61 317678 or check out our skin rejuvenation treatments at https://www.theottoclinic.ie/skin-rejuvenation-face-body.
We would be more than happy to advise you on our range of treatments and help you to find out the one that is right for you.