What if you could get a facelift without having to get any surgery done? This is essentially what a ‘non-surgical facelift’ is. It’s a form of cosmetic treatment that uses minimally invasive methods to tighten skin, reduce wrinkles and restore youthfulness.
Think of it as a spa treatment for your face, but with more long-lasting results. Below, we’ll take a deeper look into exactly how such a procedure is carried out, as well as exploring the benefits and drawbacks compared to a traditional facelift.
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How it differs from a traditional facelift
First, let’s understand the difference between a traditional facelift and a non-surgical one. Traditional facelifts – also known as rhytidectomies – are surgical procedures carried out by a plastic surgeon. They involve making incisions around the hairline, ears or neck in order to pull back or remove excess skin. Such procedures typically need to be performed under general anaesthesia in a hospital and can require a long recovery time spanning weeks or months. Risks may include scarring and infection.
Non-surgical facelifts, on the other hand, don’t involve anaesthesia or going under the knife. They instead rely on non-invasive techniques carried out in a skin clinic instead of a hospital. These procedures can cost less than traditional facelifts, and often don’t require as much downtime or carry as many risks.
Techniques used in a non-surgical facelift
A variety of techniques can be used in a non-surgical facelift to rejuvenate the face. The most popular examples include:
Dermal fillers
A dermal filler is an injectable gel that is typically made from hyaluronic acid (a sugar substance found naturally in the skin). It’s possible to use fillers to plump out areas of the face, including adding volume to sagging cheeks or filling out hollows under eyes. Injecting fillers takes about 30 to 60 minutes and has immediate effects. Depending on the filler type used, this procedure can have effects lasting anywhere from 6 months to over 2 years.
Botox
Short for ‘botulinum toxin’, Botox is another injectable substance often used in a non-surgical facelift. Whereas fillers add volume, Botox is used to temporarily freeze muscles. This can help to dynamic wrinkles – a type of wrinkle that forms when we make certain facial expressions. This procedure is commonly used to get rid of forehead wrinkles, crows feet and frown lines. It involves a few quick injections with results appearing 3 to 7 days after and lasting 3 to 6 months.
Chemical peels
A chemical peel is a powerful form of exfoliation. It involves using a mild acid like alpha-hydroxy to remove the top layers of skin from the face. This can help to get rid of fine wrinkles, scars and hyperpigmentation. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes and can require downtime of a few hours to a week depending on the depth of the peel. After this, skin should appear notably more radiant, with regular sessions helping to maintain results.
Microneedling
This technique involves pricking the skin with tiny needles to help stimulate collagen growth. Such a procedure can help to heal acne scars or even firm up sagging skin. Microneedling sessions take 30 to 45 sessions and can result in mild redness similar to a sunburn that fades after a day or two. Effects can be more noticeable when combined with serums like hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma (also known as ‘PRP’ or a ‘vampire facial’).
Such techniques are typically mixed and matched depending on what your beauty goals are and depending on what treatments are available at your chosen clinic. Additional treatments like laser resurfacing or microdermabrasion may also be possible.
Benefits of a non-surgical facelift
There are major reasons as to why you may want to consider a non-surgical facelift. These are:
- Cost: The cost of a traditional facelift is often £6000+ – with more extensive facelifts from reputable surgeons costing well over £10,000. A non-surgical facelift meanwhile typically costs between £750 to £1200, making it much more affordable and accessible.
- Lack of invasiveness: Not everyone likes the idea of going under the knife or having to be anaesthetised. With a non-surgical facelift, you can remain awake during the procedure and no scalpels are used.
- Reduced downtime: Getting a facelift results in a long recovery period, which may prohibit certain people from being able to carry out their job or perform certain activities. A non-surgical facelift meanwhile may only require a few days of recovery.
- Reduced risk: Some people develop infections after getting a surgical facelift or end up with visible scarring. While complications can still arise during a non-surgical facelift, the risk of infection or scarring is much smaller.
Drawbacks of a non-surgical facelift
It’s important to consider that there may be a few drawbacks to a non-surgical facelift compared to a traditional facelift procedure. These include:
- Temporary results: The results of non-surgical facelift can be long-term but are not as long-lasting as a traditional facelift. This means that you may have to repeat the procedure to maintain the same appearance – which could increase costs in the long run.
- Reduced effectiveness: A non-surgical facelift cannot get rid of major wrinkles and folds the same way that a traditional facelift can. This is very important to consider if you’re looking for drastic changes.
Like traditional facelifts, non-surgical facelifts can still produce discomfort or carry risks such as infections. However, as explained in the benefits, these risks are much lower.
Should you get a non-surgical facelift?
All in all, the decision to get a non-surgical facelift boils down to your goals, lifestyle and expectations. If you’re seeking out subtle, low commitment rejuvenation with quick recovery, it’s a fantastic option – it can be great for battling the early signs of aging and it’s more affordable than a traditional facelift. Just make sure that you consult a qualified dermatologist and consider the drawbacks such as the temporary nature of it. Understand that there may also be other non-invasive ways that you can enhance your appearance including lifestyle changes, skincare routines or even use of make-up to conceal flaws.