Facial Rejuvenation or Facelift?

With cosmetic procedures increasing in popularity, people are more familiar with the different types of cosmetic procedures that are available today. Or so they think!

While many people will recognize terms like breast augmentation or facelift, most people do not understand what each procedure entails or that there may be several different approaches for a patient to achieve their desired result. There are some people who assume plastic surgery is an easy solution for many health and beauty concerns while others believe that cosmetic surgery and the recovery period can be a lengthy, painful process. Others have an opinion that may fall somewhere in between the two schools of thought.

A facelift procedure is one of the more confusing procedures. There are many different techniques to perform a facelift and get the results that a patient desires. The approach used during a facelift is as unique as the patient considering the surgery. No two are alike. The best way to learn more is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Pinsky.

In order to help educate perspective patients, we have compiled and listed some of the most common techniques used in a facial rejuvenation procedure here:

• INJECTABLE NEUROTOXINS: This category includes Dysport, Xeomin, and the most commonly recognized Botox^® Cosmetic. Injectable dermal fillers are often used to combat the early signs of aging such as horizontal lines in the forehead and double lines between the eyes, or crow’s feet.
• SOFT TISSUE FILLERS: These second tier injectables are used to treat deeper lines in the face like “Laugh lines” (those lines that extend down from your nose to your mouth). These injections are used to restore volume and even plump lips. Common product names that will be encountered are Juvederm, Restylane, and Sculptra.
• FACELIFT: The term facelift is used when talking about smoothing and tightening of skin in the face and neck. These surgical procedures are designed to tighten underlying muscles and remove that excess skin that can add years to a person’s face.
• BROW LIFT: A brow lift will also address a sagging brow and help with creases at the bridge of the nose.
• EYE LIFT: This surgical procedure targets the eyes specifically. By improving the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, a patient looks less tired and more refreshed. This “rested” appearance can make a person appear years younger.

For some people a single procedure is all that is needed, while for others a combination approach might be best. Understanding the differences in these approaches will allow you to better communicate with the professionals who understand the procedures. Reasonable expectations and evaluation by a qualified professional like Dr. Pinsky will ensure that you have the best possible results from your facial rejuvenation procedure.