Facelift Then & Now: What to Expect With Modern Facial Procedures

Many patients considering anti-aging procedures are hesitant to consider a facelift. It’s likely because the procedure has come to be associated with unnatural results, such as the infamously tight, pulled-back skin the surgery used to produce. However, what they may not know is that facelift surgery has gotten a facelift of its own. At our Denver practice, the procedure now provides treatment on a deeper level, creating a natural rejuvenation effect that turns back the clock without giving its secret away.

The Modern Facelift

The unnatural look of facelifts past was the result of techniques that focused primarily on the skin alone. Pulling back the surface layer smoothed out wrinkles, but it put too much tension on the skin and created a tight, uncomfortable look.

However, facelifts now focus on the SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system). This structural layer between the muscle and skin is adjusted during surgery to eliminate the appearance of jowls, sagging cheeks, and loss of definition along the jawline. The skin is then draped over the underlying tissues, creating a transformation that looks naturally youthful from the inside out.

The Mini Facelift

With any surgery, and with facelifts especially, the goal is to cause the least amount of trauma and get ideal results, since this leads to a shorter and more comfortable recovery. We have found that most of our patients can achieve their desired look with a mini facelift, or short scar facelift, which is less invasive than a full, traditional procedure.

This method uses minimal incisions in front of and behind the ears to reveal a more defined jawline and more elevated cheekbones. Many patients don’t require any further adjustments to achieve the youthful transformation they’re looking for.

To learn more about a mini facelift, please visit our in-depth treatment guide.

Nonsurgical Options

If you’re still set on going the nonsurgical route, there are various options available to you, including:

• BOTOX® Cosmetic: This injectable treatment relaxes specific muscles in the face that contribute to “dynamic wrinkles,” or wrinkles caused by repeated movement. This helps smooth out fine lines to create a more rested, youthful appearance. Commonly treated areas include crow’s feet, lines between the eyebrows, and horizontal forehead lines.
• Dermal fillers: Also injectable, these products provide volume underneath the skin to fill in empty areas and help create a more contoured, revitalized appearance. These fillers are primarily made of hyaluronic acid, a hydrating substance found naturally in the body. Commonly treated areas include the cheeks, temples, and wrinkles around the nose and mouth.

The main drawback of this approach is that it’s temporary. BOTOX typically lasts around 3 to 4 months, and dermal fillers can last up to 2 years. While these offer the ability to treat many aging concerns without downtime or anesthesia, they can’t deliver the long-term, more comprehensive results of a surgical facelift.

The best way to determine the right treatment path for you is to request a personal consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. To learn more about facelift options in Denver, please contact us online or call (303) 278-2600.