In today’s world, it seems popular anti-aging and facial rejuvenation techniques, typically focus on the prevention and reduction of wrinkles. While it may be true that wrinkles are the most obvious and easily measurable aspect of facial aging, they are definitely not the only factors that help contribute to an “aged look.” Wrinkles and fine lines are only just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, reducing or eliminating wrinkles may sometimes not do much to help turn back the hands of time. A number of other age-related changes in the skin and body can contribute greatly to facial aging, and in varying degrees. Skin laxity and sag; muscle laxity and atrophy; as well as volume loss and the redistribution of facial fat (deflation) all play a tremendous role. Enter the non-surgical facelift!
When Treating Wrinkles is Not Enough
So, what do you do when life’s natural progression is beyond basic wrinkle prevention or reduction? In severe cases, facelift surgery with a cosmetic surgeon may likely be the only option. However, surgical risks, long recovery times and expenses associated with this type of procedure can make it unacceptable for many patients. At Ventura Institute of Dermatologic Arts (VIDA), we offer a variety of non-surgical facelift treatments, procedures and remedies that are non-invasive and help provide patients a more healthy, youthful look that is tight and contoured. Read on to learn more!
4 Non-Surgical Facelift Alternatives
- Dermal Fillers – Various forms of fillers, done right, can easily take years off the face without surgery and be considered a non-surgical facelift. Dermal fillers work by “filling” up deflation space by volume loss, rather than trying to restore lost tissue. Traditionally, fillers are injected with needles. However, a relatively new method, injection by cannula, can enhance a more natural look. Especially when used in deep volumizing work, where cannula filler injections lay the foundation of a beautiful face and help re-create the natural contours and fat pads that have grown smaller over time. Popular fillers used at VIDA include Juvederm, Restylane, Belafill, Belotero Balance, Radiesse and Sculptra Aesthetic.
- Micro-Needling – As we advance in years, our skin loses collagen and elastin. Micro-Needling (also known as Collagen Induction Therapy) is a non-surgical facelift procedure that creates controlled injuries on the skin in order to produce more collagen. Since skin needs collagen to heal, after the skin injury with the needling, the skin starts repairing with a collagen boost. This leaves the skin tighter, smoother, firmer and rejuvenated. Depending upon the laxity of the skin, micro-needling can often be combined with treatments such as laser or radio frequency technology for skin tightening to help improve overall results.
- Radio Frequency Technology – Additional non-invasive procedures that may help reduce skin laxity and facial sag are targeted radio frequency therapies, such as: Thermage, ThermiTight and ThermiSmooth. These radio frequency treatments are usually delivered through an electrode placed on the skin, with alternating currents applied of targeted and controlled radio waves. The localized heat injury of the skin and underlying layers, combined with collagen contraction, lead to skin tightening. Microscopic lesions, under the top layer of skin, begin to heal and tighten skin as well as further reduce the depth of wrinkles. It’s important to note, however that the skins surface is preserved and the downtime for the procedure is relatively short.
- Silhouette Instalift – With the loss of fat and volume, our face becomes less rounded and skin begins to sag and wrinkle. The constant downward pull of gravity 24/7 certainly doesn’t help either! Advancements in technology have introduced Sihouette Instaflift, a popular procedure used for years in Europe, where a series of threaded, biodegradable cones, help to gently pull the skin taught. The procedure is relatively quick, lasts longer than dermal fillers, requires no incisions and is significantly less expensive than a standard facelift.
Feel Great About Your Appearance, Book a Consultation
Tired of a saggy, aging look? Give VIDA a call. We combine FDA-cleared, clinically proven treatments for the best possible, natural-looking results. If you wish you could turn back the hands of time to look younger, our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Peter Karlsberg; and expertly trained physician assistant, Michele Ayans can customize a treatment plan using the latest technologies to achieve the look you want – without surgery, without pain and without downtime. During your private consultation, they will answer your questions in great detail and suggest the best procedures to help you achieve beautiful, natural results.