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When I say facelift, your mind probably goes to the traditional facelift. (Or, if you’ve been reading along, maybe the nonsurgical facelift.) But facelifts actually come in a variety of forms. They comprise a very popular segment of cosmetic surgery that’s referred to as facial rejuvenation.

Generally, facelifts differ by the type of incision that’s used, the number of tissue layers that are treated, the part of the face that’s targeted, and the degree of their invasiveness. On that spectrum, the nonsurgical facelift is the least invasive and the traditional facelift is the most, though it also produces the most dramatic and longest-lasting results.

There are a number that fall somewhere in between. To help you find the one that’s right for you, here’s a selection of some of the most popular kinds of facelifts.

Jawline rejuvenation

Liposuction removes excess fat from the neck, sculpting a more defined jawline in the process. That fat can then be used to plump the cheeks. Since no skin is removed during the procedure, the jawline rejuvenation is best suited for those with minimal skin laxity.

Mid-facelift

Small incisions are made in the hairline just above the ears and inside the mouth, allowing the surgeon to reposition the fat pads over the cheekbones and also tighten the skin across the cheeks, which reduces or even eliminates deep creases. It’s best suited for those who don’t have jowls or sagging skin around their neck.

S-lift

An S-shaped incision at the temple or in front of the ear separates the skin from the underlying tissue. The skin is then lifted so that the tissue and muscle can be tightened. The neck and jowls show the most improvement as a result. Despite how it may sound, the S-lift is less invasive than a traditional facelift. The recovery time is also less.

Mini-facelift

Small incisions are made along the hairline so that excess tissue can be removed and the skin, tightened. The results aren’t nearly as dramatic as they are with a traditional facelift—they’re ideal for those showing early signs of aging—but the recovery is minimal. You could have the procedure on a Friday and be back in the office Monday morning.

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency energy is used to stimulate collagen, as well as tighten loose skin in different areas of the face. It can also be used on other parts of the body.  It’s a procedure that helps slow the signs of aging as the body produces more collagen, showing a refreshed, younger looking face, décolleté, and jaw line.

Deep plane facelift

Considered the gold standard for those with severe facial sagging and laxity, the results, especially around the middle of the face, tend to be dramatic and long-lasting. (Think 10 to 15 years.) It involves repositioning the layer underneath the skin that surrounds the facial expression muscles. Excess and loose skin is then removed, and the edges are sutured or stapled into place.

Each of these procedures can also be performed in combination with others, such as an eyelid lift or a nose job, which can further enhance the results.

We’re taking better care of our facial skin these days, which is great, but it’s spawned kind of an unnatural look, where a youthful face is paired with a neck and chest that show the signs of sun damage and premature aging.

Devoting some of your energy to that highly-visible part of your body, which is otherwise referred to as the décolletage (everything sounds better in French, right?), will eliminate the striking contrast and focus the attention on your glowing appearance.

Like the face, the best course of treatment for the décolletage is comprised of few different in-office treatments, each meant to target specific concerns.

So long dark spots

Dark spots become much more numerous and pronounced on the chest after years of sun exposure. An intense pulsed light (IPL) breaks up the pigment so that it can be absorbed by the body. It’s also effective for treating broken blood vessels.

Generally, people undergo a series of three to six IPL treatments, which are spaced about a month apart.

Halo is another option. It’s the first fractioned laser that combines both ablative and nonablative technology. In other words, it targets the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin, enabling it to minimize the appearance of pore size and cut down on dark spots.

What lines?

Injectable dermal fillers, like Sculptra Aesthetic, can plump the skin, minimizing and, often, even eliminating those vexing fine lines. It was approved by the FDA in 2014 for treating wrinkles on the face, but it has a number of off-label applications, too, including correcting chest, elbow, and knee wrinkles.

Sculptra’s main ingredient is poly-L-lactic acid, a collagen stimulator that creates natural-looking results that can last up to a couple of years. It’s not uncommon to see results after a treatment, but they typically take a few months to fully develop.

The contours of a young woman

The treatment for loose neck skin depends on the severity of the sagging. For those on the mild end of the spectrum, there’s Ultherapy, an ultrasound therapy which triggers a healing response that creates more collagen. In turn, the skin tightens and lifts gradually.

For those with very loose skin, there are minimally-invasive variations of the facelift that specifically target the neck.

What I’ve described here, essentially, is an investment of a few months for a return of 10 or even 20 years. It sounds almost too good to be true, I know. But it is.

Almost 16 million minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures were performed in 2018, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. That’s nearly nine times the number of cosmetic surgeries that were done over the same time.

Minimally-invasive treatments are trending in a big way for a few easy-to-appreciate reasons:

• They’re fast
• There’s little discomfort
• They don’t require general anesthesia
• There’s little to no downtime
• They’re economical

The “nonsurgical facelift” is kind of an umbrella term that’s used to describe a combination of minimally-invasive and nonsurgical procedures. The specific combination is tailored to the patient’s needs, but the general goal is to rejuvenate the appearance—and to do it much more quickly than a traditional facelift, which typically entails surgery, general anesthesia, and recovery time.

The various treatments that comprise a nonsurgical facelift can address anything from fine lines and deep creases to loose skin and large pores to acne scarring and sunken cheeks. These are a few of the most common elements:

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are kind of the core of the nonsurgical facelift because a few injections can accomplish so much. By plumping thin lips and sunken cheeks, temples, and under-eye areas, dark shadows vanish and take years of aging with them. , but the plumping and smoothing derived from other dermal fillers can last from six to 12 months.

Botox

Botox, can also create definition and smooth tissues for a wrinkle-free look. The benefits of Botox last about three months.

Fat Injections

You can also use your own fat to also address loss of fullness in your face as you age.  The fat tissue is removed from another area of the body through liposuction, and reinjected into the face to enhance volume. Those cells will be naturally incorporated, leaving youthful contours that will last for years.

NeckTite (Radiofrequency Lift)

Radiofrequency lifts are being featured more prominently in the nonsurgical facelift as a means to instantly—and permanently—redefine the lower portion of the face and neck. It’s a minimally-invasive procedure where small incisions are made under the chin and behind the ears. A fine probe is then threaded under the skin, which will essentially melt the underlying fat and tighten the skin around it.

Chemical peels, dermabrasion, and microdermabrasion and Lasers

A chemical peel helps create a glowing complexion by shrinking large pores and improving the overall quality of the skin. While dermabrasion and microdermabrasion resurface and exfoliate the skin. As dry, damaged, and dead tissue is shed, fresher skin comes to the surface. And as it does, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation fade.

Most of the treatments will need to be repeated every few months for the best results. But, the more diligent you are about it, the less you may need in the future. The hyaluronic acid in dermal fillers, for example, increases the body’s own collagen production, meaning that, over time, you should need less of it—making a cost-effective procedure even more attractive.

A survey conducted not too long ago by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery found that two-thirds of those polled were self-conscious about their double chins.

The technical name for it is submental fullness. The causes vary. In some, it’s just something they’re born with, passed down through genetics. In others, it can appear later in life, as a result of aging or weight gain. Either way, the double chin is one of those conditions that never really goes away, no matter how much you diet or exercise.

For a long time, the only available treatment for a double chin was liposuction, which struck many as fairly invasive considering the size and location of the area of concern. But a new option entered the picture a few years ago, and it’s completely revolutionized the experience.

When Kybella is injected into the fat beneath the chin, it destroys the fat cells, which results in a significant reduction in the fullness under the chin. It’s fast, it’s noninvasive, it’s permanent, and there’s little to no downtime.

Approved by the FDA in 2015, Kybella uses a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, which aids fat digestion. When Kybella’s injected into subcutaneous fat, the acid breaks down fat in the targeted locations.

In more than 20 clinical studies involving over 1,600 patients treated with Kybella, nearly 70 percent reported physical and emotional improvement.

Kybella’s effectiveness in treating other small pockets of fat, beyond the double chin, is being investigated. Studies involving the upper knees and the roll of fat that can be present under the bra line or between the bra and armpit are underway.

What’s the procedure like?

You’ll receive a series of injections over about 15 to 20 minutes. How many injections you’ll receive and treatments you’ll need will depend on the amount of fat under your chin and your aesthetic goals. In the studies, 59 percent of patients underwent six treatments. Each treatment is given at least a month apart, but there are patient’s that love the results after one treatment for a double chin.

Is there any downtime?

There can be some minor swelling, numbness around the treated area following the injections, but it’s usually short-lived and nothing that would prevent you from, say, returning to work following a treatment or running some errands.

Your double chin will improve gradually over the next few weeks as the dissolved fat is cleared naturally. And within a few months, maybe even less, it’ll be as though it never existed.

No two scars are alike, yet they all share something in common: Every scar feels like it’s overstayed its welcome.

How do you get rid of them, then? To answer that, I need to explain first what a scar is, exactly.

Scars are evaluated by their size, location, and texture. Scar tissue is made of collagen, a tough, fibrous protein. When the tissue forms, it can appear red and raised and feel hard, but with time, it usually fades, flattens, and softens.

Almost every kind of cut results in a scar, but we don’t all form scars the same way. A keloid, for example, occurs when the skin creates an excessive amount of collagen while it heals and the scar tissue grows beyond the boundaries of the original wound, creating a puffy, round protrusion.

It’s thought that genetics may play some role in keloids, but it’s still not understood why some form them and others don’t.

Stretch marks are their own kind of scar. We know what they form: as a result of the skin expanding quickly during pregnancy, weight gain, and growth spurts. They also sometimes crop up when a wound’s near an elbow or a knee.

Now that we have an idea of what a scar is, let’s get into how we can treat them.

Beneath the surface

At first glance, it looks like there’s no shortage of remedies for stretch marks. But here’s the thing: A recent meta-analysis (a study of a bunch of studies) found that over-the-counter topical skincare products are ineffective at preventing and reducing stretch marks.

But, really, that’s only confirming what we’ve long suspected. Stretch marks occur deep in the dermal layer of the skin, so moisturizers and oils were never going to have an impact.

The good news: retinol sprays and creams, which contain 0.1 percent tretinoin, better known by its brand name, Retin-A, do penetrate the upper layer of the skin and rebuilds collagen. They’re available only by prescription, and not everyone seems to benefit to the same degree, but those who’ve responded the best have had new stretch marks. So, if you’re considering it, seek treatment sooner rather than later.

Sculptra Aesthetic, a dermal filler, works in a similar way, gradually rebuilding collagen at the dermal layer of the skin. It’s made from a biocompatible, biodegradable, synthetic material called poly-L-lactic-acid, which is gradually and naturally absorbed by the body during a series of treatments.

A one-two punch

One of the most effective treatments for keloids is Botox used in combination with laser therapy.

The Botox temporarily halts the excess collagen production. But in doing so, it can cause the skin or surrounding fat to atrophy, which leads to indentations around the site of the injection. So, a laser’s used to create channels in the skin, which will allow the Botox to penetrate the skin evenly.

The laser also reorganizes the collagen fibers, which helps to smooth and flatten the keloid.

As many as half the men in the United States experience some degree of gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts, during their lifetime, according to one estimate.

The issue can stem from a few different causes, including, most commonly, genetics and the use of certain medications. It can also arise at any age. But it’s easily remedied with a cosmetic procedure known as a male breast reduction.

The surgery removes excess fat and glandular tissue to restore a firmer and more masculine contour to the chest.

Exercising and losing weight can help reduce the appearance of enlarged breasts for some men, but, often, they can’t completely resolve the problem. Excess glandular tissue can cause even very lean men to have enlarged breasts.

Male breast reduction is the only consistently effective treatment for gynecomastia. In the hands of the right plastic surgeon, the procedure offers near-immediate and long-lasting, if not permanent, improvements with minimal scarring.

What’s the surgery like?

Once you decide to have the procedure, take your time vetting potential surgeons. While most may include male breast reduction on their websites, some perform it far more often than the rest. They’re the ones you want to hone in on.  It’s also crucial to find a board-certified plastic surgeon.

As for the procedure itself, either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation will be used. From there, the surgery will vary depending on the need. In instances where the gynecomastia’s largely the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques alone may be used. Here, a cannula is moved back and forth in a controlled motion to loosen the excess fat, which is then suctioned out by a vacuum.

When glandular breast tissue or excess skin needs to be removed, excision techniques are generally recommended. They allow the surgeon to remove a greater amount of tissue and/or skin than liposuction would. Sometimes, a combination of liposuction and excision is used.

Excision is also used when the areola is reduced or the nipple is repositioned to a more natural male contour. Where the incisions are made will depend on the extent of the surgery, but they’re typically located around the edge of the areola or within the natural creases of the chest.

How long is the recovery?

The length of your recovery will depend on the nature of your procedure. Not to mention, everyone’s healing process is unique. That said, most return to work within just a few days. You’ll feel sore at first, but the pain is relatively minimal.

Some experience a loss of sensation in the treated areas, but it’s almost always temporary.

Above all, you’ll notice an immediate and dramatic improvement in the shape and appearance of your chest. And those results will be permanent—once the excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin are removed, they’re gone for good and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will only enhance it!

If the thought of a facelift still sounds a little daunting, a nonsurgical procedure called FaceTite could restore several years to your appearance.

FaceTite uses targeted radiofrequency energy—the same used in MRI machines and many other medical treatments—to tighten the skin from within the dermis. Results are immediate, though you’ll see continued improvement over the next six weeks as new collagen forms.

And it’s safe for all skin types, making it the next best thing to a facelift. It’s also an effective treatment for those who’ve had a facelift and want to maintain the results without further treatment.

Not bad for a procedure that lasts less than an hour, right?

How it works

FaceTite is performed under a local anesthetic, so you won’t feel anything. Your plastic surgeon will create a tiny incision near the treatment area, so tiny that sutures won’t be needed and it won’t leave a scar.

A small, hand-held applicator passes radiofrequency energy through a small electrode that’s been inserted through the incision. It heats the underlying tissue, making it tighten and contract.

The procedure was developed to treat delicate skin—beyond the face, FaceTite has also proven to be effective for treating small areas of the body—without causing cellular damage to the tissue. The applicator is equipped with state-of-the-art thermal controls to ensure the patient’s safety.

The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with most seeing a 40-percent improvement in the tightness of their skin shortly after the treatment. Clinical studies and patient reports suggest that the results are equivalent to those of a mini-facelift.

What’s the recovery like?

Following the procedure, you can expect your face to be a little tender and swollen for a few days, partly due to the local anesthetic. That’ll dissipate on its own, though it may also be accompanied by some redness and bruising. Most patients, however, return to work within a few days.

As always, discuss your goals with your plastic surgeon to find the best result and path for you.

Ever heard of micro needling? That’s collagen induction therapy.

Basically, it stimulates the body’s own natural healing response, dramatically improving skin tone and texture. The result is firmer, more radiant skin.

Collagen induction therapy suits all skin types and colors. It’s most often used on the face to target:

• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Uneven skin tone
• Sun damage
• Acne scars and other types of scarring
• Enlarged pores

It can also be used on other parts of the body. One study found that it’s an effective treatment for stretch marks on the thighs and abdominal area when it’s combined with dermal fillers.

How does it work?

A sterile roller with hundreds of micro-needles makes tiny pinpricks when it passes over the skin—it sounds much more terrifying than it actually is—which causes the skin cells to go into healing mode and produce new collagen-rich tissue.

It’s normal for the skin to lose collagen through aging or injury. Microneedling helps replenish those stores.

A topical anesthetic is applied prior to the procedure to minimize discomfort, but the treatment is not painful. Most describe it as a prickling sensation.

After the rolling part, vitamins A and C are applied. Once they penetrate the tiny perforations on the surface and make their way to the deeper layers of the skin, they’ll help facilitate the collagen growth.

Microneedling, unlike other treatments, is safe enough to be used around the eyes, so it treats the entire face.

The procedure typically runs about two hours—the actual microneedling part takes about a half-hour—and there’s little, if any, downtime afterward.

Multiple treatments are recommended for the best results. How many, exactly, will depend on the condition of the skin and size of the area being treated, but most undergo at least four. (Because the procedure’s considered cosmetic, it’s not covered by insurance.)

What’s the recovery like?

Right after a treatment, some mild sensitivity and redness is to be expected. The tiny perforations in the skin will close up within a few minutes, and the sensitivity and redness is usually gone within a few hours. Most return to work the next day.

The skin works pretty quickly to create new tissue. Results are usually visible within a week or two of the treatment. And the skin will continue to improve over the next few months. The height of the results occurs six months after the treatment.