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.